Wisdom from Maya Angelou, Nelson Mandela, and More to Inspire Your Journey
"The things that matter are not accomplished by the powerful or the wealthy, but by those who care."
200 stories later, here we are again. I explored joy and sorrow like the Yin and Yan in that journey with you. Today, I invite you to look back to a specific constellation of stars: my ten life values, guiding lights close to my heart, and illuminating my journey so far.
One year ago, I imagined my 200th weekly story. 52 weeks later, this article has nothing in common with that story.
In 2018, I stumbled upon a book that changed the course of my life: A Giant Galaxy Created by an even greater life architect, Tony Robbins, with:
https://www.amazon.co.uk/Awaken-Giant-within-Immediate-Emotional/dp/0671791540
I did an exercise to identify my 10 values for life:
1. Health
2. Love & Compassion
3. Forgiveness
4. Courage
5. Humility
6. Contribution
7. Simplicity
8. Fun
9. Learning
10. Creativity
I combine those values with my love for quotes. Here are my 10 values through 20 quotes from people that inspire me.
1. Health
"Taking care of your body is a must-do, not a should-do. You must make it a priority."
- Maya Angelou
"Health is not just the absence of disease; it is a state of complete physical, mental, and social well-being."
– Wafaa El Saddik
2. Love and Compassion
"Love is the only force capable of transforming an enemy into a friend."
- Martin Luther King Jr.
"Compassion is not weakness; it is strength. It is the will to enter into suffering and to understand it."
- Desmond Tutu
3. Forgiveness
"Forgiveness is one of the rarest and greatest human qualities."
– Kenneth Kaunda
"The burden of anger and bitterness is a heavy one to carry. When you forgive someone, you're not saying what they did was right. You're saying you're not going to let it control you."
– Richard Wright
4. Courage
"It takes courage to stand up for what is right, even when it is not popular."
- Rosa Parks
"If you are still asking yourself if you are brave enough, then you are already braver than you think you are."
– Harriet Tubman
5. Humility
"The first step to greatness is to be a good listener."
- Frederick Douglass
"The true measure of a man is not how he treats his equals, but how he treats his inferiors."
- Booker T. Washington
6. Contribution
"The function of freedom is to free somebody else."
– Toni Morrison
"The purpose of life is to give back."
- Dave Chappelle
7. Simplicity
"Simplicity is the ultimate sophistication."
– Alice Walker
"Life is not about having possessions; it's about making memories and sharing experiences."
- Denzel Washington
8. Fun
"You need to have fun in life. It's important to take some time for yourself to relax and enjoy yourself."
– Nomcebo Zikode
"I think life is too short to be serious all the time. You have to find moments of joy and laughter."
– Lupita Nyong'o
9. Learning
"Education is the most powerful weapon which you can use to change the world."
–Nelson Mandela
"Education is the light that illuminates the path to progress."
– Taha Hussein
10. Creativity
"The artist must be free to create without censorship or fear."
– Wole Soyinka
"The stories we tell ourselves shape our world."
– Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie
Final Thoughts
200 chapters finished. The story must go on. I love my body: my only vessel for this part of the universe. I am still learning to forgive and to be released from anger. I am acting with courage despite fear. I lean into the wall of courage even when I feel scared.
Every voice is unique. Every voice matters. Be like le: tell your story unapologetically. Do not live your life through expenses. Live your life through experiences.
Our memories together will last forever. Thank you for dancing with me to the Symphony of the Universe.
Bring kindness, courage, and creativity into your life. To you, my fellow human artist, join me in painting all shades of life with all walks of light.
The journey continues with you by my side. Stand by me….
Whenever you're in trouble, won't you stand by me?
Oh, stand by me
Woah, just stand now
Oh, stand, stand by me
#Dare2Care #Dare2Share
#BIOS #BringInyourOwnSoul #LeadHeartship #Leadership
Photo by Rupert Britton on Unsplash
