6 self-affirming truths from Maya Angelou that will help anyone feeling lost in life

Life can be a maze, full of twists and turns that leave us feeling lost and disconnected. 

If you’ve ever found yourself questioning your worth or your place in this confusing journey, you’re not alone. 

Maya Angelou, the legendary poet, and activist, lived a life rich in both hardship and wisdom. Her words serve as beacons of hope, guiding us back to ourselves when we stray off course. 

In the next few moments, let’s walk through 6 self-affirming truths from Maya Angelou that can light your way, even when the path seems darkest.

1) “You may not control all the events that happen to you, but you can decide not to be reduced by them.”

It’s a harsh truth: life doesn’t always go as planned. Unexpected setbacks, disappointments, or losses can hit us like a tidal wave, leaving us feeling helpless. 

But the good news? You get to choose whether these events break you or make you stronger. 

Maya Angelou reminds us that we can’t control everything that happens to us, but we absolutely have the power to control our reactions. 

When life seems to be spiraling out of control, take a deep breath and tell yourself, “I won’t be reduced by this.”

It’s not about pretending that the bad stuff didn’t happen; it’s about refusing to let it diminish you. 

Maybe you lost your job, or maybe you’re going through a tough breakup. Acknowledge the pain, but don’t let it define you. 

Ask yourself, “What can I learn from this experience?” or “How can I use this setback as a stepping stone?”

You start to see every challenge as an opportunity for personal growth, and that’s empowering.

2) “When you know better, do better.”

We’ve all had those moments where we look back and cringe at some of the choices we’ve made. Maybe it was a bad decision, a hurtful comment, or even a missed opportunity. 

But guess what? You’re not alone, and more importantly, you’re not stuck in your past.

Maya Angelou’s words serve as a gentle but powerful reminder: “When you know better, do better.” It’s as simple and as profound as that. 

Each experience, whether good or bad, offers a lesson, a nugget of wisdom to carry forward. 

And the moment you realize how you could have acted differently is the moment you’ve earned another chance to make it right.

The beauty of life lies in its endless capacity for change, and that includes you. You’re not the same person you were last year, last month, or even yesterday. 

You’re constantly evolving, learning new things about yourself and the world around you.

So, the next time you catch yourself spiraling into a pit of regret or self-blame, pause. Take a deep breath and think about what you’ve learned since then. Now, use that newfound knowledge to do better, starting today.

3) “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.”

Let’s face it, complaining is easy — whether it’s a job you don’t like, a relationship that’s draining you, or a personal habit you wish you could kick. 

It’s all too convenient to fall into a cycle of frustration and discontent. But what if you took that energy and redirected it?

Maya Angelou offers us a life-altering perspective: “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” 

This statement encourages you to take proactive steps instead of wallowing in dissatisfaction.

So you’re not thrilled with your job? You have options. You can look for a new one, acquire a new skill, or even turn a hobby into a career. 

Maybe it’s a difficult family member you can’t avoid; while you may not be able to change them, you can change how you react to them. 

Perhaps it’s deep-rooted self-doubt; you can’t erase your past experiences, but you can choose to see them as learning opportunities rather than setbacks.

Changing a situation isn’t an overnight task; it might require time, effort, or resources you currently don’t have. In such cases, changing your attitude can be an empowering alternative. 

Instead of seeing a glass as half-empty, you start to see it as half-full. Instead of feeling trapped by your circumstances, you see them as challenges waiting to be conquered.

4) “You are enough just as you are. Each emotion you feel, everything in your life, everything you do or do not do…it all is okay. You are okay.”

In a world that constantly pushes us to be more, achieve more, and want more, Maya Angelou’s words are like a warm embrace: “You are enough just as you are.” 

Imagine how it would feel to truly believe that. Not tomorrow, not when you lose 10 pounds, or get that promotion, or find a life partner — but right now. You’re okay just as you are.

Angelou isn’t telling us to settle for mediocrity. Instead, she’s asking us to give ourselves permission to be human. 

To feel our feelings, whether they’re joy, sadness, anger, or excitement. To accept our circumstances, whether they’re ideal or far from it. 

Because every emotion you feel, everything in your life, is part of what makes you, you. And that’s more than okay.

So when life gets overwhelming, and self-doubt creeps in, come back to this fundamental truth. You don’t have to be anything other than what you are right now to be worthy. You are enough. 

5) “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do, and liking how you do it.”

When you get lost, it’s easy to get fixated on external markers of success — think wealth, fame, and high-status jobs. Maya Angelou flips the script. 

According to her, real success is an inside job. It’s about liking yourself, appreciating what you do, and being content with how you go about doing it. Now, that’s a refreshing perspective, isn’t it?

Think about it: you could have all the money in the world, but if you’re not at peace with who you are, what’s the point? 

Or you could be great at your job but dread every moment you’re doing it. Is that really success? Angelou would argue it’s not. 

The key takeaway here is simple but profound. Stop measuring your worth or success by other people’s standards. Don’t look outside; look within. Ask yourself, “Do I like me?” 

If the answer is no, explore that. Why not? What can you do to become your own biggest fan? 

And about your work — whether it’s a 9-to-5 job, a passion project, or taking care of your family — do you like it? More importantly, do you like how you’re doing it? 

If not, you’ve got some soul-searching to do. 

6) “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

Maya Angelou knew the everlasting power of emotions. We go through life, engaging in countless interactions, saying a myriad of things, and doing an untold number of deeds. 

Yet, when the dust settles, it’s not our words or actions that stick; it’s the emotional imprints we leave on others.

Why is this important for you? Well, it’s a game-changer when you’re feeling lost or disconnected. 

Maybe you’re beating yourself up about an awkward conversation or a mistake at work. You’re replaying it, thinking, “I should’ve said this,” or “I should’ve done that.” 

Stop. Take a deep breath. Shift your focus to the emotional layer of the experience. Did you act with kindness? Did you strive for understanding? That’s what truly counts.

This insight encourages us to be more mindful about the emotional atmosphere we create around us. 

Are you the kind of person who leaves others feeling inspired, comforted, or perhaps a little happier? That’s your true legacy. It’s not about grand gestures or eloquent speeches. It’s the small, genuine interactions that make people feel seen, heard, and valued. 

Find your North Star: Embracing Maya Angelou’s wisdom for a life well lived

We’ve delved into six profoundly impactful truths from Maya Angelou, each one a beacon of light for those times when life feels like a labyrinth without an exit. 

Angelou, with her resilient spirit and insightful observations, provides us not just with feel-good quotes, but with a roadmap for navigating life’s complexities.

Remember, you have the power to control your reactions, even if you can’t control what happens to you. 

You have the capability to improve, adapt, and grow stronger with each experience. 

You matter, not just in your triumphs but in your vulnerabilities. 

Your definition of success is uniquely your own, and it’s how you make others feel that leaves a lasting impact.

When the world gets overwhelming, return to these truths. They’re more than just words; they’re guideposts leading you towards a life of authenticity, resilience, and deep emotional connection.