The formidable Dr Maya Angelou

 

Also while in Thailand I read ‘Letter to my daughter’ by the formidable Maya Angelou bought for me by my own mother. Maya is a civil rights activist, historian, novelist, poet and film maker. While Maya never had a daughter (she has one son) she celebrates the thousands of daughters she has and gives her “offering” in this beautiful book.  Maya writes about her experiences including her experience having a child and raising him alone. She also shares her experience of domestic abuse in a way that does not allow the reader to define her by them. I was struck by the way Maya survived the experience in calm but determined way.  

 

Despite Maya’s magnificent achievements, she remains humble and empowering.  I love that she does not present herself as a finished product and speaks openly about how she is still learning. Maya offers her experience and wise words with no expectation that you will follow her way. Maya encourages her daughters to find their own path while embedding the assumption that her daughters are wise, creative, resourceful and intelligent.  It reminded me of how lucky I am to have a mother whose confidence in my ability to deal with whatever life throws at me is unshakable. Life can be so much easier when there is a positive expectation of you. The way Maya writes is accessible, inspiring and quite magical. For me, she is a story teller for grown-ups, her voice is so soothing.  You can hear her for yourself via this link http://mayaangelou.com/media/video/

When reading or listening to Maya’s work I feel like I want to etch every word onto my brain but three quotes from her that stuck out are:

“Life loves the liver of it, I have dared to try many things, sometimes trembling but daring still”

I love this quote, it reminds that while some things are scary it is so important to experience them even if they don’t work out the way you hope there is still learning to do.

“Be certain not to die without doing something wonderful for humanity"

This quote made me think about how much I love for job and how I hope to make a difference if only in a small way but also made me think about how much more we could all do.

“Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud”

Every day there is chance to make someone’s day a bit better. Thank you Maya Angelou for inspiring me and generations gone by and to come.

The truly inspirational Kim Phuc

While travelling in Thailand I reached the High Life Bungalow in Haad Yao and happened upon ‘The girl in the picture’ which some kind soul I will never have the chance to thank had left for other travellers to read. Most people will recognise the image of Kim Phuc as nine year old child running naked screaming with her flesh on fire after a napalm attack on her village on the 8^th June 1972 . Her story is truly inspirational.

 

I have a keen interest in photography and often pondered how a war photographer can witness such horror and not help. The book helped me reflect about the power of this photograph and the impact it had on subsequent events and, indeed, how people understand the Vietnam war. The author of the photograph, Nick Ut did take Kim to a local hospital where she had to endure horrendous pain when her wounds were dressed and cleaned. Healthcare professionals were certain she would die but remained committed to her care. Kim’s father remained by her side, sometimes hiding under the hospital bed so he could remain near to her.

 

The book collected not only Kim’s account but also those around her at the time. Without exception people remarked upon Kim’s happiness and warmth to others. Kim endured endless interviews; being used for propaganda purposes which prevented her from studying. Kim chose who she trusted wisely to enable her to lead the life she has today. She reported the strength she gained from others in recognising herself as beautiful. She is now happy and safe with a family of her own.

 

I was moved to tears in reading her commitment to peace and forgiveness.  There was no sense of anger or vengeance from Kim in anything I’ve read about her or written by her.  It reminded of me of the importance of the healing power of love. Reading her story and the work she does now to help victims is truly humbling. Thank you, Kim Phuc, for being such an inspiration to me, and countless others. http://www.kimfoundation.com/