5 Powerful Maya Angelou Quotes for Moms

Maya Angelou, an inspirational poet, writer, activist, and speaker, died last month but has left many words of wisdom in her wake.  Here are my five favorite Maya Angelou quotes, as they apply to the lives of moms.

For a reminder about the deep power of paying undivided attention to your child, making them feel that they’re the most important person in the universe:  “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.”

For inspiration to build a trusting relationship with your children so they feel safe sharing their deepest secrets with you:  “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.”

For that moment when you’ve been up all night with a sick kid

and your toddler knocks over her milk and spills her eggs on the floor as she runs to the bathroom and then cries when she misses the toilet, remember that you do have a more lighthearted option as a response: “I don’t trust anyone who doesn’t laugh.”

For letting go of guilt – guilt about letting the kids stay up too late, for not spending enough quality time with them, for yelling at them at the top of your lungs when you needed them to Just Stop Talking:  “You did then what you knew how to do, and when you knew better, you did better.”

For motivation to maintain self-care as a mom and woman:  “If I am not good to myself, how can I expect anyone else to be good to me?”