It just resonates with me on so many levels.
A woman should have
one old love she can imagine going back to, and one who reminds her how far she has come.
A woman should have
enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own
even if she never wants to or needs to.
A woman should have
something perfect to wear if the employer or date of her dreams wants to
see her in an hour……..
A woman should have
a youth she is content to leave behind.
A woman should have
a past juicy enough that she’s looking forward to retelling it in her old age.
A woman should have
a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill and a black lace bra.
A woman should have
one friend who always makes her laugh and one who lets her cry.
A woman should have
a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family.
A woman should have eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems and a recipe for a meal that will make her guests feel honoured.
A woman should have
a feeling of control over her destiny.
Every woman should know
how to fall in love without losing herself.
Every woman should know
how to quit a job,
break up with a lover,
and comfort a friend without ruining the friendship.
Every woman woman should know
when to try harder…...and when to walk away.
Every woman should know
that she can’t change the length of her calves, the width of her hips or the nature of her parents (still getting my head around this one!).
Every woman should know
that her childhood may not have been perfect……but it’s over (finally got this!).
Every woman should know
what she would and wouldn’t do for love.
Every woman should know
how to live alone……even if she doesn’t like it.
Every woman should know
whom she can trust, whom she can’t,
and why she shouldn’t take it personally.
Every woman should know
where to go……..
be it to her best friends kitchen table…….
or a charming inn in the woods………..
when her soul needs soothing.
Every woman should know
What she can and can’t accomplish in a day…..
a month……and a year.
Is there anything you think should be on this list, but isn't? I was thinking "Every woman should have a good, cashmere black sweater!" Frivolous I know, but it doesn't have to be deep and profound.
C'mon girls, lets add to this list.
I love this! Its been a while since I've read this list and it some how always inspires and gives the feeling of "I'm going to keep going forward"!! Reading it today has helped me realize that I'm working my way through many of these things ... but, boy do I have stories to tell in my old age ..lol... it's also made to stop and think about despite this bump in the road how truly blessed I am!!! merci mon ami.
ReplyDeleteI think I would add...
When a woman finds she has to change her shoes in life ~ embrace the challenge and look at it as an opportunity to go shopping for a pair of shoes for a life she is creating with determination!
Thank you my friend for such a fabulous post! luv the photo you used...xo HHL
Hi HHL-you can always be relied on to bring great insight to my humble posts. I love your addition about shopping for a new pair of shoes.I would add to yours..." put your new shoes on, and strut proudly down the street knowing they are the perfect fit for this occasion".
ReplyDeleteThank you as always HHL for stopping by :-)
Wonderful! I had the opportunity to see Maya Angelou speak about two years ago...she walked out onto stage and I burst into tears! She is absolutely amazing!
ReplyDeleteI think every woman should have at least one recipe she loves and prepares really well. This can prove invaluable for impromptu entertaining, potlucks, and providing comfort food to those who need it.
Thank you for sharing this...it is going in a frame on my desk!
Thank you Beth. Brilliant comment about having one faithful, tried and tested recipe. I'm just thinking about which one I would choose??
ReplyDeleteLove that list!
ReplyDeletexoxo
SC
Love this post Vanessa, thank you for sharing these wonderful words of Maya Angelou with us all.
ReplyDeleteSomething I'd love to see on the list...
Every woman should know
the most fashionable way to accessorize her look is with a smile ~
LOVE this too, Vanessa! Hmmmm ... what would I add? How about "Every woman should allow herself to play even as an adult without feeling guilty." Loving your blog posts! So fun ~ you always find such interesting and inspiring things to talk about. Hope you had a lovely weekend, sweet!
ReplyDeleteThank you so much Beth, Sandy and fashionassist.
ReplyDeleteLove your additions to the list; much more creative than mine I have to say ;-)
Absolutely love this poem and need to post it in my office as a daily reminder. I believe wholeheartedly in all that she has said. Some points are not easy to learn - "Every woman woman should know
ReplyDeletewhen to try harder…...and when to walk away." while others are easier "Every woman should know
how to live alone".
Thank you for sharing this and thank you again for posting my button - I do appreciate it. Have a lovely week. :)
Oh! I simply adore Maya Angelou. Such an incredibly talented writer and this is by far one of my favorite pieces of work from her. If I had to add something to this already amazing list ... I believe it would be:
ReplyDeleteEvery woman should know
how to use her feminine wiles when needed.
Thank you for sharing this post! *besos
Thank you Jennie B and Shannon; great points you've both added ;-)
ReplyDeleteAmazing post, darling! Maya Angelou is brilliant and so very wise. Printing this out as a reminder :) xoxo
ReplyDelete