15 Inspiring Maya Angelou Quotes to Elevate Your Spirit

Maya Angelou was a famous poet, author and civil rights activist who used her voice and talent to inspire and advocate for equality.

She was born in 1928 in St. Louis, Missouri. She faced and overcame many racial challenges.

Angelou’s work with civil rights organizations, including as the Northern Coordinator for Martin Luther King Jr.’s Southern Christian Leadership Conference, underscored her dedication to justice.

Her acclaimed autobiographical book, “I Know Why the Caged Bird Sings,” explores her experiences in the segregated South.

Angelou’s legacy includes numerous accolades, such as the Presidential Medal of Freedom.

Her writings, full of wisdom and resilience, continue to uplift and empower, offering profound insights into human nature and the power of perseverance.

Here are the 15 Inspiring Maya Angelou Quotes to Elevate Your Spirit.


1. “Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option.” ~ Maya Angelou.

Never make someone a priority when all you are to them is an option

This quote speaks volumes about self-worth and boundaries.

It cautions against investing time and energy into relationships that lack mutual respect and commitment.

Recognizing our value is crucial; we deserve to be prioritized and appreciated.

By understanding this, we empower ourselves to seek relationships that honor our contributions.

This mindset fosters healthier connections and encourages us to surround ourselves with those who genuinely value our presence, leading to more fulfilling interactions.

See Also: 15 Empowering Helen Keller Quotes to Lift Your Spirits

2. “All great achievements require time.” ~ Maya Angelou.

All great achievements require time

Patience is the cornerstone of success.

This quote reminds us that big accomplishments don’t happen overnight; they are the result of persistent effort and dedication over time.

Just as a seed requires nurturing before it blossoms into a tree, our dreams and goals need time to develop.

Embracing the journey, with all its challenges and lessons, is essential.

Understanding that progress is gradual allows us to cultivate resilience and appreciate the beauty of each step taken toward our aspirations.

3. “Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it.” ~ Maya Angelou.

Success is liking yourself, liking what you do and liking how you do it

True success transcends accolades and wealth; it lies in self-acceptance and fulfillment.

This quote emphasizes the importance of aligning our passions with our values.

When we genuinely appreciate ourselves and our work, we radiate confidence and authenticity.

Such alignment fosters joy and satisfaction, making our endeavors meaningful.

It encourages us to pursue paths that resonate with our true selves, leading to a life where success is defined not by external validation but by inner contentment and joy in our actions.

4. “Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud.” ~ Maya Angelou.

Try to be a rainbow in someone’s cloud

In a world often overshadowed by negativity, this quote serves as a powerful call to action.

It urges us to be a source of light and hope for others, especially during their darkest moments.

By offering kindness, support and encouragement, we can uplift those around us.

This simple yet profound gesture can transform someone’s day and foster a sense of community and connection.

Embracing this mindset not only enriches others’ lives but also cultivates our own sense of purpose and fulfillment.

5. “When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time.” ~ Maya Angelou.

When someone shows you who they are, believe them the first time

This quote serves as a poignant reminder to trust our instincts and observations about others.

It highlights the importance of recognizing and accepting people’s true nature rather than hoping for change.

Often, initial impressions reveal deeper truths about character.

By believing what we see, we protect ourselves from disappointment and heartache.

This wisdom encourages us to approach relationships with clarity and discernment, fostering healthier dynamics based on authenticity and mutual respect.

6. “Talent is like electricity. We don’t understand electricity. We use it.” ~ Maya Angelou.

This quote draws a fascinating parallel between talent and electricity, emphasizing that while we may not fully grasp the intricacies of our abilities, we can harness them to create remarkable outcomes.

Just as electricity powers our world, talent can energize our lives and endeavors.

It encourages us to embrace our unique gifts and utilize them creatively, even if we don’t completely understand their origins.

This perspective fosters an appreciation for the mystery of talent and the potential it holds when applied with intention.

7. “Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances.” ~ Maya Angelou.

Everything in the universe has a rhythm, everything dances

This quote beautifully captures the interconnectedness of life.

It suggests that there is a natural flow and rhythm to existence, where everything has its own unique dance.

Recognizing this rhythm encourages us to attune ourselves to the world around us, fostering a sense of harmony and balance.

It invites us to embrace the ebbs and flows of life, understanding that challenges and joys are part of a larger symphony.

This perspective enhances our appreciation for the beauty in both chaos and order.

8. “Nothing will work unless you do.” ~ Maya Angelou.

This quote emphasizes the necessity of action in achieving our goals.

It serves as a powerful reminder that dreams require effort and commitment to materialize.

Success is not merely a product of desire; it demands hard work, perseverance and a willingness to confront obstacles.

By taking initiative and investing in our aspirations, we create opportunities for growth and achievement.

This mindset cultivates resilience, inspiring us to push through challenges and remain dedicated to our visions.

9. “People will forget what you said, people will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel.” ~ Maya Angelou.

This quote underscores the profound impact of emotions in our interactions.

It suggests that the essence of our relationships lies not in our words or actions but in the feelings we evoke in others.

By prioritizing empathy, kindness and understanding, we can leave a lasting impression on those we encounter.

This wisdom encourages us to be mindful of how we treat others, as positive emotional experiences foster deeper connections and create a legacy of warmth and compassion.

Read Also: 15 Influential Thomas Jefferson Quotes to Inspire Change

10. “When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed.” ~ Maya Angelou.

When we give cheerfully and accept gratefully, everyone is blessed

This quote highlights the reciprocal nature of generosity and gratitude.

It suggests that when we give with an open heart and receive with appreciation, we create a cycle of positivity that enriches everyone involved.

This mindset fosters a sense of community and interconnectedness, reminding us that our actions can uplift others.

Embracing this philosophy enhances our relationships and cultivates a spirit of abundance, where both giving and receiving become acts of joy and connection.

11. “Do the best you can until you know better. Then when you know better, do better.” ~ Maya Angelou.

This quote encourages a growth mindset, emphasizing that learning is an ongoing journey.

It acknowledges that we may not always have the right answers, but striving to do our best with the knowledge we possess is essential.

As we gain new insights and experiences, we are called to adapt and improve.

This perspective fosters resilience and humility, reminding us that progress is a continuous process and each step taken is a valuable part of our personal evolution.

12. “Life offers us tickets to places which we have not knowingly asked for.” ~ Maya Angelou.

This quote reflects the unpredictability of life’s journey.

It suggests that we often find ourselves in situations we never anticipated, presenting both challenges and opportunities.

Embracing this notion encourages us to remain open to new experiences and adapt to change.

By accepting the unexpected, we can discover hidden strengths and possibilities.

This perspective fosters resilience and adaptability, reminding us that life’s journey is filled with surprises that can lead to growth and transformation.

13. “If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be.” ~ Maya Angelou.

If you are always trying to be normal, you will never know how amazing you can be

This quote challenges the notion of conformity, urging us to embrace our individuality.

It suggests that striving for normalcy can stifle our true potential and creativity.

By celebrating our uniqueness, we unlock the door to self-discovery and personal growth.

This mindset encourages us to step outside societal expectations and explore the depths of our capabilities.

Embracing our authentic selves not only enriches our lives but also inspires others to do the same, creating a vibrant tapestry of diversity.

14. “There is no greater agony than bearing an untold story inside you.” ~ Maya Angelou.

This quote poignantly captures the pain of unexpressed thoughts and experiences.

It suggests that our stories hold immense power and failing to share them can lead to internal turmoil.

By voicing our truths, we liberate ourselves and foster connections with others.

This insight encourages us to embrace vulnerability and storytelling as a means of healing and understanding.

Sharing our narratives not only alleviates our burdens but also enriches the lives of those who resonate with our experiences.

15. “Nothing can dim the light which shines from within.” ~ Maya Angelou.

This quote celebrates the resilience of the human spirit. It asserts that our inner light—our essence, passions and strengths—remains unaltered by external circumstances.

Embracing this belief empowers us to shine brightly, regardless of challenges or negativity we may face.

It encourages self-acceptance and confidence, reminding us that our true worth is inherent and cannot be diminished by others.

By nurturing our inner light, we inspire those around us to recognize and celebrate their own brilliance.

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Chandan Negi
Chandan Negi

I love sharing inspirational and motivational quotes, captions, wishes, messages, jokes, puns and riddles to inspire, motivate and make people happy - #quotes #captions #wishes #messages #jokes #puns and #riddles #inboxquotes