Maya Angelou’s words have always held a transformative power for me. Her wisdom, drawn from a life rich with experience and reflection, reminds us of what it truly means to live intentionally, with purpose and grace. This week, my focus is on Awareness, one of the guiding principles in my Seasons of Hygge practice. With this in mind, I’ve been making a conscious effort to read more to continue to learn and grow. Today, I came across Marianne Schnall’s Forbes article, 5 Lessons I Learned From My Interviews With Maya Angelou.

As I read Schnall’s recounting of her conversations with Angelou, I found myself drawn to how these lessons align so beautifully with many of the principles work to incorporate into my life. Here are five takeaways from Angelou’s wisdom that resonate deeply, offering a gentle yet profound guide to creating a life of meaning and purpose.

Your Story is Your Strength

Angelou often spoke of the importance of owning our stories—both the triumphs and the struggles. As Schnall highlights, Angelou believed in the courage it takes to acknowledge and embrace all parts of our journey.

This idea is central to living an intentional life. When we honor where we’ve been, we create space to set meaningful intentions for where we’re going. Whether journaling about a challenge or reflecting on moments of joy, embracing our story helps us find clarity and direction. It’s a reminder that even the hard chapters have something to teach us.

Our Words Matter

Angelou’s understanding of language as a tool for connection and transformation is unparalleled. Schnall notes Angelou’s emphasis on choosing words carefully, as they shape not only how we see the world but how we show up in it.

In our daily lives, the words we speak to ourselves and others create the tone of our existence. I see this reflected in the principle of Presence within Seasons of Hygge: mindful communication fosters deeper connections and a greater sense of harmony. A thoughtful word has the power to uplift, while a careless one can create distance. Let’s choose words that nurture.

Live with Courage

Angelou’s perspective on courage as the foundation for all virtues is a poignant reminder that intentional living often requires bravery. Schnall recalls Angelou’s words: “Courage is the most important of all the virtues, because without courage, you can’t practice any other virtue consistently.”

This lesson encourages us to step into discomfort, whether it’s pursuing a dream, building a relationship, or letting go of something that no longer serves us. Courage fuels the principle of Gratitude—appreciating the fullness of life, even when it challenges us, and trusting that each step forward brings us closer to growth.

Lead with Kindness

One of the most powerful reflections from Angelou’s interviews is her unwavering belief in the significance of kindness. As Schnall notes, Angelou emphasized that people will forget what you said or did, but they will never forget how you made them feel.

This resonates with the principle of Togetherness in my Hygge practice. Being kind—whether through small gestures or acts of service—nurtures connections and strengthens our communities. Kindness doesn’t have to be grand; it can be as simple as sharing a smile or offering support. These moments weave a fabric of warmth that envelops us all.

Find the Joy in Life

Angelou’s celebration of joy—even in the face of difficulty—is perhaps her most inspiring lesson. Schnall describes Angelou’s ability to find humor and joy as a survival mechanism, a way to navigate life’s complexities with grace.

This lesson speaks to the principle of Pleasure: making time to savor life’s beauty and indulge in its simple delights. Whether it’s a quiet cup of tea, the glow of candlelight, or the laughter of loved ones, joy reminds us why life is worth cherishing. Angelou’s perspective invites us to seek joy not as a luxury, but as a necessity.

Carrying These Lessons Forward

Maya Angelou’s insights are timeless because they speak to the essence of what it means to be human. They remind us to live fully, love deeply, and embrace each moment with courage and grace. These lessons are a call to slow down, reflect, and realign with what truly matters.

As I think about how to incorporate these lessons into my own life, I see them as touchstones for my Seasons of Hygge practice. Each principle is a way to ground myself in the values Angelou exemplified. Her words are a gift—a reminder that intentional living is not about perfection, but about creating a life that feels authentic and whole.

How do these lessons resonate with you? I’d love to hear how Maya Angelou’s wisdom has shaped your journey or what steps you’re taking to live more intentionally this season. Let’s share and learn from each other as we strive for a life of meaning, joy, and connection.

By reflecting on the legacy of Maya Angelou, we can honor her wisdom by weaving it into the fabric of our everyday lives. Her lessons are an invitation to live not just deliberately, but beautifully—a reminder that, as she said, “This is a wonderful day. I’ve never seen this one before.” Let’s make it count.