Inspirational quotes about love, life and happiness appear all over Instagram, Pinterest and Twitter. They’re usually corny and easy to mock — but once in a while, you might stumble across an aphorism that makes you think.
The poet, memoirist and general pro at living an awesome life Maya Angelou, though, was a master of the inspirational tweet. And it’s no wonder. She had enough good advice up her sleeve to count spirituality junkies like Oprah Winfrey as followers.
Dr. Angelou died earlier today in her North Carolina home, but her Twitter feed, like her published written works, remains a source of no-nonsense advice and motivation. It remains to be seen whether her Twitter account will be run posthumously by a staffer or relative, as in the case of another beloved tweeter, the late Roger Ebert. But either way, it’s enough that her tweets have functioned as little oases in a sea of bad advertising, self-promotion and personal branding.
Here’s a collection of some of her best.
17. For snapping out of a wishy-washy mood:
Life loves to be taken by the lapel and told: "I'm with you kid. Let's go."
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) May 8, 2013
16. For dispersing a pity party:
Whining lets a brute know that a victim is in the neighborhood.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) December 8, 2012
15. For when you feel stuck in a rut:
If you cannot make a change, change the way you have been thinking.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) December 10, 2012
14. For when you’re tempted to let somebody’s closed-minded comment pass by unchallenged:
We must be warriors in the struggle against ignorance.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) February 21, 2011
13. For people who talk too much:
You don't have to tell everything you know, but let what you do say be the truth as you understand it.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) June 28, 2010
12. For when you’re slouching, literally and figuratively:
My grandmother used to say, "get some starch in your backbone." We could all stand a little straighter.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) June 25, 2010
11. In case you’re sick of your job:
Until you love a thing you will never be your best. You may back into it, but until you love it you will never be your best.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) June 15, 2010
10. For when you’re tempted to complain:
I loved to dance but at 23 my knees were shot, I didn't know what I was going to do. Years later I began to write and I still love it.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) June 15, 2010
9. To keep from resting on your laurels:
Continue to be bold, courageous. Try to chose the wisest thing and once you’ve chosen the wisest thing go out and try to achieve it. Be it.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) June 11, 2010
8. This one’s just charming:
When I reach North Carolina, my shoulders relax, in that sense I am a country girl.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) June 8, 2010
7. For when you’re being a little lazy tbh and need a swift kick in the pants:
Give it everything you’ve got, can’t do is like don’t care. Neither of them have a home.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) June 2, 2010
6. For when you’re wondering whether to stand up for something:
I agreed a long time ago, I would not live at any cost. If I am moved or forced away from what I think is the right thing, I will not do it.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) April 16, 2014
5. Just a good general goal to shoot for:
Let me tell so much truth, I want to tell the truth in my work. The truth will lead me to all.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) September 25, 2013
4. For when you’re feeling greedy:
You can only become truly accomplished at something you love. Don’t make money your goal. Instead pursue the things you love.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) June 9, 2013
3. When running out the door for a friend date:
The most called-upon prerequisite of a friend is an accessible ear
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) May 19, 2013
2. For when you wake up on the wrong side of the bed:
This a a wonderful day. I've never seen this one before.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) May 17, 2013
1. And her first tweet, which is especially bittersweet as Dr. Angelou moves on to that great big garden party in the sky:
Still enjoying my garden party. I am so thankful. I am a child of God and so are all of you.
— Maya Angelou (@DrMayaAngelou) May 20, 2010
