The Golden Rule

"I've learned that people will forget what you said, people
will forget what you did, but people will never forget how you made them feel."

~ Maya Angelou

As an adult, I often look back at my childhood with fond memories. I have had a good life with a family that supports me even if it is not my best idea. Although most memories are good, there are a few events in my past I will never forget. Let me first start by telling you about my older sister, when she was in school she was very studious, where I was more of a social butterfly. She made the honor roll and I was an average student who was more interested in socialization then homework. We were nothing alike and my seventh grade Social Studies teacher liked to remind me of it by making little comments to me. I have never forgotten how she made me feel like I was stupid and my sister was better than I was. Those memories are what lead me to think of this quote.

I am a believer in the golden rule; I always try to treat others how I would want to be treated. I want people to hear my name and only think good thoughts. After reading this quote, I knew Maya Angelou was a remarkable person. She was born April 4, 1928 in Missouri, and grew up in Arkansas. She is a well-known poet, author, and Pulitzer Prize nominee. As a civil rights activist, she worked closely with Martin Luther King Jr., until his assassination in 1968.

Her quote really got me thinking about what kind of impression I have left on people over the years. It makes me want to strive to be a better person, and to be a kind human being. I believe I chose a quote that has true meaning and makes me take a second look at how I have treated people over the years. Don’t get me wrong, I have had my bad moments and have done my share of gossiping, but I think that in the future when I am having a bad day and not being as pleasant as I can be, I will think about what Maya Angelou said think before I speak.