I saw a quote that literally stopped me in my tracks. The quote by the late Maya Angelou states, “If you don’t like something, change it. If you can’t change it, change your attitude.” This quote was powerful to me because I noticed that at work, I was easily annoyed or moved by things that would change my attitude and perception. These things that would bug me I couldn’t change and my attitude couldn’t change it either. It bothered me that I was bothered or moved by things that I really had no control over. There was too much at work or in life to be done by me that I couldn’t afford to waste time being moved by the actions of others. So when I saw that quote it became clear to me that the problem was no longer the issue or circumstance that I was experiencing. No, the problem was me! I didn’t like the circumstance but I could not allow something that I could not control to shift my atmosphere and change my attitude. I learned that I have to steadfast and focus my energy on changing the things I can change and just accept the things that I can’t change.

Lesson 16: Accept what God allows.

The late Maya Angelou is someone that I think was very profound. Her words of wisdom will live forever. One thing that she said that has stuck with me for years is “Its none of your business what people say about you when you are not in the room.” When I first saw this quote, I said this couldn’t be true. I needed to know. I needed to know how I am perceived and viewed by others. But as I got older, I realized that some things that are said about you even if you heard it, it would not help you to become a better person. I had to realize that what people say about me is not what makes me who I am but what I say and believe about myself is what makes me Felicia. The opinions of others are just their opinions. Although some opinions may be constructive and helpful, in time God will reveal those things and give me the chance to work on them. At the end of the day, who I am is not predicated on the opinions of others so its none of my business.

Lesson 15: “Its none of your business what people say about you when you are not around.” Maya Angelou