People always remember how you made them feel

“People may not remember what you did or said but they will always remember how you made them feel.” Maya Angelou

Lately I have encountered people from all walks of life, all backgrounds, intellectual capabilities and beliefs. I am finding it amazing to watch how people interact with each other. Some people want to have the one up over others. Dominate. Over power. Impress. People tend to want to prove they are smarter than others rather than accepting that at some point each one of us will be at a loss compared to others around us because that’s just the way life is. It is give and take. Yin and Yang.

The wise words of Maya Angelou  reminded me that often we focus on trying to impress rather than embrace each other. Have aggression rather than empathy. What I know for sure is I always get a good feeling for a person that makes me feel comfortable, heard, and wanted. It doesn’t matter how clever the person is or what the person does. We all tend to open up more when we feel like we are being listened to, cared for, and respected. Some people believe they will be remembered for what they did or what they said. And in some cases they will but only if they are able to touch a place in the hearts of others.

There are many people running around thinking they are experts, champions in this game called life because they believe they possess the intellectual capability and power to win people over. Intellect only opens doors when it opens and warms hearts.

Have you ever wondered why a woman like Oprah Winfrey, a man like Ghandi, a woman like Mother Theresa or a man like Nelson Mandela could become household names when they do not fit the bill of what the world perceives to be perfection? The reason why these people have been able to do so is because they make and made people feel good. Gave them hope. Faith. Love. Direction and Trust.

So the next time you are trying your hardest to win someone over try doing it by first feeling good about yourself so you can radiate that light onto that person who in turn will remember how good you made them feel.

As one of my favourite poets of all times, Maya Angelou, says, “People may not remember what you did or said but they will always remember how you made them feel.”

Think about the people that have made a difference in your life. Think about why they have made such a difference. Think about it and what you will realise is it is not because they said or did anything earth shattering. Rather it is because of the way they made you feel. Validated. Important. Loved. Heard.

Remember real power comes not from what you say or do but rather from how you make others feel.