As a writer, I’m inspired by those elite and gifted enough to stir passion within the souls of humanity. Those who focus on the human race and show us universal threads that unite us all as we search for love and meaning in our lives. Maya Angelou’s writing does just that and she touches my soul. Today I want to share one particular masterpiece that has been on my bathroom mirror since the day I first read it. Not only does it incapsulate the message of Wingless Butterfly, it also reminds me why I write. [youtube]http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=r6AaK1FoVWA[/youtube] A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . . . enough money within her control to move out and rent a place of her own, even if she never wants to or needs to . . . something perfect to wear if the employer, or date of her dreams wants to <!—more—>see her in an hour . . . A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . . . a youth she’s content to leave behind . . . a past juicy enough that she’s looking forward to retelling it in her old age . . . a set of screwdrivers, a cordless drill, and a black lace bra… one friend who always makes her laugh… and one who lets her cry . . . A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . . . a good piece of furniture not previously owned by anyone else in her family . . . eight matching plates, wine glasses with stems, and a recipe for a meal, that will make her guests feel honored . . . A WOMAN SHOULD HAVE . . . a feeling of control over her destiny how to fall in love without losing herself EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW . . . how to quit a job, break up with a lover, and confront a friend without; ruining the friendship . . . EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW . . . when to try harder. . . and WHEN TO WALK AWAY . . . EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW . . . that she can’t change the length of her calves, the width of her hips, or the nature of her parents . . . that her childhood may not have been perfect . . . but it’s over . . . EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW . . . what she would and wouldn’t do for love or more . . . how to live alone . . . even if she doesn’t like it . . . EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW . . . whom she can trust, whom she can’t, and why she shouldn’t take it personally . . . EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW . . . where to go . . . be it to her best friend’s kitchen table . . . or a charming Inn in the woods . . . when her soul needs soothing . . . EVERY WOMAN SHOULD KNOW . . . What she can and can’t accomplish in a day . . . a month . . . and a year . . . Maya helps fuel the passion in my heart to help people see humanity in their own reflection and inspire them to live their dreams. Please listen to the video above as Denzel Washington, Oprah and Najee honor Maya Angelou. I hope her poem finds it’s way to your own mirror to remind you of what YOU and every woman should have, dreams, hope, confidence, respect, determination and love for herself. Casi