Recently, Dr. Maya Angelou told a story about being suicidal when she was a young woman. She ran to get help at a clinic, but wasn't comfortable with the clinician.

Utilizing her Personal Safety Net, Maya contacted her singing teacher for advice and direction. He asked, "What is wrong?" She told him she wanted to kill herself or somebody else! He responded "No, what is WRONG?" She said, "I told you! I want to die. I want to kill myself!"

Dr. Angelou's teacher handed her a yellow legal pad and said,

* Write down how you can see this yellow pad.
* Then write about the people who can't see.
* Read the words aloud and then write about those who cannot hear words.
* Write about the people who cannot read nor write words on a yellow pad.

In thinking about others, and of her relative good fortune, Maya's depression was eased. The physical act of writing helped too.

Dr. Angelou continues to speak of being thankful. Her favorite prayer is "Thank you!" She says this prayer very often. "I walk around my house and look at the abundance and say: thank you, thank you, thank you!"

By using her Personal Safety Net, Maya was able to find help and receive support from an unexpected member of her team - her singing teacher.

Think of people YOU know.

1. Help and support may come from unexpected places.
2. Take time to appreciate what you find.
3. Find ways to support others.

This story was retold by Sheree Rensel, Artist, on her blog at Attitude of Gratitude - Maya's story.