Unpretty
It is 20 years ago since I had one of
I wrote down the version sheĀ once recited at the Oprah show:
“Pretty women wonder where my secret lies.Ā Iām not cute or built to suit a fashion modelās size Ā Ā
But when I start to tell them,Ā
They think Iām telling lies.Ā
I say,Ā
Itās in the reach of my arms,Ā
The span of my hips, Ā Ā
The stride of my step, Ā Ā
The curl of my lips. Ā Ā
Iām a womanĀ
Phenomenally.Ā
I walk into a roomĀ
Just as cool as you please, Ā Ā
And to a man,Ā
The fellows stand orĀ
Fall down on their knees. Ā Ā
Then they swarm around me,Ā
A hive of honey bees. Ā Ā
I say,Ā
Itās the fire in my eyes, Ā Ā
And the flash of my teeth, Ā Ā
The swing in my waist, Ā Ā
And the joy in my feet. Ā Ā
Iām a womanĀ
Phenomenally.Ā
Men themselves have wondered Ā Ā
What they see in me.Ā
They try so muchĀ
But they canāt touchĀ
My inner mystery.Ā
When I try to show them, Ā Ā
They say they still canāt see. Ā Ā
I say,Ā
Itās in the arch of my back, Ā Ā
The sun of my smile,Ā
The ride of my breasts,Ā
The grace of my style.Ā
Iām a womanĀ
Phenomenally.Ā
Now you understandĀ
Just why my headās not bowed. Ā Ā
I donāt shout or jump aboutĀ
Or have to talk real loud. Ā Ā
When you see me passing,Ā
It ought to make you proud.Ā
I say,Ā
Itās in the click of my heels, Ā Ā
The bend of my hair, Ā Ā
the palm of my hand, Ā Ā
The need for my care. Ā Ā
āCause Iām a womanĀ
Phenomenally.Ā
Phenomenal woman, all you women and me!
āPhenomenal Womanā by Maya Angelou

When Oprah asked her whatĀ the bestĀ piece of advice was that she has ever given she repliedĀ hereĀ and I quote:Ā In orderĀ to get a friend you have to be aĀ friend.Ā And she said: There is a place in you that you have toĀ keepĀ pristine clean so that nobody has the right to curse you or treat you terribly.Ā
So ladies don’t let anybody make you feel unpretty.Ā
XOXO,
Nancy
P.S. Just 6 more days till the International Women’s Day summit and we are almost sold out, so get your tickets ASAP!