He is a man, a myth, a legend. He graced us with his presence on television as we grew up, teaching us lessons about hope and perseverance. His stories inspired us all to become better people, reach for the stars and proclaim to the world, “I’m ready.”

I am speaking of Spongebob Squarepants. This quirky fellow is more than a square-like cleaning instrument; he is a moral compass for all of us. The next time you are surfing through the channels and happen to stumble upon Nickelodeon, set down the remote and learn a thing or two from ol’ Mr. Squarepants. I know I learned quite a bit and, although these lessons may seem a bit obvious, they will change your life.

1. Always be yourself. Cheesy as it may sound, the countless times Spongebob acts a fool with no regard for other peoples’ opinions is outstanding. I, one day, hope to be confident enough to walk into Weenie Hut Jr. with a smile on my face, too.

2. Learn to laugh it off. Remember when Spongebob tries to lift weights and rips his pants in half? Instead of letting the embarrassment get him down, he turns it into a joke. A joke he ruins by repeating it too much, but good effort.

3. Anything is possible with a little effort. I will begin this one with a question: how many people do you know who could find a hydrodynamic spatula with port and starboard attachments and a turbo-drive? Only one -- Spongebob Squarepants. He defies the odds to get his glamorous job as a fry-cook, and all it took was some effort.

4. Don’t be afraid to be enthusiastic. I can’t help but think of the marching band episode when Spongebob truly tears up the stage, making Squidward and the rest of his band proud. Never apologize, never surrender.

5. Stay loyal to your friends. I am going to direct you to the episode where Spongebob thinks he and Mr. Krabs poisoned a health inspector. Upon Mr. Krabs’ request, he helps bury the guy in the cemetery before they get c aught. That’s friendship, folks.

6. Never give up. If you have not seen the pizza delivery episode, you are truly missing out on a slice of 1999 Americana. Homeboy walks around for hours on end to deliver a pizza, only to get it thrown back in his face. But, he takes it like a champ. Also, he tries to get his driver’s license approximately 400 times. Optimistic is an understatement.

7. Texas sucks. It only takes Spongebob one episode to keep Sandy from moving back to her home state of Texas. In the end, he convinces her, but Patrick sums it up best when he poignantly asks, “Yeah, who needs dumb old Texas?” Not me, Patrick. Not me.