In light of the recent announcement of the "Gilmore Girls" revival, I've been reflecting more and more on what this incredible show taught me about life. Although I binge watched it on Netflix last semester and not while it aired on TV, I still feel such a deep connection to the show and the characters. The timeless struggles of Lorelai, Rory, and the inhabitants of Stars Hollow got me through some of the worst days of freshman year, and for that I must share the lessons that they all taught me.
1. Big mistakes aren't the be-all and end-all.
Lorelai Gilmore got pregnant at 16 and still managed to make an incredible life for herself. If she can do that, then all of us can do anything at all.
2. Sometimes you have to date a lot to get it right, and sometimes you don't.
Lorelai dated a handful of guys before ending up with Luke, and Sookie dated only Jackson before realizing he was the one. Relationships are are different for everyone; you can't expect to get it right on the first try, so don't be discouraged.
3. It's okay to change your mind!
If Rory changed her mind about Harvard, then you'll be okay when you change your mind about your dinner.
4. Girls can eat a lot too.
One of my favorite parts of the entire series is how much food Lorelai and Rory can eat in one sitting. Food consumption is not gender dependent.
5. Sometimes we need to follow our passions instead of following our hearts.
Although many people are very upset about how the series ended, Rory's decision teaches us something very important. Sometimes chasing our dreams is more important then having a husband or getting married.
6. Coffee is essential to daily life.
I think this just speaks for itself.
7. Your mom is always right, even when you won't admit it.
No matter what, Lorelai is always right about her judgement of boys and the life advice she dishes out to all the teenagers in the series; she is really just the ultimate mom.
8. Life will throw you curve balls, and you just need to roll with them.
There are so many instances in the show where this applies - when the Independence Inn burns down, when Rory decides to go to Yale, and when Sherri calls you to be at her babies' birth. Enough said.
9. You can't live your life to please other people.
Lorelai is basically the beacon of this mindset; sometimes you just have to go out and say screw the world and live your life. If Lorelai Gilmore teaches you one thing, I hope that it's this.
10. Even when we work hard, sometimes we fail anyways.
Paris Geller is the prime example of this. The girl dedicated her life to school and getting A's but still didn't get into Harvard.
11. What we do has the possibility to impact people's lives.
The most incredible episode had to be when Rory and Jesse are reunited as young adults; he's successful and completely verbally literate. He's written his own book and gives Rory credit for helping him with this success.
12. Laughing and hugs are always the best medicine.
The Gilmore girls always manage to make the best of every situation, through laughter, love, and a lot of coffee.
13. There's someone out there for you too.
Let's be honest. If there's someone out there for Kirk, there's someone out their for you. Just look at him.
14. No matter how hard life gets, you can always go home.
No matter how many times Rory and Lorelai get knocked down by life, Stars Hollow always welcomes them back with the love and support only a home can give you.
"Gilmore Girls" will always hold a very special place in my heart, and the revival series won't change that. These two characters taught me so much about life, love and laughter, and that is priceless - or at least worth the price of my Netflix subscription.
