There is perhaps no other character on TV that is more driven, passionate, and optimistic than Leslie Knope—the main character on NBC’s hit comedy (and recently Emmy-nominated) TV show "Parks and Recreation." Though the show aired its final season finale in February, we can still look to Leslie Knope—played by Amy Poehler—for inspiration containing the perfect blend of emotion and comedy. Here are 15 reasons why Leslie Knope should be your inspiration for everything.
1. She has a superhuman work ethic.
You'll never see Leslie put anything less than 110% into everything she does. She never gets tired of going the extra mile, and is hyper-passionate about her work.
2. She believes in one person's ability to make a difference.
Leslie starts out with a small job at the Pawnee Parks and Recreation department. While most people would just take this at face value, Leslie sees her potential to make a real difference in the community, and sees herself one day becoming the first female President of the United States.
3. She won't hesitate to tell it like it is.
She keeps it real, even when it means calling you out for being stupid.
4. She's a proud feminist.
From promoting gender equality to fighting against stereotypes, to cracking witty one-liners in support of the female fight, Leslie exudes feminism. She celebrates the females in her life (Galentine's Day, anyone?) and isn't afraid to call herself a feminist. She totally supports female ambition, and her character is jam-packed with dozens of feminist victories.
5. She's quirky--and that's a good thing.
Life would be boring without the weird little things that make us who we are. Leslie shows us how to embrace our weirdness. Her quirks are what make her interesting, hilarious, and one-of-a-kind.
6. She's found the source of true happiness: waffles.
...Do we really need anything else in life?
7. She shows us that it's okay to be your own role model.
If you take one look at Leslie's "Wall of Inspirational Women," it's obvious that she has a lot of role models in her life. If you look closely, however, you'll see her own picture there, too, because she knows that being inspired by yourself is a good thing.
8. She knows the golden rule.
9. She knows how to win without playing dirty.
Leslie fights for what she wants, but would never stoop down to the dirty, cheating tactics of her opponents. She shows us how to win and keep the moral high ground. I mean, only Leslie Knope would "declare war" by baking cookies for her opponents.
10. Her compliments are creative and weird--but that's how you know they're genuine.
11. She understands the importance of her relationships, and would do anything to support the people she cares about.
12. She gives the world's best presents.
Being Leslie's friend would be difficult for this reason only--her gifts would always outdo yours. We can take a lesson from her, though, and try to put in this same level of care and effort for others.
13. We're pretty sure she has her priorities straight...
14. She's admiringly optimistic.
You can't help but laugh at Leslie's persistent, charming, and almost childlike sense of optimism. Even in the worst of situations, she finds a silver lining. Her infectiously sunny personality drives the show, and reminds us to always see the glass as half-full.
15. She falls down like everyone else, but shows us how to get right back up again.
Leslie isn't perfect. She makes mistakes and has faced failure. But at the point when most people would probably give up, Leslie keeps going. She knows exactly how to pick herself up, dust herself off, and show the world what she's made of.
Oh, Leslie, you poetic and noble land-mermaid. Thank you for being the ray of sunshine we all needed in our lives. Thanks for showing us how to be passionate, caring, and hilarious. May your syrup always be sweet, and your waffles crispy. We'll keep an eye out for you in the 2016 election.
