Buffy the Vampire Slayer completely changed what it means to be strong, witty, and true to yourself. Aside from creating a bevy of strong female characters who don't take any shit, Joss Whedon created a show packed with some of the most important aspects of life.
1. Dance like no one is watching.
2. If you're tired, sleep.
Life can take a lot out of you while you're busy juggling school, work, or any other activity. Make sure you take the time for yourself and rejuvenate.
3. Embrace your sexuality.
It doesn't matter who you are or who you love - embrace it. This is the only life you have and you shouldn't spend it hiding from who you really are. Bonus points for a love like Willow and Tara.
4. Never underestimate a good pun.
5. Understand that death is part of life.
Death and the grieving process was one of the biggest themes during the seven seasons of BTVS. The hardest deaths for viewers, though, were the deaths that occurred naturally (See Season 5, Episode 16: The Body).
6. It's okay to be scared.
You're only human, remember that.
7. And it's also okay to cry.
Embrace your emotions, they're there for a reason.
8. It's even okay to be angry.
9. Stand up for yourself.
If you won't, who will?
10. If you want a drink, have one.
Sometimes you just need a beer and that's okay.
11. Just don't go overboard with it.
I mean, this is really a no-brainer. Your body will thank you in the morning.
12. Being popular isn't everything.
13. Sometimes Friends = Family.
Friends are the family you choose, right?
14. But, appreciate your parents.
Parents are everything. There's nothing quite like the bond between parent and child - remember that.
15. Put yourself out there.
If you love someone, tell them. If you want a raise, ask for it. You never know what you can accomplish for yourself if you put yourself out there once in a while.
16. Remember to smile.
Because you're beautiful, inside and out.
17. Celebrate the little things.
18. You don't need to be in a relationship in order to be happy.
You do you, boo boo.
19. Believe in yourself.
You are capable of so much in your life. Don't just wish for things to happen, go out and make them happen. Slay, girl (pun intended).
20. Embrace your woman-ness.
Ladies, if anyone tries to tell you that you do something "like a girl," throw that insult right back in their face (pun intended...again).
21. Life is Short.
Buffy: Life is short.
Willow: Life is short.
Buffy: Not original, I'll grant you, but it's true. You know, why waste time being all shy and worry about some guy if he's going to laugh at you? Seize the moment 'cause tomorrow you might be dead.
Willow: Oh, that's nice!
22. Be Honest.
Even if sometimes it's not what people want to hear.
23. The hardest thing in this world is to live in it.
You're not alone. If you need help, ask for it.
24. Anyone can be destined for greatness.
YOU MATTER.
25. Take care of yourself.
You're not finished baking yet.
