While I am fully aware that "Downton Abbey" has been and still is a very popular show, I just recently hopped on the bandwagon, and I am so glad that I did. This show is outstanding and has the power to take you on a rollercoaster ride of emotion through each episode.

Honestly, I have never been a fan of the “soap opera” type TV shows, but this one is quite special. The show focuses on the aristocratic life of families during the early to mid 20th Century and takes a deeper look into that lifestyle. Not only do I love this show intensely (probably more than I should), it has taught me a few things that can be useful for everyone to learn.

1. Family and friends are most important in life

Throughout the show, the family of the Downton Abbey estate is hit with hardships from the very beginning. Both the blood family and the service members of the house have to stick together to make it through the hard times. While this is a cliche this show can truly open one’s eyes to the value of family and friendship bonds.

2. Never be afraid of change

This show is set during the early 20th century England, so the characters are hit with the hardship and horrors of World War I. Many from the house must go fight for their country, and the war changes everything that they know. The family of the house was afraid of change after the war; however, they eventually embrace it and turn Downton into a rehabilitation center for wounded soldiers. This change was marvelous and goes to show change is not always a bad thing.

3. It’s important to have fun

The family and service members of this show face great difficulty throughout the seasons. However, they can always find time for fun in the midst of tragedy and drama. Whether it be playing a game of cricket or going on hunts, having fun does not escape these characters no matter how downtrodden they may be. Every one should find time in their life for fun, no matter how difficult times may become.

4. Stop caring what people think about you

Everything about this show deals with appearances and how you should never do anything to injure your appearance to others. However, this show also teaches that keeping up appearances is not only hard work but wasteful and fruitless in the end. Each of the daughters of the family “injures” their appearance as high-class women of society by veering off from their set paths some way or another, but it proves to be life-changing for them in the end. Each one is a better woman for not caring what others think of them.

5. Never take anyone for granted

If there is one overarching theme in this show, it is that no life will last forever. Death plagues the characters of this show. (I mean, it's a soap opera. What did you expect?) This show has shown me how precious life is and that any moment could be your last with someone that you love. Through this, I have learned to try and never take my friends and family for granted because one day they will not be there to help guide me through this crazy life of mine.