Those of us who have been consumed by the never-ending dramatic whirlwind that is Grey’s Anatomy understand that the show is more than just Thursday night entertainment. Through it’s compelling characters and recurring tragedy, the show often resonates with us on a deeper level and teaches us invaluable lessons about life, love, and loss

1. Pain helps us grow.

If you ask anyone who watches the show, you will find that many tears are often shed during the episodes. This is because the show portrays tragedy and loss in a way that is almost cruel. Meredith Grey has suffered so much pain throughout the show and it’s fair to say that all of us idolize her for her strength and dignity through everything that has been sent her way. If there’s one thing that Meredith has taught us, it’s that pain helps us to grow, and hard times shape us into the people we are meant to become. We’ve witnessed Meredith grow as a person throughout the years, and she truly shows us that what doesn’t kill you makes you stronger.

2. We all need our person.

Another lesson that Grey’s has taught us is that everyone needs their person: the one that they fully rely on when they can’t handle things on their own. As is easily observed through watching the show, life is hard, and bad things happen even to the best of people. One aspect that the show exemplifies is the value of true friendship and having people in our lives that we can rely on when things seem to be at their worst.

3. Boundaries hinder us.

Grey’s has showed us that by developing strict boundaries, we only hurt ourselves. This has been shown through several collapsed relationships and broken hearts on the show. Whether we put up walls to hide ourselves inside, or to keep others out, we are restraining a genuine aspect of our human nature. Sometimes, to really connect with others, and experience relationships in the purest form, we need to take down our walls, let ourselves be free, and let other people in.

4. Live each day like it's the last one you've got.

This is without a doubt, probably the most cliché saying, but as overused as it is, it definitely holds significant truth. Throughout all of the loss experienced by characters on the show, they teach us that life is too short to wait. You never know what is going to happen from one day to the next, so we have to live without hesitation. If you love someone, tell them. If there’s something you need to do, do it. Don’t spend your life waiting for tomorrow to come, because If it doesn’t, you’ll always regret the things you didn’t do.

5. He's not the sun, you are.

One of my favorite parts of the show is the Season 10 finale when Cristina talks to Meredith and reminds her of her significance in comparison to Derek. It’s fairly easy to get caught up when we’re in a relationship, and there’s nothing wrong with putting someone else’s needs as a priority. It becomes a problem when their needs engulf yours, so much so that your voice becomes suffocated and ultimately extinguished. It’s important for us to remember that at the end of the day we will always have ourselves, and that we alone can be our own best friend. Sometimes even though it’s difficult, we have to do what’s best for us. We have to take the blinders off, and allow ourselves to breathe on our own again.