The American version of "The Office" has been a favorite of mine and many since it first came out. After re-watching it (probably more times than I'd like to admit), I really started to understand some of the life lessons the show taught me.
1. Life is nothing without whimsy.
Whimsy is defined as "playfully quaint or fanciful behavior or humor." Michael Scott, the manager of the Scranton branch in The Office, is full of whimsy. His over reactions, quirkiness, emotions, and morality taught me that even though he is vulnerable he is one of the most genuine people. Even though Michael did some really dumb things, his heart, humility and whimsy were admirable.
2. Love can be found right in front of your face.
As seen by Jim and Pam, one of the cutest love stories blossomed from their initial friendship. Watching their friendship change to love was so reassuring. I feel as though sometimes we accept love that we think we deserve when really we deserve so much more. Similarly, Pam started off being engaged to Roy for years until she grew the balls to break it off. I think Pam loved Jim the whole time but just didn't know how to get out of her situation. Her personal growth and change is so relatable for young women and men who feel that we they must rush to be in love and married. (Not bashing young married couples, so don't think that!)
3. There is always someone who is the kiss-ass.
Doesn't matter what situation you are in; work, school, friend groups etc. Someone is always the kiss ass. Now, that's not to say that it's always a bad thing, but that person can get annoying at times. The older I get the more I realize that this person exists is almost every situation. Maybe somedays you have to avoid this person for fear of wanting to strangle them. Or maybe somedays their ass kissing works in your favor so you egg them on. Either way, they will always be there.
4. Mistakes are inevitable.
Whether it's deciding to try parkour and almost killing Andy, attempting to reenact suicide and dropping a watermelon on Stanley's car, forgetting to fire someone until the last possible minute, or kissing Oscar these mistakes happened with good intentions. Michael Scott is probably the number one mistake maker, but he tries his hardest to learn from them. In our lives we are bound to make mistakes we don't intend to but that only makes us who we are.
5. Sometimes you just have to be the bigger person.
Michael Scott always loved being loved. He had a hard time being the bigger person and saying sorry, but throughout the series he attempts to be the bigger person. The act of being the bigger person sometimes is as simple as saying sorry when you don't feel that you've done anything wrong, or holding your tongue when it's really hard to do so. In the adult world everyone is going to come across a difficult person who they just can't seem to see eye to eye with. But, to make things smoother sometimes you just have to take one for the team. Now that's not to say you have to take being treated badly for forever, but you can't win them all.
