This past year I’ve grown quite fond of the show The Flash. The show is much more than a super-fast hero. Barry Allen is part of a team that works hard to fight meta-humans who were affected by the particle accelerator. Even though it’s fictional there are still life lesson contained in it. Here is a brief list of them:

1. The imperative of having close friends

With life’s ceaseless trials and struggles it’s easy to acquiesce to the problems, but having a consistent friend group can bolster your confidence in who you are and provide support in both life’s adversities and successes. Those who know you best are the experts in your life, meaning they can give you advice for those endeavors you’re contemplating about. In the show, Barry Allen, the Flash, encounters numerous difficulties, however, he is able to overcome them with the committed support from his friends: Cisco Ramon, Caitlyn Snow, and Joe West.

2. Life is abundantly full of rewards

Ever get tired of the daily grind and routine? Same. The key to unlocking our full potential is in the hands of motivation, we just have to tap into it. Cisco Ramon, the witty and intelligent scientist/nerd, came from humble beginnings, but nonetheless, he rose up to becoming one of Earth’s most gifted scientist. Cisco pursued his dreams despite the interminable hurdles, he had to deal with never impressing his parents, and dealt with not being good enough. However, we know Cisco subdued those challenges and became one of Barry’s closest friends.

3. Don’t let rash feelings dictate your actions

As we know from the show, Barry lost his mother when he was eleven and his father was sent to prison. When given the opportunity to go back in time to save his mother, Barry doesn’t realize all of the blessings in his life until he almost loses it all. Barry teaches us that rash decisions have undesirable consequences that can be long-lasting.

4. Family matters

Sometimes we don’t understand how important family really is. Barry shows us why family matters. Without the support of his father, Barry would be lost. Despite his father being in jail for the Reverse Flash’s crime, Barry is still able to have strong relationship with his father. In life we inevitably face hardships, but with the support of family, we can overcome them.

5. Failure is necessary at times

Thomas Edison failed countless times before creating the light bulb. In fact, he failed ten thousand times. In the Flash, Barry encounters mostly success, but still faces some failure. Sometimes it takes failure to refine and humble us. When we fail to succeed we are often reminded of how we need God in order to live fulfilling lives.