It's a well accepted idea that "art imitates life" and JK Rowling certainly proved that in her thrilling Harry Potter tales.
Each time I see or read anything pertaining to the series, I realize more and more how much it portrays the lives we lead.
From being sorted in a house, to being inspired by Hermione, to feeling chastened by the professors, Rowling never disappoints where life lessons are concerned.
"The Chamber of Secrets", released in 2002, was definitely a worthy follow up to its predecessor, both in story line and in quotes.
Without further adieu, here are the top 7 inspiring quotes I found, and the lessons they reminded me of in this dark life
1."You will find that help will always be given at Hogwarts to those who ask for it."-Dumbledore
We need people. It's a fact of life that we can't make it through this on our own. Regardless of how resilient or tough we think we may be, we're all weak humans at the end of the day. It takes a few of us banding together to truly make it through this life. So, as Dumbledore implied, ask for help and it will be given to you.
2."Sure! Let's all throw books at Myrtle, because she can't feel it! Ten points if you get it through her stomach!"- Moaning Myrtle
Honestly, Myrtle is one of the most heartbreaking characters I've ever seen (next to Gollum, Vader, and Dobby, of course). I wonder if perhaps the point Rowling wanted to make was that no matter how little we think a person feels, bullying them will always hurt, even if it's just books (aka words).
3."It's alright Ginny, It's over. It's just a memory."-Harry
Nightmares, memories, and even unwanted Déjà vu are no fun. But, as the ever comforting Harry reminds us, it's over. The good thing about nightmares and memories is that, though they may haunt us at night, daylight and good friends tend to keep them at bay.
4."Spooky how the time flies when one's having fun."-Gilderoy
As aforementioned, friends heal a lot, as does laughter. The writer of Proverbs got it write when they said that "a merry heart does good like a medicine". Sometimes the best way to move past the hard times is to watch it fly by in photographs and videos of good memories with good people.
5."Why spiders? Why couldn't it be 'follow the butterflies'?"-Ron
As the ever-observant Ron reminds us, life isn't always butterflies and rainbows, even though we want it to be. Sometimes, there are going to be roaches and spiders and fruit flies. But those times are important too. They teach us about what we carry inside of us, the determination and the quiet strength. They also help us see clearly the people we have surrounding us and the worth they carry. So, never be afraid to follow a spider. It may lead you through the darkest night to the most glorious sunrise.
6."I'll be in my bedroom, making no noise and pretending that I don't exist."- Harry
Harry didn't want to hide exactly, but some days, you just need to. It's okay. Find a closet or a corner and take some deep breaths.
7."It is not our abilities that show what we truly are. It is our choices."-Dumbledore
Choices make us who we are. There may be days you feel as if you can't go on-- Keep going any way. It's your choices, not your circumstances, that determine how your life plays out. The strongest people are not the ones who never hurt, but those who live beautiful lives in spite of their pain.
God creates us with gifts and talents, but we are the only ones who can choose to use them to follow His lead. Embrace who you are and how He made you, and do your part to make our world a little better each day.
