We all grew up watching at least one anime series on TV, you can’t deny that. After the huge spike in popularity during the 80’s and 90’s, anime slowly made its way over to the states, and many series grew to be part of our childhoods and even defining series for us as teens. I’ve been watching anime since I was just a wee one, and I still re-watch some of my favorite series to this day, one of them being "Dragon Ball Z." Not only has anime been a source of endless entertainment, but beneath the surface it provides some essential life lessons to carry with you afterwards. And while I now realize this may not be the perfect series, it’s still quite a nostalgia trip worthy of looking back on.
1. It's never too late to change
There’s always time to become a better person. Whether you want to start exercising, find a relationship or change some bad habits, all it requires is a little discipline, some motivation and a lot of heart. It's never easy to make a change for yourself, but it could mean the world to someone else.
2. Pride is a double-edged sword
Pride is a healthy trait to possess. Know your own worth and be proud of what you can do. But too much pride makes you stubborn, and you may end up refusing help when you really need it because you believe you can manage all on your own. Even the best of us need help sometimes; it’s what makes us human. Sometimes staying humble and making a sacrifice is the best thing to do.
3. Follow your own path
It’s important to remember to be yourself and to make time to have fun doing what you love. You may come to a point where you need to follow a plan laid out for you in order to get somewhere, but try and make it your own. Thrive in your uniqueness. You don’t have to be who everyone else wants you to be. Embrace your inner child.
4. Be there for your friends
Being there for your friends is so important. Support them in their endeavors. Go to their concerts and plays, and be there when they’re upset as a shoulder to cry on; it doesn't have to be a grand gesture. Good friends are hard to come by so make sure to keep the right ones around. If you’re there for them, it’s almost guaranteed they’ll do the same for you.
5. Just because you're beautiful that doesn't mean you can't be a smart, independent woman
There’s an awful stereotype that pretty girls can’t be smart too, but that’s just plain wrong. Who you are on the outside doesn’t define who you actually are on the inside. The person you intend to judge based on how they look may actually lead an entirely different life than what you assume. Or on the contrary, their appearance may be an attempt to cover up something about themselves. Appearances aren’t everything; get to know people on a personal level.
6. Sometimes the key to your future is in your past
Learn from your mistakes and look to the future. Nothing is certain, which can be a scary thing. But if you stay positive and don’t make the same mistakes twice, you’ll be just fine. You can't change some things, they just happen naturally. However, you can change how you decide to react to them. Sometimes the bad experiences you want to forget may be a valuable lesson to take forward with you.
7. There's strength in numbers
You’re never truly alone –– help will always be there if you look hard enough. Stay close to your friends and family, and never be afraid to open up and talk about how you feel. If there’s an obstacle too great for you to overcome, no matter how small it may seem, reach out for help. There's no shame in admitting you need it.
