Poor Charlie Brown can never seem to catch a break. Whether it’s finding a twig of a tree for an important Christmas show, missing the football on Thanksgiving, or being called a blockhead for no good reason, he just can’t seem to get it together. But through all of the Peanut gang shenanigans, a few valuable lessons can be learned and taught. Celebrating their 50th anniversary this year, here are a few simple lessons Charlie Brown and friends have taught me.
1. Never make assumptions about people.
Whether it's an old friend or someone new you have just met, you should never assume you are both on the same page. All too often we surround ourselves with like-minded people, neglecting the fact not everyone thinks the way we do. Think before you speak and always ask questions. It'll save you from being called a blockhead.
2. Someone always gets the rock on Halloween.
As with everything, someone always has to get the short end of the stick. You may find your friend getting his or her dream job while you have to work you way up the ladder. You also might find someone getting lucky while you still struggle, or a friend becoming part of a group you are rejected from. As with everything happening for a reason, these happenings work out the way they are meant to. Don't over think it, after all it's just a rock.
3. The ones we love may not be the ones we are meant to be with.
One has to kiss a lot of frogs to find their princess or prince. No matter how many times you fall in or out of love, they're all stepping stones to someone amazing.
4. Not everyone will always think the way you do, or understand your jokes.
Not everyone is going to be as smart as you, have the same interests as you, or get your jokes. And that's ok! Shake it off and pretend like you don't notice. At worse all you'll have to do is come down to his or her level, and that's just fine. Someone will appreciate your sarcasm eventually.
5. It’s ok to remind yourself you are one of a kind because there truly is no one like you.
Don't be afraid to be confident and have a high self esteem. You're more than worth it. There is no one else in the world like you, so shine as bright as you want! No one else will do it for you.
6. There’s always going to be someone who brings you down.
People are going to bring you down, put you in your place, and call you a blockhead sometimes for no apparent reason. Take it in stride. Sometimes we need these people to put us in our place and remind us to stay humble. Other times, it's simply out of a mean spirit and you should just shrug it off. Words hurt and they stay with us, but they don't have to destroy us.
7. Give love where it is most needed.
Smile at someone you don't know, give a dollar to charity, be there for a friend. Love is one of the most powerful emotions that can change a person's life. Even giving a little bit can do a lot.
