Believe it or not, most of my major life lessons have come from the television series Grey's Anatomy. One in particular that has made an impact on the way I do life came from Season 10 Episode 24 - Fear (of the Unknown). For those of you who aren't Grey's fanatics, in this episode, Cristina finds herself back at Grey Sloan Memorial Hospital to dance it out with Meredith, but more importantly, give her a little (or big) piece of advice: "Don't let what he wants eclipse what you need. He is very dreamy but he is not the sun, you are."
Wow.
Up to this moment in my life, I was aiming to please anyone and everyone around me without ever thinking of myself. Now, don’t get me wrong, it is more than okay to find joy in bringing others happiness, but when you have lost yourself along with your own happiness in doing so, it’s time to reevaluate; thanks to Cristina, I reevaluated. Like Meredith, the “he” ruled me. Whether “he” is McDreamy, a significant other, parents, a friend, or even material items, “he” can affect us all the same. As a young adult it is so, so important to realize the presence of your personal needs and to be your own biggest fan. With so much life ahead of you, you cannot sacrifice your well being for other earthly desires. As great as it feels to satisfy the needs of others, it turns out, your needs are actually much more important. Why?
An eclipse is defined as a loss of light. In this sense, that literally means you’re enabling the loss of your own luminescence. Matthew 5:16 says “...let your light shine before others, that they may see your good deeds and glorify your Father in heaven.” What really spoke to me above all else from Cristina's quote was her telling Meredith, "You are (the sun)." The sun is the single greatest light in the world and humankind would not survive without it. The sun provides light for all and how ironic is it that Cristina, a fictional cardiologist was the person who made me realize this?! I am telling you, life lessons are everywhere. We have the most amazing opportunity to take advantage of our light, letting it illuminate the lives of those around us.
Think about this: Which would be brighter: a dark room with a single lamp or a room filled with 10 lamps? It's pretty obvious, right?
All in all, the reiteration of the symbolism of light prevails in that they all come down to one thing...you, but more importantly, what you choose to do with your light. There are so many people in this world who will try to dim your light and no matter how "McDreamy" they are, you mustn't let them. The purpose of this article isn't urging trading in selflessness for selfishness. Rather, I urge you to find your light and let it shine. YOU are the sun.
