Inspiration can find you when you least expect it. Like, for example, while watching your favorite show. I watch a very wide range of show—rom the Kardashians to "Law and Order"—and I write down my favorite quotes while I'm watching. I have found that so many shows I watch have lines that we can all relate to and live by. I have compiled a list of some of the best lessons you can take from popular television shows.
1. "You can seek the advice of others, surround yourself with trusted advisors, but in the end, the decision is always yours and yours alone. When it’s time to act and you’re all alone with your back against the wall, the only voice that matters is the one in your head."—Grey's Anatomy
If you are a "Grey's" fan like me, you probably live for Meredith's monologues. You get to tap into her mind and get a little bit of wisdom in every episode. This quote is very eye opening; at the end of the day, you only have yourself to rely on. You are completely in control of your life, regardless of anyone else.
2. "Victory stands on the back of sacrifice."—The 100
If you are unfamiliar with "The 100," it is about a group of people who live on a space station, after nuclear warfare destroyed Earth. They decide to send down 100 prisoners to see if they can return to their planet once again. Upon their arrival, they find that there are people living on Earth, the "grounders." The commander of the grounders, Lexa, said this line before a battle. This quote reminds me that in order to succeed, you must sacrifice. No victory, big or small, comes easily.
3. "Fool me once, strike one, but fool me twice...strike three."—The Office
Though Michael Scott simply botched the infamous, "Fool me once, shame on you," quote, I took it as something meaningful. Scott's version can be interpreted as meaning don't give anyone too many chances; if they fool you twice, they're out.
4. "Money is the McMansion in Sarasota that falls apart after 10 years. Power is the old stone building that stands for centuries."- "House of Cards"
Frank Underwood is a leader, willing to go to any extreme to get what he wants. Though he is corrupt, he has some great lines in the show. This one inspires me to strive for power, it will carry me farther than money.
5. "Kim, there's people that are dying."—Keeping Up With the Kardashians
That's right, even trashy reality television can teach you a thing or two. If you are a Kardashian junkie like me, you probably recall the iconic moment when Kim lost her diamond earring in the ocean. While Kim was hysterically crying over it, Kourtney "down-to-earth" Kardashian reminded her that there are things far more severe than losing a piece of jewelry. This quote can be applied to pretty much any minor problems we have. Our phone dies, we fail an exam, a bad breakup, it's not the end of the world.
6. "Because it's only when you're tested, that you truly discover who you are. And it's only when you're tested, that you discover who you can be. The person you want to be does exist. Somewhere on the other side of hard work and faith and belief... and beyond the heartache and fear of what lies ahead."—One Tree Hill
There is so much truth to this quote when you think about it. You learn the most about yourself when you are faced with a challenging situation. Oftentimes these situations require you to do something you didn't know you could, and a different layer of you is revealed.
7. “You can't cling to the past, because no matter how tightly you hold on, it's already gone.”—How I Met Your Mother
Though it is sad to admit, Ted Mosby was right. Dwelling on the past won't do you any good. The past is gone, the present will fade, you have to focus on what's ahead.