Life is hard that’s not a secret. Sometimes we find ourselves at a fork in the road as we try to figure something out. Regardless of what that something is, it’s going to seem like you’ve hit a dead end. You might not want to admit it, but the possibility exists. "One Tree Hill" might not be a new show, but it’s one that still tells that relatable story. There’s something about watching the drama unfold in Tree Hill that really helps you out. But "One Tree Hill" offers so much more than a dramatic step away from reality. It teaches lessons that can come in handy no matter your age.
“But our biggest regrets are not for the things we did but for the things we didn't do, things we didn't say that could have saved someone we care about. Especially when we can see the dark storm that's headed their way.” -Lucas Scott
There’s things we regret, that’s part of life. But living with the feeling that we didn’t do everything we could to save that one person we care about, to know that you could’ve said something to maybe change their mind, that’s hard. Not saying sorry when you need to. Not fighting to hold onto that person. Those are all things that the regret will eat away at you for. You can see the darkness coming, but is it enough for you to say something? Don’t be afraid to be there for your friend, they might be silently waiting for you to notice.
"I gave you my heart and that's all I can give you, and if that's not enough, then I'm not enough." -Haley James Scott
Don’t ever let someone feel like you’re not good enough. Don’t let someone take away your self-worth. You are important and they need to love you for all of you. If that’s not happening, you don’t need them that badly. Let them walk away.
"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 that 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 life has." -Lucas Scott
You know how people say that the toughest situations go to the strongest people? Yep, that’s true. Every hard moment you encounter makes you into who you are. If life was easy, and you were never tested, would you grow as a person? Challenges force you to grow and change. It’s okay to be tested. It won’t always seem worth it, but it is.
"There comes a time when every life goes off course. In this desperate moment you must choose your direction. Will you fight to stay on the path while others tell you who you are? Or will you label yourself? Will you be honored by your choice? Or will you embrace your new path? Each morning you choose to move forward or to simply give up.” -Lucas Scott
Stay true to yourself. Do what makes you happy. Live for you and nobody else. Don’t let anything dull you or take away your pride. You’re the person who matters.
"Have you ever wondered what marks our time here? If one life can really make an impact on the world...or if the choices we make matter? I believe they do. And I believe that one man can change many lives. For better...or worse." -Lucas Scott
Life seems like one complex thing. You make choices each day, but do they mean something larger than you? They can. You never know when you’ll make an impact on someone, on the world, on yourself. Every choice you make matters for something, you might not know it right away, but it does.
"I don’t really think people can change, you know, at the end of the day you are who you are and it’s probably who you’ve always been."- Brooke Davis
You can try and try to change someone, but they’ll always be who they are. You can tell yourself all you want that it’s possible, but it’s not. You are who you are for a reason. Some things might change, but deep down you’ll remain the same.
"But what are we waiting for? All we have is now. Don’t run from this." -Mouth McFadden
Stop running away from things. Face them head on. Don’t run away when things get tough. Don’t wait around for things to happen, make them happen.
“You wanna know what I think? I think you do love me or you could love me, but you’re just too stubborn and scared to admit it because the last time you gave your heart to someone, it got broken. And I get that, I’ve been there, but somewhere along the line you gave up on the idea that you deserve to feel this way again.” – Julian Baker
Commitment. Love. Relationships. Those words might scare some people. Stop letting your fear get in the way of your happiness. You’re able to love. Don’t fight it anymore. You’ve been hurt, I get that. Haven’t we all? But that doesn’t mean it will always happen that way. But remember: you deserve to feel loved no matter what.
“I’ve come to the conclusion that if having things turn out the way you wanted them to is a measure of a successful life, then some would say I’m a failure. The important thing is not to be bitter over life’s disappointments. Learn to let go of the past. And recognize that every day won’t be sunny, and when you find yourself lost in the darkness and despair, remember it’s only in the black of night you see the stars. And those stars will lead you back home. So don’t be afraid to make mistakes, to stumble and fall, cause most of the time, the greatest rewards come from doing the things that scare you the most. Maybe you’ll get everything you wish for. Maybe you’ll get more than you ever could have imagined. Who knows where life will take you. The road is long and in the end, the journey is the destination.” – Coach Whitey Durham
This one is one of my all-time favorites, Coach Durham always spoke such great words. While yes, being successful feels great. There’s no reason to feel like a failure if things don’t work out just right. Disappointments will happen. Take the good with the bad. Don’t let it tear you down, it’ll be okay. You will make it.
So if things are getting tough and you just need to binge watch some relateable TV or you're craving the lessons you can learn while not realizing it (with extra cute boys on the TV) turn yourself to "One Tree Hill". It's helped me through the hard times and I'm sure it'll do the exact same for you!
