Even though Scandal is officially ending after this season Olivia Pope has taught us many life lessons since the show premiered a little over five years ago.

No matter what life has thrown at her, Olivia Pope has always come out on top of it. In today’s movie and TV industry which doesn’t seem to have entirely caught up with women of the 21^st century being independent, hard-working, intelligent badasses who can do whatever they put their mind to, Scandal is such a breath of fresh air. Granted, that is not to say that Olivia Pope doesn’t have her own flaws or even the tendency to get a bit too power thirsty but that’s nothing we would ever really criticize a man for so why should we do it with her?

So, no matter what your opinion about Olivia Pope is or if you have never even watched an episode of scandal, here are some of the best takeaways from the show.

1. The sky is your limit

You can do whatever you put your mind to it. Whether that's in academia, in the job world or in your personal life. Whatever goal you set yourself, go for it. If you are willing to put in the hard work, effort, commitment and determination no one can stop you. Don't listen to anyone who is trying to tell you otherwise.

2. Put your big girl pants on

Gone are the times where your parents would make your doctor's appointments and take care of your problems for you. And that is quite alright. Take control of your own life and handle these things. Not only will it make you stronger but you will also learn how to deal with anything that life throws at you. There is no better feeling in the world after you have accomplished something that you did all on your own.

3. You only belong to yourself

Only you can belong to yourself. No one else can take such control of you, whether it would be your family, your partner or even your friends. At the end of the day, it really comes down to what it is that you want. You will always be able to rely 100% on yourself.

4. Sometimes wine is really the answer

There is no way that you will always have it together. Anyone trying to tell you otherwise is lying. No matter how much a person's life seems to be together, there are always moments where we don't know how to keep going. And in exactly those moments, the wine will help you through it. Even if it just to make you think of something else for a night, but that time off might be exactly what you need. Always remember, that it's more than ok to let loose every once in a while. Life is serious enough as it is.