With the release of JK Rowling’s long-awaited book, "Harry Potter and the Cursed Child," it’s no surprise that there have been mixed reactions to reading it.
In addition to the release, Rowling also revealed that this would be the final installment of the Harry Potter series. Which means... NO MORE MAGIC. Just kidding, but not really. She stated that “this is the next generation” and that she is “done” with Harry. To be fair, she did say that she “never wanted to write another novel” after the Deathly Hallows installment and, while it was a blessing for her fans, it is also a slight letdown.
Even though I’m a tad upset that there will never be new content involving the boy who lived, I am grateful for the hours I spent living in his world and joining his magical journey.
Feeling pretty nostalgic and thinking back to the first time I and opened and read "Harry Potter and the Philosopher's Stone" to the last time I read the pages and closed the final book "Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows," I can't help but think of everything I've learned from the magical journey I took thanks to JK Rowling.
Loyal Potterhead or not, anyone can benefit from a few of the many life lessons Harry Potter and the rest of the wizarding world had to offer us muggles.
1. Being different isn’t a bad thing
Being unique and unlike the norm is part of what defines us and we shouldn't change just because others might think you're weird.
Luna went against the average look of a witch and lived her life as a rule-free and nature loving person. Be a Luna Lovegood in the world of Draco Malfoys.
2. Money isn’t everything
The Weasleys definitely taught us that being happy doesn't have to come from money but through the love between family and friends.
Despite their financial struggles, the Weasleys never struggled with their happiness unlike the Malfoy family, who had all the money in the world and yet lived a cold life. Money can buy new clothes and titles, but it doesn't buy a lifetime of happiness.
3. Mistakes make you stronger
Even if you don't get things right the first time, it's okay! Ron and Harry made the worst mistakes, especially when it involved underage driving and a flying car, but they always learned from their mistakes and it made them better wizards!
So next time you make a mistake, just remember that even the best witches and wizards had their days.
4. Education is an adventure in itself
Okay, so even though we weren't blessed with schools of literal magic like Hogwarts, the education throughout Hogwarts taught us how books can save a life, teachers can inspire and lessons can trigger unlimited ideas.
Education in Hogwarts taught us that education is a vital and magical thing to withhold.
5. Sometimes, love is hard
Even witches and wizards had love problems that no love potion could fix.
Their relationship revealed that love doesn't come easy but with a little care and time, it can work. On the other hand, even the famous Harry had his fair share of romantic losses and he showed us the harsh realities of heartbreak and unrequited love.
6. True friendship can withstand anything![]()
The friendships in the Harry Potter series were the most important aspect throughout each book, especially the friendship of Harry, Hermione and Ron.
Going up against evil creatures and defeating dark wizards, Hermione and Ron were always found by Harry's side. They went through good and bad times but in the end, their friendship grew stronger with every year spent together.
Whether you're a wizard, witch or muggle, true friendship will always prevail.
7. Magic is real
Magic is all around us. Sure, it may not be wand magic or Floo powder, but it's the kind of magic that assures us that life is good.
Life is our storybook and magical things like love, friendship and courage let us know that magic is all around us waiting to be discovered, we just have to be willing open the book in order to find it.
Throughout the time I spent in the wizarding world in both book and film form, I learned that life lessons can be found lurking in the shadow corridors of Hogwarts. Even roaming in the Forbidden Forest, or while boarding the train on platform 9 3/4. I hope that future readers that have yet to discover this world and go on this epic journey with Harry Potter, will enjoy and appreciate it as much as I have.
Thank you, JK Rowling, for making my life magical.
