Most people who know me know that "Parks and Recreation" is my absolute favorite show. By how often I talk about the show and reference it in my daily life, people think I've been watching it since it first aired. But the truth is, I only started watching it when it was on its last season. This might sound dramatic, but the show really changed my life. It may not be the first show of its kind, but it is the first show of its kind that I really got into. I urge anyone looking for a comedy, or just something fun, to watch "Parks and Rec" because it may just be the show that can change your life too. Here are few reason why:
1. I learned to treat myself.
One of the most iconic episodes of "Parks and Rec" is the one where Donna and Tom celebrate their annual holiday Treat Yo' Self Day. In this episode, they teach us the importance of allowing yourself to indulge in whatever it is that makes you happy. Treat Yo' Self Day is celebrated by fans on October 13, which is the day that the episode first aired in 2011. But you don't have to limit the pampering to just one single day each year. Many fans live the "Treat Yo' Self" lifestyle every single day. "Treat yo' self," is my most used phrase now. My friends rarely come to me anymore when they're debating whether or not to treat themselves because they already know what I'm going to say, and it makes me so proud when they say it to me.
2. I fell in love with Li'l Sebastian.
Li'l Sebastian is a miniature horse and he is a huge deal. He's famous! There was a song written about him. There were shirts made for him (one of which I own). And Leslie Knope has even said, "Sebastian may have been li'l, but his impact on this town, and the Parks Department, was anything but li'l." It's hard to explain why he's such a huge deal, but he is. Just trust me on this.
3. I now have an endless supply of quotes and references.
"Parks and Rec" offers tons of quotes and references that you can easily slip into casual conversation. When talking to people who don't watch the show, they may think you're hilarious for coming up with that joke. For those who do watch the show, they'll think you're hilarious for making the perfect reference. It's a win-win situation! I, for one, reference the show constantly. I celebrate all the made-up holidays, like Galentine's Day. I once named a friend's fish Torple after Leslie Knope's imaginary fish. After "Treat yo' self," my second most used phrase is, "This one time on 'Parks and Rec...'" My friends have even tried to keep track of how long I can go without making a "Parks and Rec" reference. The record isn't very long.
4. I have a really awesome playlist.
"Parks and Rec" has provided me with some great jams. From Andy Dwyer's band, Mouse Rat, we have "5,000 Candles in the Wind," "Catch Your Dream," and the song that started it all, "The Pit." Another great hit is Chip McCapp's, "Beautiful Like My Mom (Support the Troops)." We also have songs such as "Time After Time" by Cyndi Lauper and "Get On Your Feet" by Gloria Estefan which weren't originally from "Parks and Rec," but after watching the show, all I can think of when I hear those songs is "Parks and Rec."
5. I realized I can write comedy.
6. It has given me goals to be more like Leslie Knope.
7. It has made me a more positive person.
I started watching "Parks and Rec" as just another series to get into. What I didn't expect was for it to make me laugh so much that I forgot all my worries. It's a comforting show, with lovable characters and hilarious plots to each episode. After watching "Parks and Rec," I realized I've become a much more positive person. It's probably either the influence that Leslie Knope has had on me or that I learned to treat myself, but it's still important that everyone has something to help give them optimism, and for me, "Parks and Rec" did just that.
