While watching the hit ABC show "Once Upon a Time," there are many life lessons that you gain from a sea of complex characters. And nobody is more complex on the show than Regina Mills, also known as The Evil Queen. Through her ups and her downs, from her villainy to her heroism, Regina has taught us so much these past five seasons, each snarky comment and all. And since Season 6 is going to focus on Regina even more, I think it's time that we look over Regina and the lessons she has taught us as viewers. Here are the top 10 truths by Regina Mills.
1. With dedication and hard work, you can do whatever you set your mind to.
When Regina feels vengeful, she really feels it. After Snow White wronged her, she made it her life's mission to make sure she never saw happiness again and planned a multiple step curse in order to allow it to happen. If that's not dedication, I don't know what is.
2. Loving someone takes time, and it's OK if you don't know how to fully open yourself up yet.
It has been proven that Regina has had a hard time expressing her love to others, and ultimately she chooses hate more often than none because it is easier. Through Regina's desire to love Daniel, Henry, and Robin, we see a more human side of her, one that takes patience.
3. Even if you're put inside a box with a label, you still have the opportunity to grow.
Regina is placed upon the label of "villain" and starts to accept she cannot change. However, over the course of the show, we see Regina be more open to goodness, creating a character with multiple facets of good and evil.
4. It's OK to be vulnerable in life.
Regina has had her moments where she needs to break down in front of someone, whether her father, Cora, or Emma. Through her vulnerable state, we as the audience relate to her sorrows and desires and that her so called "evil acts" have a purpose behind them. The Evil Queen has feelings too, y'know!
5. Stand up for your friends no matter what.
Regina, who originally didn't have any friends at all, has showed us recently that she is willing to protect the group whenever possible--specifically Emma, who used to be her biggest rival. This friendship has blossomed considerably, and when Emma gains some evil inside of her, Regina acknowledges her own state and hopes for Emma to not have to go down a similar path. You go, Regina!
6. Be independent and focus on your goals and dreams.
Regina says it herself: a man is not the end goal for her. We could all learn from her in that a relationship can be a part of happiness, but learning to discover yourself first should be the top priority. "Once" does really well portraying strong independent protagonists, both male and female, and with Regina, we get a person who really cares about figuring out who she really is within.
7. Sassy comebacks are the key to success.
Going off being strong, Regina is known for her witty remarks whenever a situation arises. Words can really leave a lasting impact, so it's best to be ready whenever someone starts to insult your character.
8. But always learn to pick your battles.
Regina has also taught us that there is a time and place for battles and sometimes "now" is not the time. Sometimes taking a deep breath and reassessing the situation can do wonders for your life.
9. Always make your existence known.
Regina really knows when to make an entrance, poofing to and fro and such. Always bring your personality into the room as much as you can, as it will greatly affect those around you.
10. Face your fears one step at a time.
What Regina is most known for is overcoming the many obstacles that she has feared her entire life. She feared being a villain and learned to gain some goodness. She feared her mother's wishes and learned to accept them. She feared being alone and learned that there will always be a person willing to give a lending hand. Regina is the poster child of facing fears, and we should all learn accordingly.
Whether good or evil, whether Regina or The Evil Queen, Regina has been my favorite character due to her complexity and the number of lessons that have helped her to grow as a human being. As Season 6 approaches, let's hope for more growth in her character, and more sass sprinkled in every now and again. We can all find something relatable in Regina Mills if we look a little closer in the mirror.
