Black Entertainment Television (better known as the original BET network) has always had a way of making things a little too real when it comes to most of their hit television movies/shows. They never seem to miss hitting the nail on the head with some of the most powerful/fearful/dreaded realities that many individuals willingly try to avoid facing out here in the real world. The possibilities that some of these things may occur seem frightening and empowering, but there is always a price to be paid when it comes to these things and they never hesitate to embody those possibilities. From foreshadowing the near and distant future, to the flashings of a shattered past, nothing can ever prepare you for a hit series on the BET network. When I found myself turning on my Netflix, curled up on the couch in a blanket, snacking on a bowl of popcorn (with the movie theatre butter, of course) just beginning the third season of the hit show “Being Mary Jane,” I realized the network rang true to what they often preached.

Actress Gabrielle Union plays the character Mary Jane Paul, a beautifully flourished broadcast journalist who has more than enough room in her closet for all of the latest fashion, and more than enough room in her King sized bed for any man who’s sexy enough to grab her attention. As she attempts to keep her family well grounded, whether it be financially or emotionally, it only adds on to the stresses and struggles that her work and personal life seem to throw at her. However, while she journeys on her quest for love and happiness, her fascination with quotes and sticky-notes containing positivity seem to both speak and ground her just enough to where she doesn’t lose her mind.

I’m sure that many women who have seen the show, or have knowledge regarding the shows contexts will say they will never be (a) Mary Jane. There’s no denying that every woman has her moments of being a part of the spectrum of a Mary Jane, but if you could say something to those women, what would you say? She’d strike you as a beautiful, successful and bright woman, however, she won’t feel the same way from within herself. The makers of “Being Mary Jane” must have thought about this idea from the start.

Here’s 10 quotes from the hit series that every woman should think about in regards to “Being Mary Jane."

1. “When we talk about putting ourselves first, we are really talking about knowing our value. You can’t do that without understanding the truth of who you are.” — Mikki Taylor

2. “Don’t wait around for other people to be happy for you. Any happiness you get you’ve got to make yourself.” — Alice Walker

3. “The woman must not depend upon the protection of man, but must be taught to protect herself.” — Susan B. Anthony

4. “Success is not final, failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.” — Winston Churchill

5. “We have to let go of the life we planned…to accept the one that is waiting for us.” — Joseph Campbell

6. “Not everything that is faced can be changed, but nothing can be changed until it is faced.” — James Baldwin

7. “When I dare to be powerful, to use my strength in the service of my vision, then it becomes less and less important whether I am afraid.” — Audre Lorder

8. “Trust yourself. You know more than you think you do.” — Benjamin Spock

9. “The truth is, everyone is going to hurt you. You just have to find the ones worth suffering for.” — Bob Marley

10. “Resist your fear; fear will never lead you to a positive end.” — T.D. Jakes