What if J.M. Barrie didn't intend for his masterpiece to be for children? As I have gotten older, his classic story about not growing up has actually taught me some of the greatest lessons about life. Peter Pan is known for his unwillingness to grow up, and Neverland seems like the perfect home. Though the idea of never aging may be appealing, but whatever your age, Barrie's words will show you how to live this incredible adventure called life.
1. “It is not in doing what you like, but in liking what you do that is the secret of happiness.”
Perhaps you’re stuck at work or exercising in the mid-summer heat. No matter what unfortunate task you’re currently involved in, enjoy the moment. Live for the present. Smile more. If you live every moment with enthusiasm, then every second of your life will be a wonderful adventure. You may not being doing what you want to do, but don’t let your selfish desires keep you from being an uplifting presence in the world. You never know the simple joys you can find in life.
2. “No matter how hard we try to be mature, we will always be a kid when we all get hurt and cry.”
Whether you’re 7 or 70, everyone suffers. Unfortunately, sadness is universal, and it doesn’t discriminate. Even perfect creatures like Tinkerbell have their struggle. As tough as we try to be, you can’t hide from pain. It isn’t something you should be ashamed of, rather you should share it with others, because hiding your grief can be even more destructive than the pain itself. Lean on others, and let them comfort you.
3. “I suppose it's like the ticking crocodile, isn't it? Time is chasing after all of us.”
There’s a time for everything. Wendy knew when she needed to go back home, and even the Lost Boys decided it was time to leave Neverland. Unfortunately, Neverland isn't real and time goes on, even if we don't want it to sometimes. Time is one of the few things in life that we cannot control. Don't let time drag in your life. You'll end up regretting it. Give each second everything you have, and never take time for granted because we don't know how much we have.
4. “Never say goodbye because goodbye means going away and going away means forgetting.”
This can be relevant to a high school graduation, seeing a good friend move away, or even watching a loved one pass on. Goodbye might be one of the most painful words in the English language (unless you're saying it to someone you're not necessarily fond of). Whether it's someone or something, it's difficult to let go. Peter Pan didn't want to be forgotten, nor the many adventures he shared with Wendy. Just like in our lives, we need to hold on to precious memories and look forward to the ones we haven't made yet.
5. “The moment you doubt whether you can fly, you cease forever to be able to do it.”
Don't limit yourself or doubt your abilities to accomplish something. Have confidence, because if you don't believe in you, then who will? When you have this unstoppable poise, there's nothing that can bring you down. You are in control of your life, so reach for the starts (preferably the second one to the right) and never stop dreaming.
6. “You know that place between sleep and awake, that place where you still remember dreaming? That’s where I’ll always love you. That’s where I’ll be waiting.”
Even though this isn’t from the actual book (reference to Hook, one of my all-time favorite movies), it still brings out an incredible feeling. Each person can find a unique meaning in this quote, but it reminds me of that tranquil, peaceful state right when I wake up, or perhaps a daydream. It’s where your unconscious meets conscious, and for a few short seconds, your mind is capable of anything. Your brain has special abilities in this state, and the possibilities of what our mind can do is far beyond what it can in any other moment. Your dreams seem like reality, and for those short few seconds, you are so at peace with the world.
7. "Wendy, one girl is more use than twenty boys.”
This is one of my favorite quotes, and I couldn’t agree with J.M. Barrie any more. Women are strong, powerful beings, and we are capable of so much. We have the ability to be overflowing with love for you while also trying to rip your head off. We are pretty, smart, and not afraid to show our insanity. We're remarkable creatures that can accomplish so many great things. We even make other humans! If that isn't enough for you to see our awesomeness then I don't know what is. I might be biased when I say girls can do anything boys can do better, but we can.
8. “All you need is faith, trust and a little bit of pixie dust.”
Although pixie dust may be hard to find, faith and trust are a lot more tangible. We can’t control everything, so have perseverance in hard times, and know that everything will work out the way it’s supposed to. Have faith in good things, and in dark times search for light. Believe in magical moments and trust your own intuition. With these ingredients, there's nothing that can stop you from achieving your dreams.
