You know the show your family religiously watches together? The one you cue up on Netflix and wait to hit play until your mom finally comes to sit on the couch? My family's is "NCIS." There's just something about Leroy Jethro Gibbs, a Marine turned special agent, and his "quirky" (as Netflix describes them) team that seems to bring us all together. I believe that one of the biggest reasons is because as they deal with their cases and their personal lives, the team gives life advice that really resonates. Here is a list of 10 times "NCIS" has inspired me, and hopefully you too.
1. "I've seen bad turn to good plenty of times. You just can't lose faith."
Gibbs literally always knows the right thing to say, and as this quote shows, he gets right to the point. He draws on his own experience, seeming like a father figure to his team and sometimes the victim's families. This line is all the more inspiring because of the many traumas and unfair losses Gibbs has gone through. Like Gibbs said, you've gotta keep hoping for the best.
2. "One gets over the loss of a wallet or a watch, but a loved one, they never leave you."
Mossad officer turned special agent Ziva David has also gone through a lot of loss in her life, making her take on it all the more meaningful. Also like Gibbs, Ziva is blunt. That's what I love about this line from her; it's so simple, but it's completely true. Material objects are just that, and people, loved ones especially, are much more. Their meaning to you will never go away.
3. "Change is inevitable..."
Dr. Mallard, better known as Ducky, is the team's medical examiner. He's an older, English gentleman who loves to tell stories of his life. His wise words about embracing change imply that he has already personally learned that lesson. His words ring true because as his simile suggests, there really isn't a better option. Change is something we always have to live with.
4. "Family's more than just DNA. It's about people who care and take care of each other."
Through every season, through every episode, the NCIS team exemplifies a family dynamic. It doesn't matter which one of them is in trouble, or if all of them have managed to stay out of trouble for a few episodes, they have each other's backs. Their consistent love for each other, along with Gibbs' words about it, can remind everyone how valuable their friendships are.
5. "The things you do mean something to people."
Pictured with Gibbs is forensic scientist Abby Sciuto. Like the rest of the team, Abby strives to catch the bad guys, to do good. Like all of us, sometimes Abby needs reassurance that the work she does matters. Sometimes the bad seems too overwhelming and her efforts feel minimal or inadequate. But Gibbs is right: the things Abby, and the rest of us, do matter to others. Our efforts make a difference.
6. "You're never alone."
Because Ziva was born in Israel, Tony delivers this heartfelt line to her in Hebrew. Through any difficult moments in life, one of the most important things to hear is that you aren't alone. You always have friends and loved ones who share in your pain as well as your joy.
7. "Never take anything for granted."
Ah, a Gibbs rule. They all speak for themselves and thus teach us something about life, or Gibbs, or both. Rule No. 8 is particularly universal. Appreciate everything you have. It makes you much happier than wishing for the things you don't.
8. "Life is too short to not tell someone you love them if you do."
Just like Tony says, it is a cliche, but it's true. Again, Tony's personal experience of going through many woman and only truly caring for a few make these words more powerful. This cliche correctly implies that we each only have one life, and who knows how long it'll be, so we might as well get right to the important stuff. You have to let people know if they matter to you. (I would like to note that this line coming from Tony, as well as No. 6, gives me all the feels #tivaforever).
9. "There is no such thing as coincidence."
This is another Gibbs Rule and one of my personal favorites at that. I love it because I believe in another cliche that says everything happens for a reason. If you have a gut feeling, as Gibbs is famous for, go with it. We may not all investigate crimes, but we do have daily experiences where we look back and think, "Of course __ meant ___. I can't believe I didn't realize that!" In the words of LJG, "Always go with your gut."
10. "Never accept an apology from somebody who just sucker-punched you."
I think this is a great lesson to leave off on. It may not seem inspirational right away, but look at it again. Hint: it's a Gibbs Rule because it's a trusted life lesson. It may seem negative, and it may not always apply, but I'd argue it's a great rule of thumb to hold out on those who just wronged you. Make them understand the gravity of what they've done. Stand up for yourself and demand respect.
From this list, and the rest of the wonderful, poignant lines from "NCIS," the two most inspiring elements of this show can be narrowed down to respect and appreciation. Gibbs was a Marine who earned the respect of many, and continually shows the same respect to others. He has taught his team to carry themselves in a similar fashion; they trust their own instincts and only challenge authority when their gut tells them to. They also appreciate all of their team members, along with the tremendous opportunity they have to do good in the world.
I think anyone could learn a lot about life by watching "NCIS."
