This past weekend, Netflix released an original series based on the novel "13 Reasons Why" by Jay Asher. While the novel was published back in 2007, here we are, 10 years later obsessing over the TV show based off of it. If you scroll through Twitter or Facebook at any given time, you are more than likely going to see at least one post about it.
Some people are disappointed in the changes from the book, but overall it has received a lot of praise. There are many lessons that can be learned just from watching this one season, 13-episode story. In fact, there are 13+ reasons why we should watch it.
1. Social media has a real impact.
We know this, or so we like to think. We know that social media plays a huge role in our society today, but do we really understand how impactful it can be on individual lives?
2. You never know what someone is going through.
Just because someone always has a smile on their face doesn't necessarily mean they aren't hurting on the inside. Be there for the people around you, whether you know them well or not. You never know what sort of an impact you may make on a person.
3. What you say or do really does matter.
Yes, it may seem like nothing to you, but it could be huge to someone else. Be careful with your words and actions towards others. Anything and everything can affect someone.
4. The small things are important.
Again, it could mean absolutely nothing to you and the world to someone else. Your "small joke" may actually hurt. In this case, a smile could even be considered a small thing. You never know when a simple smile can change someone's day.
5. Listen.
Our generation struggles with this because of the impact of technology. We get caught up in our phones and usually don't even have real face-to-face conversations. Take time to disconnect from technology and listen to what is going on around you.
6. Everyone truly has their own story.
You may know someone through and through and still not know everything. You never know what someone has been through or the things that have happened to get them to this point in their lives. Be respectful of that.
7. It happens every day.
The situations displayed in the TV series may seem extreme or unrealistic but unfortunately, they happen every day. While it may just be a show to one person, it may be a reality for another.
8. We actually see the effects of bullying.
Bullying has become even easier with the help of technology, and the show strongly depicts that. Whether it be a small, rude comment or spreading rumors across the school, bullying really does damage a person.
9. It matters.
It may seem like "none of this matters" but it does. Every experience we have slowly molds us into the person we are meant to be.
10. Talk to your parents.
They love you. A lot more than anyone else ever could. Don't shut them out just because it comes across as a bother to you. They are there for you above anyone else.
11. Accept people for who they are.
Just because someone isn't a spitting image of you doesn't make them anymore or less of a person. Accept the fact that everyone is different, and that is OK.
12. Speak your mind.
You never know what effect your words can have. You may ask someone something as simple as "how are you?" and it makes an impression on their day. You may talk to someone and say the exact words they needed to hear.
13. Never be afraid to ask for help.
It is 100 percent okay to admit when you need help. We all have our battles that we face every day, both big and small, and sometimes we may not be able to face them on our own.
National Suicide Prevention Hotline (Available 24 Hours every day)
1-800-273-8255
