After watching all thirteen (and a half) seasons almost four times through, I've learned some valuable lessons along the way...
1. Growing up is inescapable, so embrace it.
"You grow up...It's a shame. It's awful being a grown up, but the carousel never stops turning. You can't get off." - Ellis Grey
2. Everybody needs a "person."
"At the end of the day, when it comes down to it, all we really want is to be close to somebody." - Meredith Grey
3. Life sucks sometimes, but you have to push through.
"It doesn't matter how tough we are. Trauma always leaves a scar. It follows us home, changes our lives. Trauma messes everybody up. But, maybe, that's the point. All the pain and the fear and the crap. Maybe going through that is what keeps us moving forward. It's what pushes us. Maybe we have to get a little messed up before we can step up." - Alex Karev
4. Every mistake is an opportunity to learn.
"Is this the life you want to live? Is this the person you want to love? Is this the best you can be? Can you be stronger? Kinder? More compassionate? Decide. Breathe in. Breathe out and decide." - Meredith Grey
5. Don't make yourself the victim.
"We all have problems. Moms die, and dads drink so much that they don't know what year they're in... I don't want to be here. You know, I'd give anything to not be here, to have my life work out the way I planned, to even have time to ask, "What about me?" So, you change. You get over it. I'm here now, and you delivered a baby today. So stop feeling sorry for yourself." - Lexie Grey
6. Taking risks helps you grow. So, do it.
"It's good to be scared, it mean's you still have something to lose." - Richard Webber
7. There is so much more to life than your physical appearance.
"Oh, screw beautiful. I'm brilliant. If you want to appease me, compliment my brain." - Cristina Yang
8. When in doubt, dance it out.
"You know what we need? 30-second dance party." - Meredith Grey
9. Forgive. Always.
"'Forgiveness is a powerful thing, Meredith. Not only to make the other person feel good, but to heal you. You need to forgive her, Mer. Forgive her for not being Derek... For being the wrong Shepherd... Just enough to remind you of what's missing, but not enough to bring him back. That's not her fault. You need to forgive her. You don't have to like her. You don't have to love her. But forgive her, okay?" - Richard Webber
10. Your identity should not be found in your significant other.
"He is not the Sun. You are." - Cristina Yang
11. You'll never know until you try.
"Knowing is better than wondering, waking is better than sleeping, and even the biggest failure, even the worst, beats the hell out of never trying." - Meredith Grey
12. Having hope despite your trials and tribulations is actually brave.
"It's not childish to hold onto hope. It's actually hard, very, very hard." - Izzy Stevens
13. You gotta roll with life's punches.
"The expected is just the beginning. The unexpected is what changes our lives." - Meredith Grey
