I am only on Season 5 of The Walking Dead, and I love it so much so far. The character development, the relationships, and the trials make the show a really beautiful story out of an ugly world. I have learned a lot about people, and about life, through this show and it's misgivings, and I would like to share a few of these here.
1. Respect and understand nature
Nature is a strong force, and knowing how it is coming and going will be very important. Taking the weather for granted, or not preparing enough shelter for it, could kill you, in this world or any other. Being precautious and knowledgeable will be a useful tool.
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2. Know that you always have a choice
Things will become tough, no matter if it is in this world of the world of zombies. Some of these decisions in life will have to constitute our values and our character. It will sometimes feel like we have nowhere to go, or that we have only one route that we can take. But this show, the decisions that these people in the show had to make, has made me realize that we get to keep our humanity as long as we want.
3. Swords can be very useful in a (slow) zombie attack
A lot of people believe that the only useful weapon at the end of the world will be a gun. I argue that guns will become outmoded due to the necessity of replenishing ammunition and their ability to break apart with time. A sword can be endlessly used, it never runs out of ammunition, and it allows the practice for when the guns don't work.
4. Don’t be a horse in the apocalypse
What I mean by this, in the bigger scheme, is do not panic. Be sensible, use your brain, and don’t run screaming when you can be stronger another way. Most people, when faced with a crisis, become maniacs and lose all logic. When you have a hoard of problems or zombies after you, you have to keep your head on straight.
5. Learn how to repair and drive any type of car
I think that we live in an age where we are getting more and more technology day by day. In order to prepare ourselves for emergencies, we should learn how to use the most amount of technology possible. This includes cars, a great source of transportation. It also can help someone who is need of your help that might be able to help you later along the road.
6. Find a way to calm down, anytime
I am not saying that you should join a yoga class, but it is important to learn how to calm down when everything around you is falling apart. For some people, it is listening to music. For other people, it’s looking at the pretty flowers. Choose one that helps you.
7. Stop being a picky eater
This is a personal sin of mine. I have always been picky when it comes to foods that I will eat, even within the Kosher realms, but I need to get over that. In this world, that means that I am opening myself up to new possibilities, and new experiences. In a darker world, it means my own survival.
8. Learn how to filter water
I think that it is important to understand that 70% of our bodies are water, but most of us don’t know how to not poison ourselves with it. To clean water, it sometimes takes more than a simple boil to know that it is safe.
9. Read as much as you can
The one thing that no one can take away from you is your education. To understand the world, other people, and the universe as a whole will help you in every single step in life. It will help you survive, help others, and improve knowledge for others.
10. Learn how to do wilderness medicine
Basic medical skills can help in situations that you may not be able to imagine right now. There could be a friend who is hurt while hiking, or when you are in a place far away from any doctors. To know how to heal yourselves and others can literally save a life.
11. Try to keep one thing with you that brings you comfort
To have a bit of home with you everywhere you go is important so that it reminds you where you came from. Whether it’s a diamond ring or an old broken marble, keeping it means you are keeping yourself real.
12. Always have a way to make a fire on you
Whether this means flint and matches, or a simple knowledge of mirror heat, knowing how to make a fire when you are cold or need food is important in order to live the world without shelter. There will come times where you know you will have wanted something to keep you warm, and this is a surefire way to have that choice.
13. Learn how to read people
There are going to be times when you are not sure to trust someone or not. It takes a lot of practice and mistakes in order to make a decision like that. But when you become better at it, you will save yourself and loved ones from a lot of pain.
If you haven't watched the show yet, I hope this peaked your interest!
