Whether you love musicals or not, everyone should watch "RENT" at least once. Not only is the music beautiful, but the messages displayed throughout the show are extremely valuable to our society. "RENT" tells the story of struggling artists in New York City, who may be broke, but have the richest hearts and friendships. The film and musical production teach us about love, life, addiction, sexuality, disease, freedom of expression and the importance of friendship.

1. It is hard to let go of the past, but you must move on.

“How do you leave the past behind when it keeps finding ways to get to your heart? It reaches way down deep and tears you inside out 'til you're torn apart.” -Mark Cohen

2. To live in the moment and to live every day like it is your last.

"The heart may freeze or it can burn. The pain will ease if I can learn. There is no future. There is no past. I live this moment as my last. There's only us. There's only this. Forget regret or life is yours to miss.” -Mimi Marquez

3. To express yourself when dealing with someone who is trying to destroy what you stand for.

"Take me for what I am, who I was meant to be and if you give a damn, take me baby or leave me."

-Maureen Johnson

5. You will never share real love in a relationship until you love yourself.

6. To be expressive in a relationship and fight for love.

7. Life is short. If you find someone who understands you, don’t give up on it. Trust is important in any relationship.

8. To measure your life in love.

9. Distance can sometimes be a good thing, especially in relationships.

10. We sometimes distract ourselves from emotion through our work.

“You pretend to create and observe when you really detach from feeling alive.” -Roger Davis

“Perhaps because I'm the one of us to survive!” -Mark Cohen

11. Friends are the family you choose.

"Friendship runs thicker than blood."

12. To stand up for what you believe in and always be there for your friends.

13. One life can leave an impact on so many.

14. "RENT" embodies more than simply paying for a place to live. "RENT" symbolizes being affected by grief and rage. In love, it displays that time is short.

15. "RENT" demonstrates that in any aspect of life, there is no day but today.