As a child, I watched the television series "Spongebob Squarepants" religiously and daily. The jokes were funny, and it was based on a talking sponge that worked at a fast food restaurant called the Krusty Krab. What was there not to love? Years later, I realized that as hilarious as the show was, there was truth to the stories and life moments that happened to the characters. Here are 16 things I think we all learned from the show.
1. Being optimistic leads to a great and fulfilling day. You have to be ready for everything. Sometimes thinking it is not enough, you have to say it. You are ready!
2. Never pretend to be someone you're not, just so you can impress other people. In the end, you will just get hurt. It is not worth trying to explain yourself when the damage is done. Especially when it involves parents.
3. No matter where you go, you should always know basic survival skills and have some knowledge of nature in any situation. Especially if you are delivering pizza. Remember, they are not just boulders, they are rocks.
4. Sometimes a little sense of belonging and kindness is all anyone needs to turn around a life of negativity. F is not just for friends, but rather it is also for faith: faith in yourself and other people.
5. I-M-A-G-I-N-A-T-I-O-N is something one should never lose. Creativity and the ability to improvise is valuable in life, work, and in daily living. Spongebob and Patrick had it right, even if they did buy a flat-screen TV to get the box.
6. Free Loading from a friend is never okay. Letting a friend free load from you is equally as bad. If you want to help out a person who is in a slump, help them by getting them on their feet. Do not be anybody's maid, especially in your own house. You're better than that.
7. Sometimes people and situations could look a certain way, but is actually something entirely different. Never jump to conclusions or assume anything before asking! Especially if it involves pet snails.
8. Do not always believe everything people say. Even if the hash-slinging slasher is in your house, the walls are oozing green, and the lights are flickering does not mean you are being haunted. Most likely, it is probably just Nosferatu.
9. If you find a magic pencil, leave it alone. Doodling can be dangerous when your own drawing could actually come to life. Really, just do not doodle at all. But if your doodle does come to life, remember to throw paper at it.
I think the deeper meaning is sometimes we do in fact create our own problems and instead of blaming everyone else, we have to take responsibility and create a solution.
10. Eating too much of anything can be bad for anyone, especially if it is fast food. Remember, it all goes to your thighs! But another message is that you should not dismiss something until you try it.
11. Money is great, but if it means putting your own life and mental health at risk, let it go. What good is a million dollars if you are dead or insane.
12. Sometimes, our friends can get a little crazy. What's harder is standing up to them. Spongebob taught me that if you do not confront what is bothering you, nothing will change. You have to speak up and be honest. Besides, karate is pretty scary.
13. It is great to have different kinds of friends. If you only hang around people who are exactly like you, you will be miserable. Diversity is amazing!
14. Life will push you up and it will push you down. Sometimes believing in something is better than not believing in anything at all, even if it is a magic conch shell.
15. Do not judge a book by its cover. Some of the strangest and weirdest people will actually be the kindest and most giving. Just because a person looks different, does not mean he or she is a bad person. Even if that person spits between their words, we all have hit rock bottom at some point.
16. Guitars, pianos, the flute, and trumpets are all instruments, but mayonnaise is not one.
