The "Harry Potter" series is not only a fantastic story, it also gives life changing insight to its readers. Now I would assume that most everyone has at least read a little bit of its magic and would assume that everyone has seen the movies. To those weird (muggle-like) people who haven't, here are some quotes by the wise headmaster of Hogwarts, Albus Dumbledore.
1. "It is a curious thing, but perhaps those who are best suited to power are those who have never sought it. Those who have leadership thrust upon them, and take up the mantle because they must, and find to their own surprise that they wear it well."
Power lust is a real thing. If you are reading this, then you have probably caught a whiff of the current presidential election (that closely resembles a bad MTV reality show). Power hungry people will resort to anything to keep their power. So, this election I am voting for Harry Potter. Because you will find the people who want the leadership the least, are the people with the best intentions.
2. "It does not do to dwell on dreams and forget to live."
This quote requires a little context. Dumbledore says this to Harry when he catches him sitting in front of the mirror "Erised" (which is desire spelt backwards, because it is a mirror. So clever). Any who, this mirror shows the reflections of a persons most deepest desire. So when Harry looks into the mirror, he sees his dead parents.
Don't let yourself get stuck in the past. Take a day or two and eat your gallon of ice cream (or wine) and do whatever you need to do. Then you need to snap out of it. Pick yourself up and keep trucking along. As much as you think the world has ended or you feel that it has stopped spinning, it hasn't.
3. "Happiness can be found, even in the darkest of times, if one only remembers to turn on the light."
Life is hard, but it most defiantly is not hopeless. So I will give you all the cliches that tend to follow this sort of idea. Choose happiness, it is a choice. Change your perspective. Just say yes. Get out of bed. La da de da da.... what ever works for you.
But Albus got it right. Cling to that glimmer of hope with all your strength.
4. "Of course it is happening inside your head, Harry, but why on Earth should that mean that it is not real?"
Now if you are hearing voices in your head that are telling you to do terrible, unspeakable things, then this quote DOES NOT apply to you.
Phew, now that that is taken care of, trust yourself. Trust your thoughts, personal beliefs, your morals and values, your goals and aspirations. Inside that wonderful head of yours are all of the things that make you genetically, mentally, and characteristically, you.
Just because things don't seem real to others, doesn't at all mean that it isn't real to you. Empower yourself.
Life can truly be just as enchanting and magical as the story. It is your perception and your choice, and ultimately in your control. So, put your nose in the books and learn a thing or two.