My favorite TV show of all time is undoubtedly "Parks and Recreation." I never found myself desiring to encompass personality traits of every single character on a TV show before I watched Parks. However, more than anything, I wanted to be Leslie Knope for the longest period of time. No matter how crazy, organized or obsessive she could be, I was dead set on learning how to “Leslie.” Sooner or later I realized that she was written to, obviously, appeal to the audience and there was literally no possible way for me to become Leslie Knope without the writers of the show somehow sneaking into my brain and running my mind. But…. I did learn some useful lessons from Leslie during my time as a diehard Parks fan.

1. Battling gender roles will be a long, hard process… but never let them define you.

Through her sarcasm and relentless nature, Leslie pushed boundaries and allowed for the women of Pawnee to discover different occupations and lifestyles they never would have without questioning traditional roles. No matter how hard people tried to push her ideas to the ground, *cough* Jamm.

2. Continue to believe in yourself, even at your lowest points.

From being elected to city council to then being recalled from city council in a short span of time… Leslie kinda knows how to deal with the worst of times. But she never gave up and she never self pitied.

3. Love lots (even if you don't necessarily get the same amount from others in return).

There's no doubt I'm more over the top when it came to birthdays or special occasions in comparison to my friends ... which is why I always wondered why I'm choosing to do extra when I'm not necessarily receiving the same material value back. Leslie helped me realize that doing things for others actually MAKES me happy. It wasn't about the material aspect of things but actually caring for others, which in turn results in caring for myself. Galentines Day <3

4. It’s OK to be a little bit crazy.

I've always thought there was something slightly wrong with me because I could either a) not shut the heck up in stressful situations or b) never stop freaking out. Leslie is known to be a bit crazy when it comes to facing problems or eating waffles. Either way, she embraces who she is!

5. She loves her job and doesn’t have an internal struggle about whether she’s working too much.

All my life I’ve been groomed to believe that you either focus on your career or focus on your family and friends. It’s an old fashioned tradition to say the least, but that’s all I saw throughout my family both here in the US and overseas. Leslie taught me that one of your biggest worries doesn’t have to be whether your job is becoming too much of a priority. You CAN do it all.

In conclusion... Leslie is a BAMF. You can be one too!