For twelve seasons of the medical drama "Grey's Anatomy," we've seen this feisty yet extremely strong-willed surgeon known as Dr. Miranda Bailey, played by Chandra Wilson. Shonda Rhimes has made this character into someone we will always admire. Whether she's calling someone a moron, holding someone while they cry or sticking her hands in someone's abdomen to ensure they'll live, she continuously manages to leave viewers with lessons we can all use in the real world.
Here are some lessons that I have learned from watching this character:
One. Do your best and never expect continuous praise for your success. The people higher up than you will always be watching you. Brown nosing is not a factor of success.
When Dr. Bailey introduces herself to her interns we know right off the bat that she is not one to be messed with. You make a mistake, you learn from it, but just try not to make any mistakes. A respectable boss or leader wants you to succeed. Spending all of your time trying to impress the higher up instead of impressing yourselves can cause you to fall flat.
Two. Never let anyone take advantage of your skills because they lack the qualities you've worked hard to maintain.
Bailey reunites with her high school crush, Marcus, in this scene and begins to see the truth behind the way Marcus treated her in school. He used her for her smarts and she finally realized that her smarts are too good to be thrown away at undeserving people. Learn the difference between someone admiring your skill and stealing your skill for their own benefit.
Three. Stay strong for those in need of your strength, even if you're breaking inside.
Miranda gets caught in a tough situation in this episode as she must attempt to save someone's life alone. When this doesn't become a possibility, rather than entirely giving up and walking away, she tries to keep her strength for the patient and those around her. When there are people surrounding you lacking the strength you continue to have, keeping the strength that you have can ensure that they will trust in you.
Four. When you have a goal that you're striving to reach, self-doubt will hold you back more than the doubt of those around you.
Dr. Webber writes Dr. Bailey a bland letter of recommendation as she fights to prove how great she truly is. Even if those around you do not believe you are good enough to accomplish what you want, you still have the ability to better yourself as long as you stay true to believing in your own self-worth.
Five. When the people you care about seem to be missing the big picture, let them know how you feel even if you believe they'll take it the wrong way.
The friendship between Webber and Bailey is honestly really beautiful. When you care about someone, you must always do what you believe is best for them to come to terms with themselves. Though what you believe is the best for them, may not ideally be what's right, at least you let them know that you truly do care and you will do whatever it takes to be there for them.
Six. You will never be able to get anything passed Dr. Bailey... seriously if you have a secret she'll probably have to be the first person you tell.
Never try to sneak around Bailey's hospital. She'll catch you, trust me.
