WARNING: MANY, MANY SPOILERS AHEAD. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
Seriously, turn away now or be thoroughly spoiled.
I binged "One Tree Hill" in no time and it constantly broke my heart. From Lucas' and Peyton's on again, off again romance to Nathan's dramatic personality change. After watching every single episode, it came away with a few very important lessons.
1. Enjoy the life you are given.
This lesson occurred to me when Quentin Fields was murdered. The line in this GIF really spoke to my heart. It is the same story as suicide survivors. You don't know how precious and fleeting life is until it is almost over, so enjoy what you have now. Bask in the love and family around you, no matter the circumstances
2. Sometimes relationships only go one way.
I fell in love with Brooke Davis after she finally gave up Lucas. It was clear that his mind was always set on Peyton Sawyer, but he could never see that. Brooke taught me that you have to recognize when a relationship is failing, face it head on, and be ready for the heartache.
3. You can find a Nathan Scott.
Okay, maybe James Lafferty won't swoop down and give me a Cracker Jack bracelet, but there are men like his character out there. Nathan Scott portrayed a man with drive and a passionate love for his family. He also showed that even the worst people can find their way back to what matters most.
4. Depression can happen to anyone.
After the death of Haley's mom, she found herself spiraling into depression. This really spoke to me because I has also been depressed. To see someone so cheerful and positive go through depression speaks volumes. But the even bigger message is that there is a way out, you just have to ask for help.5. Family matters above all.
The ongoing fight between Lucas and his half-brother Nathan took up many seasons. When they finally found a common ground, Haley, they started getting closer. This told me that no matter how far family is, you will find your way back to them. Family is such a precious thing, so you have to recognize those people when they are there for you.6. People have the ability to correct their wrong doings.
I hated Dan Scott with every fiber of my being. I didn't know how someone could be so horrible and not have anything to say for it. By the end of the show, Jamie began to change my mind about him. Dan taught me that people have the option to change their ways. No matter how bad things get, it is up to you how you correct them.7. Play with the hand you were dealt.
Peyton was always alone. From her dad being overseas to Jake having to flee "Tree Hill," Peyton felt as if nobody ever stuck around. Her story can remind us that not everyone is given the happiest life. Some of us are given a pair of two's when others have a royal flush. It isn't about how things turn out, but what you do with your life now. Make it count.
8. Remember where you are from.
Our past shapes us in to who we are. Lucas grew up without his father, but still managed to stay kind-hearted and driven. Remembering what brought you to this point can motivate you to the future. If Lucas can overcome his circumstances, so can you.
9. It is okay to be "stuck" sometimes.
Brooke was stuck waiting for her future to find her while her friends were pursuing theirs. Watching Brooke slowly build her empire from Clothes Over Bros is a true inspiration. It is a nice reminder that just because you have no clue what you want to do right now doesn't mean your future will be dull.10. Marriage isn't easy.
This scene broke my heart. Haley walked away from her husband to pursue her career in music. Not only did she break Nathan's heart, but she realized that her music wouldn't be anything without Nathan. Watching the roller coaster that is their marriage shines a light on the fact that marriage is work on both ends. Both parties have to want their marriage to work. It takes dedication, motivation, and finding common ground. This is the same no matter what age you get married at.
11. Best friends can make all the difference.
Brooke and Peyton were best friends, then enemies, then best friends again in just a season. Watching their relationship become tested over and over again was inspiring because they always were there for each other. Having a good friend that you know you can trust can make your world a whole lot brighter.
12. This line.
After watching multiple seasons of boy chasing and tears, I wondered that same thing myself. It is just a simple reminder to look at your life at a distance. What is dictating your happiness? Is that what you want to be controlling your joy?13. Letting go is never easy to do.
The story of Clay and Sara is heartbreaking, but more importantly it taught me about letting go. Clay had lived his life distracting himself from the death of his wife Sara. Opening himself up and letting Quinn into his left let him face his problems head on. He discovered he had a son and made a new family with Quinn. Letting go is the most difficult thing a grieving person can do, but you will be amazed at the possibilities on the other side.
14. You are more than a label.
This project spoke to me through the show. Brooke wanted to portray something about her, something that embodied her. She showcased the fact that people shove labels on their peers because they "think" they know them. Brooke was labeled things like "not good enough" and "not pretty" just based on her appearance. Brooke wanted to show that you don't have to sit in the boxes that people put you in. You have the say on who you want to be.
15. I want Jamie to be my kid.
"One Tree Hill" was the show that gave me the most important lessons. Whether you are thirteen or sixty, this show is such a great piece of television. Thanks Gavin DeGraw for the greatest theme song on the planet. Take these lessons with you and, "don't say I never gave you anything."