What do me and a 30-year-old woman who was kidnapped at 12 and held underground in a doomsday cult for 10 years have in common? Surprisingly a lot, not that we had parallel experiences as I am only 23 and was never kidnapped nor forced to join a cult but I do know what it is like to overcome adversity with a positive attitude.
For those of you who are unfamiliar with the popular Netflix series "Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt" I suggest that you right this wrong right now by binge-watching both seasons--like now! While this show has an overwhelmingly hilarious and absurd plot it is easily relatable for anyone who's a survivor and had to make the best out of horrific circumstances.
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The title of the main character says it all; she is, in fact, unbreakable and despite missing out on ten years of life and having her childhood taken she manages to go back to school with only a 7th grade education, brave New York City, find employment, love, and meaningful friendships while inspiring others to follow their dreams as well.
I can personally relate well to this plot because I've been dealt some shitty cards in life as well. Having managed to overcome bullying, learning disabilities, growing up low income, stressful family dynamics, anxiety, and depression I have learned a lot in my short time on earth about the art of perseverance instead of being a victim.
Kimmy Schmidt, like myself is a character that acknowledged that she went through some things that were unfair and beyond her control. She was told what to wear, what to believe, and kept hostage to an insane preacher but ultimately once she was removed from that situation decided once and for all to take her life into her own hands and not live by anyone else's rules.
Kimmy may be quirky and kind of child-like but she is an inspiration because she is unconditionally herself and fictitious proof that despite what you've been through it's never too late to take your life back and follow your dreams.
I have respect for this character because she is a testament to the human spirit and its tenacity. You never see her hopelessly whining or accepting defeat even when it would seem like the easier option and I too share her level of bravado!
More than anything else Kimmy is a character who not only challenges herself to be the best she possibly can but also those around her. Whether it's encouraging her discouraged best friend Titus Andromedon to pursue his dream of singing on Broadway or helping her wealthy, somewhat out of touch employer Jacqueline Voorhies to divorce her philandering husband.
If you haven't already; get thee to Netflix, pour yourself some wine and prepare to be inspired.
