When I was 8, I fell in love with "Avatar: The Last Airbender," an animated children's cartoon that aired on Nickelodeon from 2005-2008.
It tells the story of a 12-year old boy named Aang, whose destiny as the Avatar is to save the world from the evil Fire Nation. Along with his flying bison companion Appa, and his friends, Katara and Sokka, they embark on a journey all over the world so that Aang can master the four elements of water, earth, fire, and air in order to stop the Fire Nation from achieving world domination. Throughout their adventures, they meet a variety of characters and learn about the different cultures of their world and its people, as well as the importance of friendship, hope, and perseverance.
After rewatching the show many times, "Avatar: The Last Airbender" has taught me powerful lessons that I try to live by in my own life.
1. “Sometimes life is like this dark tunnel. You can’t always see the light at the end of the tunnel, but if you keep moving, you will come to a better place.” - Uncle Iroh
Nickelodeon Animated Studios / Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Complete Series Blu-ray
In life, we will inevitably face obstacles and struggle to find peace and happiness. When we find ourselves feeling lost and believing that things won't get better, it's important to remember that life doesn't stop for anyone. If you just keep pushing on forward with your life, eventually you'll find better things in store for you in the future.
2. “The greatest illusion of this world is the illusion of separation. Things you think are separate and different are actually one and the same. We are all one people, but we live as if divided.” - Guru Pathik
Nickelodeon Animated Studios / Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Complete Series Blu-ray
In today's world, we live divided by the colors of our skin, our cultural traditions, our sexual identities, etc. In truth, we are unified by the one thing that makes us one and the same - our humanity. We all breathe the same air, use the same earth, and feel the same emotions. Though we may look different, and act different, we all share a common existence as people living on this planet together.
3. “It’s easy to do nothing, but it’s hard to forgive.” - Avatar Aang
Nickelodeon Animated Studios / Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Complete Series Blu-ray
There will be times where others will hurt us, causing us to feel angry and upset. Emotions cloud our thoughts, preventing us from thinking rationally and allowing our pain take control. In order to heal, we must learn to forgive. Forgiveness is one of the hardest choices you can make. But it's one that can guide you on the path to healing and finding peace with yourself and others.
4. “We can’t concern ourselves with what was. We must act on what is.” - Monk Gyatso
Nickelodeon Animated Studios / Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Complete Series Blu-ray
Often we'll spend our time looking back on the past, wondering what we could've done differently, and how our lives would be if certain things didn't happen. Reflecting on the past can allow for growth and learning, but it doesn't change the present. The past is the past, and the only thing that matters is what you do now. So take what you learned from the past, and use it to shape your present, and your future.
5. “No matter how things seem to change, never forget who you are.” - Ursa
Nickelodeon Animated Studios / Avatar: The Last Airbender - The Complete Series Blu-ray
As we get older and experience more changes in our lives, we may start to lose our sense of self - what makes us who we are. Whether it's a passion for creating art, or a love for helping others, or a personality trait, each person has their own unique niche that helps develops who we are as individuals. When we grow up, we start losing this sense of self, as we become influenced by others, and pressure is placed upon us to live our lives and act a certain way. Find what makes you who you are, and stay true to it, even if everything around you changes.
