My senior year of high school I remember talking in class to one of my friends. I forgot what the entire conversation was about, but at one point in the conversation my friend turns to me and goes, "Do you watch 'One Tree Hill?' You look like you would be a 'One Tree Hill' kind of person." At the time, I didn't know what she was talking about until I decided to search for the TV show myself. After I found it on Netflix, I started watching it and could not stop. The thing about "One Tree Hill" is that it's more than just a show; it's a guide of life. Throughout the episodes you go on a journey with these high school kids as they face challenges growing up and becoming who they are. Everything that happens in life, happens on this show. There are several lessons that I've learned by watching this show, but there are about a few that I would like to share with you.
1. Time is something we won't get back
Nathan Scott made a very valid point. Time is a concept that quietly sneaks up on us. In a moment we can blink and 10 years could fly by. We have to learn to not waste the time that we have. Instead of spending every day planning for the future, sit back and enjoy what is happening in this moment of time because before you know it, it will be gone.
2. You are strong enough to overcome any labels
Brooke Davis taught me that no matter what somebody labels me as, I can stand up and fight back by proving them wrong. After all, that's what she did. She went from being the loud party girl that was a cheerleader that people labeled as "easy" to the strong independent woman who started her own fashion business. Labels are just labels. Don't let them define you.
3. It's okay to let those tears fall
Most people don't like to cry because they think that it's a sign of weakness when actually, it's a sign of being strong. Little Jamie Scott has taught me many things but this is the one that I remember daily. If what you're doing gets to be too much for you and you just want to cry, then cry because after you do, there's something good waiting for you on the other side.
4. Those that are the opposite of you can turn out be some of your best friends
Sometimes the people that you know that you wouldn't normally hang out with can turn into being some of your best friends. That's what the trio of Brooke, Haley and Peyton taught us. The popular cheerleader, the nerd and the cheerleader who hates cheerleading but does it anyways, became the three best friends who taught us valuable lessons like these.
5. You don't get told by others what to do
People will tell you that you aren't capable of doing certain things and they will hold you back but you can't let them do that. Only you tell yourself what you can and cannot do. Nobody else has that power.
6. Don't be so quick to judge others
Whenever we meet somebody for the first time we instantly judge them based on how they act, the words that they say or even how they look. We also tend to judge others that we only glance at in passing. Don't pretend like you know somebody you just met and don't be quick to make an assumption about them. Always have an open mind. Everybody is dealing with their own baggage so why add on to that?
7. When you feel like giving up, just remember that it does get better
Everyone on this show has suffered immense pain as well as others. The voices inside of our head can be too much at times. These voices will make you want to give up and just quit doing whatever it is that you're doing. You just have to fight and tell yourself that even though it may be bad right now, it will get better.
8. Speak up for what matters and what you believe in
This was one of the most important scenes in this episode. All over the media, people use mental illnesses, such as easting disorders as ads in their magazines or websites try to make this illness a trend. Brooke Davis stood up for what she believed is right and refused to have unhealthy models on her magazine. She didn't want young girls thinking that the concept of beauty is being unhealthy. She fought for people to understand that this is a serious matter and refused to say otherwise. Your health is the most important and speaking up for what you believe is so important in society today.
9. Don't lose hope on love
Nathan Scott and Haley James Scott are such an iconic duo in this show. Everybody cries over the amazing relationship that is "Naley" but one good thing about this TV relationship, is that you get to see the bad parts of it too. You get so many emotions watching these two on screen that ladies, you may think about finding your Nathan Scott but don't worry because he's out there. Nathan and Haley make you believe in love. These two teach you throughout all the years that with the love you share with somebody, as long as you keep fighting for that love you can make it through anything.
10. Who you are is all that matters
People will try to change the person that you are. Along the way you may even try to be something that you're not but you have to realize that being who you really are, is the best thing. B. Davis never made up excuses for being who she is; instead she embraced it. The person that you is magical, so let that magic be.
11. What you create matters
Ah, yes. This scene basically started it all and I know that it got me to believe that what I do is important. Whatever you choose to create in life or the path that you set yourself on, keep telling yourself that what you do along the way matters. Anything you create matters and that it will always be that way.
"One Tree Hill" has a lot to teach us and I'm thankful for that day when my friend said what she did to me because I probably wouldn't of found this show or I might have but just later than I would of liked. Thanks Ravens for teaching us about life.
