Honestly, I tried to put off falling in love with “One Tree Hill” as long as I possibly could. I knew the second I let myself get sucked into the world that was Tree Hill, N.C., my life would be forever changed.
I was right.
I can’t believe I waited so long to give myself the gift of 187 episodes of downright (happy and sad) tear-jerking, terrifying, wholesome goodness that fills “One Tree Hill.”
Let’s not forget about the serious eye-candy either! Chad Michael Murray and James Lafferty. Need I say more?
In the little over a month it took me to (binge) watch all nine seasons of “One Tree Hill” on Netflix, I learned more about love, heartbreak, friendship, loss and absolute survival than I ever expected.
Here is a list of 10 times that “One Tree Hill” taught me everything I needed to know about life:
1. Honesty
6x18 Searching For A Former Clarity
Because, let's be honest, Haley James Scott told that principal what was UP in this episode and taught the class the most valuable lesson ever – the truth matters. If you are passionate about something, speak up! Never let someone tell you your voice doesn't matter, because it does.
2. Body Image
4x13 Pictures Of You
Brooke Davis proved that even the most beautiful girl in school has her fair share of insecurities, but it's how you overcome your insecurities that truly matters. You are not your label; you can be whatever you want to be.
3. Happiness
6x13 Things A Momma Don't Know
Jamie Scott may have been small, but his words were mighty. He taught us that even in the face of disaster, there is always a place for happiness in your heart.
4. Fear
1x02 The Places You Have Come To Fear The Most
Coach Whitey Durham taught us that no fear is bigger than your strength. To face your fears is one of life's most important struggles and triumphs, and once you face it, you can use it to make you stronger.
5. Marriage
2x01 The Desperate Kingdom Of Love
Nathan Scott (swoon) and Haley taught us that no matter how old you are, when you meet the one, time doesn't matter. They also taught us that marriage isn't easy; both people have to work hard for it every day, and you can never take someone's love for granted.
6. Forgiveness
9x11 Danny Boy
No one on the show went through more mood swings or made more mistakes than Dan Scott. It wasn't until his final episode that we saw his dead brother, Keith Scott, who was murdered by Dan, extend the ultimate hand of forgiveness to his brother as he led him up to heaven. If Keith can forgive Dan, I think we can all find it in our hearts to forgive the people in our lives, as well.
7. Looking for Love
4x02 Things I Forgot At Birth
One word: Leyton. Peyton Sawyer and Lucas Scott were the definition of an on-again off-again couple, but that didn't make them any less perfect. Everyone knew they were meant to be together from the very beginning, except Peyton and Lucas. It's all about timing...
8. Finding Love
4x09 Some You Give Away
Sometimes, things just have to fall into place exactly when they are supposed to. You can't rush love. The moment Peyton and Lucas realized they loved each other for real was a moment "One Tree Hill" fans will NEVER forget.
9. Friendship
9x13 One Tree Hill
Friends are the most precious gifts life gives. Nothing lasts forever and never take one for granted. After the season five time jump, the fact that every character returned to Tree Hill because their lives weren't as full without their friends by their sides is just one of the many ways these characters taught me the meaning of true friendship.
10. The Bigger Picture
2x02 Trust Doesn't Make A Noise
No one on the show, and I mean no one, knew exactly what to say and when to say it better than Lucas (swoon times 100). He taught us to find the good in everyone, even the people who seem like they have none. He was a friend to everyone in Tree Hill and had the biggest heart and compassion for everyone he met – a quality you can only hope to imitate in daily life.
