The Office is such an iconic show in pop culture history.

1.To not give up when I really want something Things that are meant to happen, usually work out when they’re meant to be

There are so many examples of how things that are meant to be always come through. Jim getting Pam, Michael getting Holly, Dwight getting Angela, Pam going to art school, Pam becoming a salesman, Erin finding out about her mom, Toby getting to go to Costa Rica, Darryl going to business school. Work accomplishments, personal goals, so many people overcame their struggles and became better people. This makes me not being to where I want to be feel less overwhelming- it will happen with time. I am where I am supposed to be right now.

2.I will not always like everyone I work with

Jim and Dwight did not like each other for MOST of the entire series, and even with their animosity they still worked together fairly well (Okay, that’s a stretch, but still- they got their work done!). Angela hated everyone, Darryl wasn’t always a fan of Michael, Creed and Meredith were the outcasts, and Michael hated Toby like there was no tomorrow. Even with all those strained work relationships- people still got their work done. Dundler Mifflin never went under, and the group outlasted Sabre. And not liking everyone at work is okay- I’m not going to be best friends with every single person. So long as I get my work done and remind myself there is life outside of my job- I’ll be okay.

3.Sucking up to the boss will not actually get me anywhere

How many times has Michael tried kissing up to his boss? Countless times- and he still never got promoted or anything extra. Dwight kissing up to Michael ultimately didn’t help him much. Your bosses care more about your work ethic and your customer service than if you both watched The Walking Dead last night. It’s always nice to initiate pleasantries, but your boss is still your boss- no matter how well you get along. All that energy spent on kissing ass could be spent getting ahead on your work.

4.I should not judge anyone based on my first impression of them

Michael judged everyone he met and was always wrong about them. And as a viewer, I made my own assumptions about characters- only later to find out how wrong I was. Dwight was not a jerk on purpose, he just had his set beliefs (and an unconventional childhood). Angela is so uptight because of her lack of confidence and she’s scared to let anyone see that. Pam was kinda mousey in the beginning because she was unhappy and insecure.

5.My motto that I want to live by: “Be strong. Trust yourself. Love yourself. Conquer your fears. Just go after what you want. And act fast, because life just isn’t that long”.

After finishing the series for the first time, I cried. Michael showing up to Dwight and Angela’s wedding, Pam coming full circle and being confident, Jim STILL loving Pam unconditionally, and everyone being reminiscent- made me nostalgic for my future. Pam’s last words on the show made me feel empowered (for a few seconds anyway) and ready to take charge of my life and ambitions.

The Office has taught me so many things, and some of them I just can’t put into words.