3 Things That We Can All Learn From Anime

Let's face it. We all have to learn different things in life. In my 20's I learned some pretty interesting stuff ranging from becoming more social, to learning that sometimes it is ok to fall flat on my face (getting back up is sometimes fun lol). Many of these lessons came from the influence of anime. So for this post, I decided to write 3 things that I think that we can all learn from Anime:

1. DBZ can be used as a reference for everyday life. When you find yourself in a tight spot, just remember these words. "What would Goku do?" Seriously though. I've found everyday lessons in Dragonball Z ranging from dealing with racism (Frieza vs the Saiyans), striving to surpass your limits on your own time (Hyperbolic Time Chamber), and finding out that your greatest strength comes from withing (Gohan unlocking potential). I could write a whole article about DBZ and real life lesson by itself.

2. The Korean Drama "Dae Jo-Young" (yes...I know it is not an anime) can teach you how to handle life's ups and downs. If you aren't familiar with this drama, it is about the founding of the Palhae kingdom. Historical aspects aside; in this drama, you see the main character lose everything time and again. Each time, he always persevered and found ways to pick up the pieces of his shattered life. Eventually, he prevailed. That is a lesson. We all fall sometimes....HARD. Never give up when you feel like it is all over. Hang in there and keep trying!

3. Genshiken, The SOS Brigade,and The Neighbors Club are a good representation of what makes a great group of friends. Good friends take you as you are. As an otaku, nerd, geek, or whatever you want to call yourself, you've felt your share of what it is like to be different from the "in crowd". Do you cast aside what makes you unique in order to "fit in"? I think that I just heard a "Hell no!" We all have different qualities. What some may describe as being weird based on their perception of your unique quality, may be as valuable as gold to another. Sometimes those unique qualities mesh well with other like minded people. The important thing is to find people that accept you for who you are. This is a very important life lesson. Always be true to yourself and your true friends and loved ones will appreciate it.

This mini list was inspired by the following article. I highly recommend reading it because it talks about some really true things. I saw it shared in my facebook timeline and loved it.

15 Ways 20-Somethings Ruin Their Twenties