Motivation Monday: Lessons of Felicity

I have been watching a lot...and I mean a lot of Felicity re-runs. Call it boredom, reminiscence or a little of both but it's been fun to relive these episodes. It's like a time-warp to my college years but now through a different lens - fingers crossed a more mature one. Re-watching Felicity's immersion, I find myself with a new outlook on Felicity Porter. Despite the unrealistic components of the show - from time travel, magic, and the number of dramatic events that occur within a 60-minute program - there are some life lessons to be learned from Felicity and cast.

Here it goes!

1. Don't be ashamed to approach life as wide-eyed as Felicity. In the first season, Keri Russell's character had this "deer in the headlights" look permanently stamped on her face. At first it annoyed me, wanting her character to be stronger and less naïve. But there is a beauty in naivety. It's refreshing and honest; a reminder that life should still uncover surprises.
2. Forgiveness doesn't make you a weak person. Felicity reminds us that forgiveness allows a release of anger, frustration and ugliness that otherwise clouds judgment. Forgiveness opens one's mind and heart to a more positive way of life.
3. Be a good friend. No matter what the issue, Felicity is there for her friends. From pretending to be married, to considering donating an egg, to being available to talk about others' problems even during finals week, Felicity is the kind of friend you wish you had or would want to be
4. Just be honest. Clichés are clichés for a reason - they are typically true. And in this case, honesty is the best policy as the truth will set you free. You might not like the consequences but at least you can hold your head high and look yourself in the mirror. (Cliché overload!!)
5. You can never have too many sweaters. If you live in New York.
6. Intuition should not be ignored. From following Ben to New York to exploring art to not wanting to play strip Ping-Pong at the frat party, Felicity had intuition. Did she always listen? No but it's a lesson to listen to that inner voice - heck, it doesn't have an agenda or ulterior motive.
7. When in doubt, go high voltage. Remember the red, tight-fitting dress Felicity wears to impress Ben? It worked. But don't dress or do things for others. If you are feeling down, sometimes just taking a few steps to look good can make a difference - maybe eat a healthy meal, go for a jog or wear a new shirt.
8. Don't feed into temptation. It only gets causes trouble. If you have to ask, you already know the answer.
9. Love is all that matters. In the end, your relationships with family and friends are all that matter.
10. And if you have long, beautiful, curly hair never, ever cut it! This is probably the most impactful lesson. =)