Life teaches us so many things, good and bad. Sometimes, children’s books and cartoons provide some of the wisest of these life lessons. As a child, I watched Winnie the Pooh Friends, a cartoon from 1924. I marveled at the story and various characters. In those times, it was basically entertaining to a bored little girl.
Now, I look at the stories and realize they mirror so many things in life. Take Eeyore, for instance, his sadness is more than just negativity. It’s a testament to the horrid feelings of depression. Tigger is also an interesting creature, as he exhibits a hyperactive personality. But there’s more…
Learning wise life lessons as well
Not only do Winnie the Pooh and his interesting friends mirror human characteristics and issues, but they also provide lessons we can apply in our lives. These little adorable creatures are actually much wiser than we give them credit for.
As a little girl, I was fascinated, but as an adult, I learn from them. Let’s learn some lessons from Winnie the Pooh and his friends, shall we?
1. “Weeds are flowers too, once you get to know them.”
One of the most important lessons in life is not to judge a book by its cover. We may not look like beauty queens, but there is beauty inside us. And, who’s to say what beauty is anyway. But this I know for sure when you spend time with people, you will see they are just as spectacular as the ones who glow on the outside.
Remember, the inside is full of light as well.
2. “How lucky am I to have something that makes saying goodbye so hard.”
Yes, departing from those you love is difficult. Sometimes it just about rips out your heart to leave. But think about it this way, if it’s so hard to leave, imagine how much you really love them. Go ahead and feel that aching and pain inside.
This is the amount of love between both of you. Hold onto that love as you heal from the hurt.
3. “There’s always a silver lining to be found”
Eeyore, in all his dark and dreary ways, somehow is able to speak positivity into bad situations. It seems he has pulled himself from the depression and realized that every day is not so bad. This is how we must think. Even though what you’re going through may seem devastating, there is always some silver lining – there is always good to be found.
4. “Mindfulness brings peace and joy”
A great example of this statement is seen when Pooh bear sits around and eats honey. Now, I’m not saying be lazy, oh no. What I’m saying is always live in the present moment. Be mindful that the past is gone, the future has yet to come, and now is what we need to focus on. What a wise bit of information from Winnie Pooh to his friends, and to you too!
5. “Be patient with others. They may be struggling with something you may not understand at the time”
We encounter so many different people in our lives. Some of these people can be rude or hurtful. This often makes us want to lash out, and it’s common to do this. But guess what? It’s wrong to do this.
Why don’t we, instead, be patient and understand that these rude and ungrateful people may be in mental anguish or dealing with serious problems. Instead of saying something mean back or acting in a hateful way, let’s learn to be kind instead.
6. “You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think.”
Do you really know who you are? Well, Winnie the Pooh and his intelligent friends know a bit more about all of us, it seems. You may feel frightened when facing a difficult task, you may feel weak when asked to take care of something, or you may feel dumb when tackling problems, but guess what?
You are much more than these negative feelings. You would be surprised by what you can do if you put your mind to it.
7. “The things that make me different are the things that make me”
Never be critical of yourself, especially by the way you dress or the way you look. You may be different than most and stand out in the crowd, but that’s what makes you unique. Your uniqueness is what makes you the person you are. This is good enough. Never forget it.
8. “You can’t stay in your corner of the forest waiting for others to come to you. You have to go to them sometimes.”
It’s not everyone’s responsibility to come to do things for you all the time. It’s also not their job to make the first move. Believe it or not, it’s okay for you to make the first move too. Keep this lesson close when you’re feeling lonely.
The wisdom from childhood
Yes, Winnie the Pooh friends did keep me entertained, along with all the other adorable shows I enjoyed as a child. Now that I have grown older, I try to utilize the wisdom these cute characters convey.
If you read closely, or if you watch the truth behind the silliness, you too can gain great revelation from Winnie the Pooh and friends.
References:
