Important Life Lessons I Learned from Cartoon Characters

Most people don't give merit to animated content as being anything more then mere children's entertainment. However I discovered some of my best and most important life lessons from watching Saturday morning cartoons as a child.

1) "If at first you don't succeed smurf, smurf again." "Where there's a smurf, there's a way." ~ Pappa Smurf

Hearing this phrase over and over again instilled in me that I should never give up. That there is a resolution to each problem. And that I just have to continue to try until I find it.

2) "Work smarter, not harder." ~ Scrooge Mc Duck

Efficiency is an important part of life. The ability to get work done in a timely manner is a huge asset not just in the job market in this day and age but to allow for quality time for yourself and family.

3) "Smile a sunny morning, sunny all the way, something good is coming, smile a sunny day." ~ Strawberry Shortcake

Remember to wake up with a smile. Regardless of how bad life may seem at times, it is all about keeping a positive attitude. As we well know smiles can work from the outside in. Not only do I try to smile and laugh as often as I can but I always try to put a smiles on the faces of other people I interact with on a daily basis.

4) "Knowing is half the battle!" ~ G.I. Joe

I would agree with this statement completely. Unaware and uninformed people have a hard time being effectual in this world. Educating yourself not just in a formal sense but on an ongoing basis is key maximizing your growth potential in life. As an adult one of my mentors said to me, "There are three kinds of people in this world; Those who make things happen, those who watch things happen and people who wake up one day and wonder, what the hell happened. Always be the first kind of person because the second kind of people often end up becoming the third kind of person at some point in their life." I have found this philosophy to be very true and more often then not the second and third kind of person are always unaware, uniformed or both.

5) "We are Thundercats. Upholding Justice, Truth, Honor and Loyalty. Thundercats HOOOOOO!" ~ Cheetara, Panthro, Lynx-O, the Kittens, Snarf, and Lion-O

My grandfather used to say, "If you don't stand for something you will fall for anything." Which is an Alexander Hamilton quote. Despite their differences the Thundercats always had each other's backs. They had a purpose and a meaning to their lives. So many people in this world do not have a sense of direction, a moral compass or strong ethics that are the foundation for how they choose to live. I think we need to take note of how many times this has caused catastrophic global events. Justice, truth, honor and loyalty aren't a bad place to start.

I know that in my many years of watching cartoons I have pick up quite a few more along the way but if you have taken the time to read this note please reply by telling me what lessons you have learned from children's cartoons. I would love to hear about them.

Thanks for reading & God Bless Us Every One