“Your story may not have such a happy beginning, but that doesn’t make you who you are. It is the rest of your story that will define who you are.” — Shifu, Kungfu Panda
A bit of movie magic is all it takes to keep things exciting. Looking at life through your favourite character’s eyes can show you the best parts of it and how to live fully. I have always enjoyed bringing a bit of this magic into my life. Here’s your chance to choose a favourite lens from a realm of dreamy personas.
In this rat race life, we often forget to live or give ourselves the break we deserve. That’s why I adore movies and fictional characters – they remind me of what a balanced life can look like. After a long day of lectures, assignments, and being in high gear, I recharge myself by putting on my favourite show or movie, pressing pause on my life for a couple of hours. Their relatable struggles inspire me to prioritize self-care and navigate my own chaos. Romanticizing these aspects of life helps me stay in high spirits and embrace the little joys.
One of my favourite shows, BoJack Horseman, is a realistic representation of life. BoJack’s inconsistent attempts to take care of himself are very honest and something that we all find ourselves struggling with from time to time. His journey is a very raw portrayal of the ups and downs of life. It emphasizes the importance of self-awareness and acceptance through his character, which completely changes how you view life by the end of the show. So here are some famous fictional personas with a radical approach to wellness and life!
- Sheldon Cooper from The Big Bang Theory
Sheldon Cooper, a nerdy and quirky character, highlights the importance of keeping your brain active through learning, problem-solving, and building intellectual habits. He manages his mental health with a structured routine in everything he does, which helps him reduce his anxiety and stress by maintaining stability and predictability in his life. Over time, Sheldon becomes self-aware of his unique personality and practices self-acceptance instead of trying to change himself for the world.
- Monica Geller from Friends
Monica’s character is known for her obsessive cleanliness and over-strict organisation. Her orderliness teaches us a lot about mental clarity because, for her, cleaning is a way to gain control during chaotic times. Her habits teach us that a clean space leads to a clean mind, encouraging us to declutter our space for a mental reset.
- Devi Vishwakumar from Never Have I Ever
Devi leads a chaotic, dramatic life full of ups and downs. Despite her impulsive and dramatic nature, she actively tries to work on emotional growth by owning up to her mistakes, offering heartfelt apologies, and reflecting on her actions. She relies on the support of her loved ones and, most importantly, gives herself the time to improve. Devi doesn’t rush through her emotions; instead, she pauses, acknowledges them, and allows herself to grow at her own pace.
- Moana from Moana
Moana is a strong, independent, beautiful, brave, and sea-loving go-getter. She takes great pride in who she is and where she comes from, but even she has her moments of self-doubt. The key takeaway from her character is the sheer importance of listening to your inner voice and embracing who you are. You can’t ignore your true self and inner instincts; all you can do is be authentic. Your inner voice often knows the path to your happiness.
- Jake Peralta from Brooklyn Nine-Nine
Jake is quite cocky and immature, but he’s also a talented and dedicated detective. He handles his stressful job humorously and relies on a supportive group of friends. His persona is a reminder that even during the toughest times, surrounding yourself with a good group of people and finding laughter in the most minor things can make all the difference.
There are countless characters who teach us unexpected life lessons when we need them the most. Let this be your sign to dive into the world of cinema and discover the character you resonate with the most while exploring life through a different lens for a change!