Nobody knows where you might end up

3:27 PM

8 years. 10 seasons. 18 doctors. 1 story.

I really like Grey's Anatomy. Like really, really like it. And I think I like so much because of how realistic the characters are. I admit, the Grey's Anatomy plot line is full of Hollywood drama that would probably never happen to any normal, ordinary person, but, nonetheless, the characters are so easy to relate to. The problems they face, the friendships and relationships they have with one another, and the emotions they experience are real.

I started watching Grey's last winter and am now finally caught up to the current season. The 200 episodes I've seen have made me laugh out loud, cry like a baby, but, most importantly, feel. Like I said before, the characters are what make this show so amazing. And on that note, here are a few lessons I've learned from my very favorite Grey's Anatomy characters:

Meredith Grey: Dark and twisty Meredith Grey taught me that it's okay to not be okay. We're all human, and we can't be expected to have our lives perfectly together one hundred percent of the time. Meredith has been through a lot, but she's never given up, even when her life seems to be as bad as it could possibly get. So from her I've learned that when bad things come and knock us down, it's okay to take our time getting back up. But no matter what happens or how dark things get, we always, always have to try again: fall down seven times, but stand up eight.
Cristina Yang: I love Cristina, and she's one of my very favorite characters on the show. It's probably because of how much I relate to her: she's self-driven, motivated, and hates people. She's sarcastic, hilarious, and wonderful, and while I don't always agree with the choices Cristina makes, I admire her steadfastness and her self-respect. Cristina knows exactly who she is and what she wants, and she won't let anyone keep her from being true to herself. But no matter how driven and focused Cristina is, she is also someone who would sacrifice everything for her friends. Although she does a good job of hiding it, Cristina is a very caring and selfless person.
George O'Malley: George, loyal and true, taught me how to be a good friend. He is such a genuine and caring person, and his actions taught me how to love unconditionally. George is also the underdog. But that doesn't stop him from believing in himself and trying his very best every day. George showed me that we can accomplish anything as long as we believe in ourselves. We shouldn't care about the rude or mean things others say about us because, when it comes down to it, only we have the power to shape our destinies.
Alex Karev: Alex hasn't had a very easy life: his past is full of heartbreak and hardship, but he hasn't let it hold him back. He is proof that we can always turn our lives around for the better. I've also learned from Alex that there is good in every person. Sometimes it's hard to look past someone's tough and crude personality, but inside everyone, no matter how deep down, is a heart that has the capacity to care and to love.
Izzie Stevens: Izzie taught me how to endure and be strong when our lives take turns for the worse. She showed me that there's a silver lining in every dark cloud and that all we have to do is find and hold onto it.
Callie Torrez: Though her life has been a crazy roller coaster ride, Callie hasn't become bitter; she's become stronger. She's discovered who she really is, and she's proud of herself. Callie has taught me how important it is to recognize who you really are and to always love yourself. Because people constantly fall in and out of our lives, it's important for us to have enough strength to stand up for ourselves. Callie is the epitome of a strong, independent woman who doesn't need no man (literally though).
Lexie Grey: Lexie has taught me the importance of family, and she's taught me to stand by them, even when they try to push us away. Lexie knows and understands that our families are the most important people in our lives, and she taught me how to cherish and treasure those relationships.
Mark Sloan: "McSteamy" Mark Sloan has taught me to not be afraid to laugh. It's so easy to get caught up in the serious business of life, but Mark knows exactly when to let it all go and simply be happy. But Mark has a serious, sincere side as well. And that side of him has some very profound things to say: "I want you to promise me something: if you love someone, you tell them. Even if you're scared that it's not the right thing, even if you're scared that it will cause problems, even if you're scared that it will burn your life to the ground. You say it, and you say it loud."