Life lessons from the most unexpected sources

So yesterday I was watching some TV purely for entertainment, not for its thought-provoking value, but I realized that lessons can be learned even from MTV! I was watching the new episodes of "The Hills," and it's kind of interesting because I find myself in a similar situation as Lauren - except for the fact that I don't live in a mansion and drive a Mercedes convertible. Minor details. Anyways, she's struggling with some recent events in which her friend sort of betrayed her. So she's basically mourning the loss of this friend but has no interest in being friends with her again, understandably so. I feel like I can relate to some degree. But the uplifting part was when she went home and was talking with her mom, and her mom basically said her main worry was that Lauren would become hardened to the world. She wanted Lauren to realize that "most people are good." As simple as it sounds, it's hard to believe sometimes. I've found that as I get older and face more "real-life" challenges, it is easy to be bitter and not like people. But I'm also realizing that being bitter doesn't make you happy, so it's nice to believe that most people out there are good at heart.

The second lesson I learned through media yesterday was from watching "The Break-Up." I'd been warned that this movie isn't a comedy and really is like going through a break-up. And it definitely is. There are funny parts, but I'd say it's more of a drama. But I had this epiphany as I watched Vince Vaughn's character suffer through this ordeal. He started changing his ways - he really was a pretty lazy person, and I realized that even though you may be going through something terrible, it doesn't mean you can't still benefit from it and have some positive outcomes. An experience doesn't have to be all good or all bad, though it can seem that way. We always hear in church that trials are to help us be stronger, but I always equated that to mean that trials build character. I'd never really focused on the fact that specific trials can lead to real and directly related blessings in your life as well. One single event can cause sadness as well as happiness, which is interesting to think about. Anyways, these are just some thoughts to ponder...

Incidentally, I wouldn't recommend watching "The Break-Up" if you don't like to hear swear words. There are definitely plenty to go around in that movie!