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About Me
My name is Michelle. I am 26 years old and currently residing in Manila, Philippines. I'm a big fan of life. Just this year I resigned from my work and decided to pursue web designing. I love encouraging friends and loved ones. Traveling, writing, business and astronomy are stuffs I find so interesting. I am a Christian and I have always desired to walk in faith, hope and love wherever I am.NetworkedBlogs on Facebook
The last cartoon show I got hooked to was The Little Lulu Show. Since then I couldn’t even remember having the same love for children’s show until Spongebob Squarepants came. And who said adults can’t learn from them? I have come to realized that it’s not all nautical nonsense. Almost everything an adult needs to learn for himself to become a better individual, Spongebob has the principles. So read on this 2-part series and just be open about them. They would somehow make sense:
First, Spongebob Taught Me to Love My Neighbor.
Even if your neighbor would be Squidward Tentacles who thinks he’s way better than anybody else, you are most of the time put into a situation that requires you to love the unlovable. No matter how short his patience is and how outspoken he can be to tell right on your face that your presence annoys him all the time, you can always find something good about him. Well, in a way! Spongebob has always loved hearing Squidward while playing his clarinet when nobody ever seem to care at all. Besides, as what he once told Patrick, he likes Squidward. And he’s not just an ordinary squid but the meanest creature you can ever meet on Bikini Bottom. So just try to imagine someone from your neighbor who whines same as Squidward does. Or maybe someone who resembles a bit of him. Then tell yourself everyday that if a brainless sponge can accept his neighbor no matter what, probably it would be a lot easier for you. Well unless… *evil grin* But kidding aside, it’s one of the teachings of Christianity. What we sow, we shall reap. Peace and harmony are great rewards of respecting and loving your neighbor. It takes a lot of humility and sometimes a bit of putting down your pride. And it doesn’t hurt to be as insensitive as Spongebob sometimes. It’s your choice whether to rehearse your anger about a certain mistreatment or just brush it off and live with peace in mind. The former can be just an additional useless baggage, the latter one won’t lessen your territory. In fact, it expands your world.
I’ve Learned that I Should Try to be a Best Friend to Someone.
I once told a friend that I just don’t get it when guys tend to forget about almost everything you had on certain conversations. Like for all those times they were just pretending they listened (I’m not raising issues on men so forget that). But since we’re talking about Spongebob Principles here as what I call them, it’s high time to acknowledge that nobody’s perfect. Look at Spongebob. He’s always been there for Patrick. Even if most of the time the pink star gets him into a lot of trouble. Not just that. Patrick never fails to forget! Yeah, like your boyfriend or husband who forgets the most important events in your life. Spongebob always support Patrick’s endeavors. He always encourage Patrick. They’re partners in crime. They were the only creatures who enjoyed playing inside a large box. Spongebob didn’t mind even if he would sound dumb when Patrick was visited by what he thought was his parents (So there, Patrick forgot again and so did his fellow star fish visitors). You can help change someone. But if change of character is just so impossible to a person, either you take him as he is or leave him for what he can never be. So whether it’s with your boyfriend or husband, with a member of your family, someone or anyone special in your life, be a best friend you can ever be to him. Listen more even if he says the dumbest things. You’d be able to correct him then while not passing judgment. Try to understand that he’s not perfect and that he may get into trouble at some point of his life. In most part, you would share in the same trouble. Don’t blame it all to the other person. The key here is acceptance and the fuel that will get you going is unconditional love.
And I Have to Love My Craft No Matter What.
Good ol’ Krab who’s only after all the money, where can you find none? Maybe you have the same boss who walks in small quick steps; counting money serves as his hobby and he’d never let you touch his precious dollars framed and hanging on his walls at home. Mr. Krabs hired Spongebob to become a cook in his restaurant. You know what? You would never see Spongebob having such hard times at Krusty Krabs. He was so concerned about how to get the job done and he sees to it that customers get what they deserve. Even the Krab doesn’t think it still is necessary. Spongebob loves what he does and he makes the most of it. And what does it benefit him? He’s a big asset as far as Mr. Krabs is concern (Squidward thinks otherwise. He wants Spongebob out of Krusty Krabs and his life). So one time Mr. Krabs sold his resto just to buy Spongebob’s very own version of Krabby Patties. Why? Because Spongebob made something out of the craft he mastered. We can never reach the standard of perfection. But with a sound choice, practice and hard work, it will all soon pay off. I just loved it when Spongebob said, “can’t have dirty garbage.” He’s well motivated. His enthusiasm makes him stand out even before his boss.
So basically, that’s it for the first part. You see, positivity doesn’t hurt. It never will. Don’t expect that people would like the idea though. If nobody appreciates your effort just do it for your own sake. Give yourself a favor. Release all those hang-ups. They’re not helping at all.
On the next one, I’ll point out how we can learn from Spongebob with Plankton, Mrs. Puff, Gary and Sandy Cheeks on the background.
“If you have some respect for people as they are, you can be more effective in helping them to become better than they are.” – John W. Gardner
Tags: best friend, life principles, love your neighbors, mr. krabs, passion, patrick star, spongebob squarepants, squidward tentacles
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Great insights, Michelle! I’m reminded of this Scripture:
“Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men…” Col. 3:23
I’m sure the makers of Spongebob weren’t thinking of that when they came up with his attitude on working, and life in general. But it is still a Godly principle. Spongebob is very enthusiastic about everything he does! (Well, almost!)
Thanks for sharing your unusual take on the sponge that makes the world laugh – good reading!
Keep up the good work.
can’t wait for part 2 mishi… galing!
Wow Nice insights! Daming kong naiisip habang binabasa ko tong post mo! : D
For #2 we cant change others, we can only change ourselves.
Miss you Mish!
Nice one mishy gurl!
A very good and light way of stressing your point.
I hope everybody does understand what they watch, specially like shows such as spongebob and mr. bean. Which they think, who can be laughing with those stupid making fool of themselves?..
What some may not understand are there always lies beneath a certain character.
naalala ko tuloy yung snap prayer ko daily: to be inspired by others as others find me inspiring. yeah, we have at least one friend who seems to need us more. interestingly, we also need them in the process of needing us kasi we learn from the process of their transformation.