| Good Grief, I Learned A Lot, Charlie Brown! For 50 years the daily comic strip 'Peanuts' entertained millions of
readers. Every day, the adventures of Charlie Brown, Snoopy, Linus and the whole gang
provided many laugh-out-loud moments while at the same time offering a daily inspiration
and lessons on life.
With the recent death of 'Peanuts' creator Charles Schulz, I
reflect on how much I enjoyed sharing the adventures of the 'Peanuts' gang and I remember
the many lessons they taught me...
- It's okay to be afraid... just don't let your fears control
you. Charlie Brown often sat in bed and spoke of his fears, but no matter how scared he
was, he always did the things he wanted to do.
- Persistence wins out. Charlie Brown often lost, failed at
much, but he never gave up. Even though he knew Lucy was going to pull the football away
before he could kick it....Even though he knew the tree was going to eat his kite... Even
though he knew his team would lose the ball game, he kept on trying.
- It's what you think of yourself that counts. Linus carried a
security blanket for years and his friends laughed at him. They also laughed at him
because he believed in the "Great Pumpkin." Pigpen was a walking cloud of dust
and dirt and was often regarded unkindly. Both characters, however, were always proud of
themselves and believed they were as good as anybody else -- and they were right.
- Sometimes you need to talk. One thing the 'Peanuts' gang
understood was the importance of talking things out. Whether leaning up against
Schroeder's piano or atop the brick wall, they always had someplace to discuss what was of
concern to them.
- Sometimes you need to listen. Even crabby, self-indulged Lucy
knew the importance of listening. She started the famous 'Psychiatry Booth' where any and
all could come and be heard.
- Do what you love to do. Through all their adventures,
Schroeder remained constant in his appreciation of Beethoven and his love of playing the
piano. He loved to play piano and that's what he did, regardless of the circumstances.
Charlie Brown flew his kite, played baseball and football, not just to win (he knew he
wouldn't), but because he loved to do those things.
- It's important to have friends that care. The 'Peanuts' gang
was made up of individual characters, each with their own foibles and talents, but through
it all they were always there for each other.
- Big dreams lead to big things. Snoopy was the biggest dreamer
of them all, but his wild imagination often led to even wilder, more fantastic adventures
in real life. Snoopy knew that you must have a big dream if you are going to lead a big
life.
- Action creates reality. As Charlie Brown was reminded time
and again after prodding from Linus: it takes action to bring about change. Though he
often failed, Chuck took action quite regularly... and every now and again things would go
his way.
- Laugh every day! While the kids themselves may not have seen
the humor in the things they did, Schulz made sure that we did. Life is only as serious or
as humorous as YOU make it.
- Lighten up. Go play softball. Fly a kite. Dance with your
dog. Smile... It makes people wonder what you're up to.
~By Jim Allen~
Jim Allen is a professional life
coach, speaker, and writer.
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