Margaret Mitchell's novel "Gone with the Wind" is one of the best-selling books in the history of mankind. This is the story of a beautiful, intelligent, but a little stubborn daughter of a rich plantation owner who survived poverty and hardship after the war, but was able to regain her lost wealth.
She was selfish, manipulative, and petty among other things, but she was also rebellious, determined, and devoted (at least to the things she thought deserved her devotion). She did not accept the principles of society and did what she damn well liked. She was straightforward and wasn't afraid to speak her mind, even if it could get her into trouble.
There's a lot to say about Scarlett, and certainly Scarlett O'Hara has taught me some life lessons.:
- The guy of your dreams may be the wrong guy.
Scarlett never really loved Ashley, but she relentlessly pursued him due to the fact that she felt true love for the guy who “got” her. How many years have Scarlett and Rhett lost because of her pointless pursuit of the wrong guy?
The guy (or girl) you think you should be with may actually be the worst partner for you. When it comes to love, many people are so busy following their hearts and forgetting to listen to their inner voice.
Your gut and intuition, that little nagging inner voice, is your best friend in the whole world, and if you learn to listen to it, you will be much happier and get rid of bad relationships.
- Don't fool your friends.
Scarlett didn't have many friends, but Melanie was the only friend. She tolerates all of Scarlett's antics and protects her in all situations. Unflattering remarks about Scarlett could permanently alienate Melanie from the closest people.
Scarlett's behavior definitely taught me how ugly it is to cheat on your friends. And although I have a very small circle of friends, I prefer quality to quantity, and I know that I can count on each of them.
- Even deeply flawed women deserve happiness.
Scarlett never made excuses for who she was. She ignored social norms, manipulated everything that got in her way, hurt many people, but she is just a woman in search of love and a roof over her head. Everyone deserves love and affection. You can always find something good in people. Sometimes it's just a matter of not meeting the right partner in life, the one who looks you in the eye and tells you that you're fine.
- Things are not always what they seem.
A gorgeous green velvet dress? Or the curtains in the living room? Don't judge by appearance.
Another lesson from these curtains is: use what you have, be creative, be innovative. Be brave.
- Never give up, you can survive anything.
When faced with obstacles that seemed impossible to overcome, think of Scarlett O'Hara. Despite the war, failed marriages and hunger, Scarlett always found a way to survive. Her only target is Tara. She never allowed anyone or anything to lead her astray from the path to finding her land. She did what she had to do: sacrificed herself, lied, cheated, stole. If she had retreated and cried, if she had renounced faith, she would never have gotten what she wanted.
- Tomorrow will be another day.
And finally, this. It doesn't matter what happens to you or not. Tomorrow will be another day. Start with a clean slate. Live as if this is the last day. Be kind to people. Be generous. Don't dwell on the past or the future. Live in the present moment and know that every day is a gift.