One of the many reasons I love my co-blogstress is that she knows exactly how to cheer me up on an awful day. When nothing is going right, and I feel unappreciated and powerless, GChat flashes words of encouragement: “You are Jenna Rink. Big-time magazine editor!”
Okay, so maybe pep talks from 13 Going on 30 and the like don’t directly apply to my life, but they nevertheless motivate me to keep going and power through the bullshit. When in doubt, I make a quick trip to YouTube for a 30 second boost from one of heroes. It’s therapy for people who can’t afford therapy.
I want to share my favorite pop culture pep talks with you, Heads Over Feels’ers. Bookmark this post in case of emergency. The next time your spouse/boyfriend/girlfriend/boss/friends/
parents/personal trainer/ATM balance display/DVR backup brings you downs, let one of these inspirational pieces remind of your innate awesomeness.
Jeff Winger kicks off the list with an epic speech from the pilot of our beloved Community. Even at the lowest point in his life, Jeff finds and is elevated by the extraordinary in every member of this ragtag study group. “You are all better than you think you are, you are just designed not to believe it when you hear it from yourself.” Hear, hear, Jeffrey.
No pop culture nerd is an island. We either fangirl together, or die of our feels alone. Here’s Jack explaining that philosophy (or you know, something like that) in Lost:
This next pep talk isn’t available on YouTube, but still vital to include. Barney’s brother James (Wayne Brady, obviously) comes to town on How I Met Your Mother in “Single Stamina.” When the comfortably coupled decline to go out and party with the singles, he drops this knowledge. You’ll want to have this speech on hand when wine and movies are looking way better than painful shoes and bar crowds. We’re young, dammit. Can I get a ‘hell yeah’?
“Guys! You are young, attractive people here in the greatest city on Earth! There are boys and girls in Nobody Cares, Wyoming wishing they could be here. But instead, they are in someone’s basement drinking bad malt liquor debating whether they’re gonna spend the rest of their Saturday night in the parking lot of the feed store or in some other dude’s basement. You owe it to them to rise up and shimmy your lazy asses into something hot. And you go out there and YOU LIVE THE DREAM! Can I get a ‘hell yeah’?!”
Let me tell you somethin’: Coach Taylor is proud to take the field with you. With all of you. If you can watch this Vulture compilation of Coach’s greatest hits without tearfully yelling “Can’t Lose!” and unsuccessfully trying to high-five your cat, then your heart is dead and I can’t help you.
And finally, there is one supreme being who will always think the most of us lumbering, confused humans. He offers us unending grace and forgiveness, even when we hardly deserve it. And he always brings out the best in everyone he touches. You know who I mean:
The Doctor – every Doctor – thinks you’re fantastic, brilliant, and cool. He probably thinks you’re awesomesauce too, but he doesn’t know that word. (New petition: “Awesomesauce” for catchphrase of the 12th Doctor. It’s gonna be a thing.) Download this next one to your iPod and hit play any time you need a boost. It works, trust me.
I’m not crying, it’s just been raining on my face.
Leave your favorite pop culture pep talks in the comments, and stay strong, my friends.
I’m Ron Swanson. And you’re Leslie fucking Knope. You with me?
headoverfeels says
ALSO…
“You is smart. You is kind. You is Important.” –The Help
Flawless post is flawless. -K
headoverfeels says
ALSO…
“You is smart. You is kind. You is Important.” –The Help
Flawless post is flawless. -K
Alex says
headoverfeels says
YAAASSSS. –S
Alex says
headoverfeels says
YAAASSSS. –S