As many people my age who grew up in the 60s and 70s, The Brady Bunch was as popular for us as, perhaps, American Idol is now.
We embraced this blended family, where problems were solved in less than 1/2 hour. The girls were beautiful and my friends and I wanted long, straight hair that came to a "V" in the back like Marcia's and Jan's. Alas, with my curls, it was not to be. The boys were adorable enough on whom you could develop a crush, no matter what your age. Alice always had the best lines. And the parents? Well, they gave great advice, were always happy, and ensured that harmony and cooperation were the standards of the day.
That's not to say that The Brady Bunch didn't impart wisdom...it most certainly did!
The one episode that stand out most to me is the one whereby Jan, frustrated by Marcia always winning at everything exclaims, "Marcia! Marcia! Marcia!" Jan is convinced that she has no talent or gift and her parents try desperately to dispel her belief.
Ultimately, Jan tries out for the school play in which her character is a (French?) painter, behind on her rent. She fails at acting and after being booted from the play, discovers that instead she has a talent for...painting!
So, what's the wisdom in this? The wisdom is: keep your eyes open. Fail at something because perhaps it will lead to a life-long talent and expose a gift you never thought you had. Every challenge, every perceived failure, will give you skills that you will use at some point(s) in your life.
I guarantee it.
We embraced this blended family, where problems were solved in less than 1/2 hour. The girls were beautiful and my friends and I wanted long, straight hair that came to a "V" in the back like Marcia's and Jan's. Alas, with my curls, it was not to be. The boys were adorable enough on whom you could develop a crush, no matter what your age. Alice always had the best lines. And the parents? Well, they gave great advice, were always happy, and ensured that harmony and cooperation were the standards of the day.
That's not to say that The Brady Bunch didn't impart wisdom...it most certainly did!
The one episode that stand out most to me is the one whereby Jan, frustrated by Marcia always winning at everything exclaims, "Marcia! Marcia! Marcia!" Jan is convinced that she has no talent or gift and her parents try desperately to dispel her belief.
Ultimately, Jan tries out for the school play in which her character is a (French?) painter, behind on her rent. She fails at acting and after being booted from the play, discovers that instead she has a talent for...painting!
So, what's the wisdom in this? The wisdom is: keep your eyes open. Fail at something because perhaps it will lead to a life-long talent and expose a gift you never thought you had. Every challenge, every perceived failure, will give you skills that you will use at some point(s) in your life.
I guarantee it.