5 Life Lessons Taught By The Muppets

Thanks to Jason Segel and a host of other talented folks, the recent The Muppets movie was a big success for Disney, and Jim Henson’s fluffy² family is back in the limelight. Henson’s creations³ started out as a fun way to teach children some basic ABCs, as well as important life lessons. But as with The Muppet Show, the craziness was kicked up a few notches⁴.

Just because you’re too old for Sesame Street (and hopefully you already know your ABCs), that doesn’t mean you’re not too old to learn something. The Muppets are more than entertainers — they’re pretty good teachers too.

Here’s a look at 5 life lessons you can learn from The Muppets.

1. Have Fun

Being shot out of a cannon⁵. Throwing boomerang fish. Telling awful knock-knock jokes. If nothing else, the Muppets sure know how to have a good time. As we get older, life seems to get more serious. And yes, more responsibility can do that to a person.

But never forget to take a deep breath and just live a little. Have some fun!

2. Hang in There

Before the recent success of their newest movie, The Muppets were in limbo⁶ for well over a decade. No hit movies, very little merchandising — no one seemed to care or even know who they were. But Disney took a shot with the latest film, and they’re back in the minds and hearts of fans everywhere.

Being persistent⁷ is a valuable trait⁸. When life’s knocking you for a loop, just hang in there. Lean on your friends when the going gets real rough and know that the tough times will eventually pass. Before you know it, you’ll be back on your feet stronger than ever.

3. Be More Tolerant⁹

If a pig and a frog can get along, then you and your neighbor can get along. Everyone can use a bit more tolerance¹⁰ and acceptance in the world. Stop worrying so much about how much money someone makes, or what kind of job they have, or even the color of their skin. Just accept people as people. Yes, you may not like them all but you can even learn to love annoying people.

If the whole world would just sit down together and watch a few episodes¹¹ of The Muppet Show, maybe we’d see a lot more countries trading in their arms for whoopee cushions.

4. Music Makes Everything Better

The one thing you could always count on from The Muppets is that they could break into some huge song-and-dance number at any given moment. Whether it’s doing chores or working on some mundane¹² task at work, crank up the tunes¹³ and you’ll see how much better you feel and how much faster time goes by.

5. Dream Big

They didn’t need to connect with any rainbows to follow their dreams. The Muppets always have a dream and they do whatever it takes to get there, no matter how big, crazy or unreachable it is. Heading to Hollywood to make a big picture or even putting on a telethon to raise 10 million dollars. They may not have always reached their goals, but they certainly gave it their all. Follow their lead. Dream often. Dream big. Perhaps someday you’ll make it.

You may not have ping pong balls for eyes or an awkwardly¹⁴ placed hand controlling your every movement, but you can still live your life the way The Muppets do. Have fun, spread the love and follow your dreams.

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