5 Real Life Problems And Solutions From The Little Prince
(c) Kim Min Ji
While we wait in anticipation for The Little Prince to come out on Netflix, we've realized that many of life's conundrums and complications can be resolved through the wisdom of the book. It's always that way, isn't it? The greatest bits of advice and information are tucked away in the classics, where we sometimes forget to look.
(c) Kim Min Ji
1. How to Face the Unknown
Harry knows this feeling, when Hagrid blasts through the door, tells Harry he's a wizard, and whisks him off to Hogwarts. You know this feeling, too. Maybe not on, like, a magical level, but absolutely on a day-to-day level. New job, new semester at school, new city. Anything unknown can be scary, but there are ways to handle that apprehensive feeling. Here's a little gem from Chapter Two of The Little Prince:
"When a mystery is too overpowering, one dare not disobey." Sometimes, jumping headfirst into the unknown is the way to go. How else will you discover the greatest things that'll ever happen to you?
2. How to Tell If a Friend Is Really a Friend
Many of us can agree that friends who SAY they're friends, only to turn around and break your purse in the science room sink (that didn't actually happen…cough) are the worst kind of people.
"I ought to have judged by deeds and not by words." Say you're sorry to Mom for every time you rolled your eyes when she'd say, "Actions speak louder than words," because that's one saying you can absolutely live by, certified by the Prince. See who's really backing up their little sweet-nothings and you'll know who your real friends are. Make sure you do the same to others. Oh, and call your Mom.
3. How to Not Feel Small
The world can be pretty scary sometimes. There's no doubt about it. It's hard not to feel small when you find yourself amongst vain, greedy people–especially those who believe they're in a position of power over you. But don't let them diminish what you do, because you do it with heart.
"'I myself own a flower,…which I water every day. I own three volcanoes, which I clean out every week…It is of some use to my volcanoes, and it is of some use to my flower, that I own them. But you are of no use to the stars…' The businessman opened his mouth, but he found nothing to say in answer. And the little prince went away."
4. How to Make Time for Yourself and Others
In a world that's constantly go-go-go, don't sacrifice time with friends (and yourself), because it's super important to your wellbeing. Select a time and day for the things you want to do and turn that into ritual. It doesn't matter what it actually is that you're scheduling time for, as long as it's the thing you want to do. What else can you do starting now? Write to a friend today just to say hi. Read that book tonight, the one you've been meaning to get around to. Even if it's only for five minutes. You'll feel crazy better.
"'What is a rite?' asked the little prince. 'Those also are actions too often neglected,' said the fox. 'They are what make one day different from other days, one hour from other hours.'"
5. How to Not Feel Overwhelmed
Know your priorities. Of course things need to get done, but when you're at that breaking point of incredible stress, it's okay to put something off, at least for a day. You deserve a break. It's hard to remind yourself of that, so we're here doing it for you. So is the Little Prince:
"'Sometimes,' he added, 'there is no harm in putting off a piece of work until another day. But when it is a matter of baobabs, that always means a catastrophe.'"
