Books Villains Are Lost Heroes 7:05 AM Where there is anger, there is always pain underneath. -Eckhart Tolle Villains are lost heroes. At least most of them are. Read the life stories of famous villains and you will realize that they’re just normal (or supernatural) beings who went through something that changed the course of their lives. Sometimes it’s a traumatic and devastating event. Sometimes it’s loss and heartbreak. It could be betrayal. It could be too much pushing around and getting tired of being misunderstood. Here’s a look at some lost heroes we know: Loki (Thor) He's always wanted to make his father proud. He wanted to be a king, but his father wanted his brother Thor to take over his throne. He finds this hard to accept because he believes he's more capable and worthy (or been wanting to be good but no one but his mother notices or appreciates). Electro (Spiderman) He was a hardworking dude whose effort was unappreciated. He just wanted to be noticed, to feel relevant, and to have friends. His inferiority complex made him assume that Spiderman betrayed him. He's a good guy who was unfortunately electrocuted on his birthday (that caused him to have superpowers) and who's emotions got the better of him. Medusa (Greek Mythology) She was a beautiful maiden with golden hair. There are different versions of how she turned into the monster that she's known. In one version, she was raped and punished by gods. In another version, she vowed celibacy but was wooed by Poseidon, and so was punished by Athena. No matter, I think it's unfair that she was stripped of her natural beauty and punished in such a way. Magneto (X-men) At a very young age, he was exploited due to his special gift. His mom was murdered in front of him just so he would unleash his powers. He wanted justice. He wanted to free the world from what he believed are the real antagonists of the story---normal human beings who are evil. He wanted to protect his fellow mutants. Plus of course, someone who's been broken that early and that bad will have a hard time forgiving and living "normally". Voldemort (Harry Potter) He's known as the most powerful wizard in the world of Harry Potter. Tom Marvolo Riddle's hunger for power and hatred for Muggles mainly root from his being abandoned by his Muggle father. He wanted to prove his place in the magical world. Plus of course, he's a direct descendant of Slytherin who's known for his thirst for power. He was also conceived with his mom using the love potion to his father. No real love there. You have to read the Half Blood Prince to really understand where all his wrath is coming from. Maleficent (Sleeping Beauty) She was betrayed by the man she loved, and she lost her faith in love and in humanity. She was a good fairy who was deeply hurt. (More on: Life Lessons From Maleficent) Lots-o'-Huggin' Bear (Toy Story) He was unintentionally left in the park by his owner. After all his effort of going back home, he discovered that he was replaced. Again, the feeling of abandonment, rejection and betrayal turned another good character into a cold-hearted villain. Severus Snape (Harry Potter) He was hopelessly in love with Lily Evans. He became a favorite target of bullying of the Marauders and eventually became rivals with James Potter for Lily. The man he loathed ended up with the woman he deeply loved until his last breath. Poison Ivy (Batman) An environmentalist and botany enthusiast, Dr. Lillian Rose was poisoned by Marc LeGrande for fear that she will implicate him on his theft. Obviously, the poison did not kill her, but unleashed the crazy side of this timid girl. The Duke of Monroth (Moulin Rouge) He was an eager investor in the show Spectacular Spectacular, who fell in love and eventually became obsessed with the star, Satine. When he found out Satine was in love with someone else, he threatened not only to withdraw his investment, but also tried to kill Satine's lover, Christian. Love makes you do crazy things. For these villains, they could be doing the world a favor by being the evil that they are. Or they may just be crying for justice. A villain is a hero in his own story. We'll never know and appreciate good without evil. Hate them or love them. The world will be boring without villains. Gifs from Google images. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Books Story Of Half-Bloods And Bullies 6:18 PM I would rather be a little nobody, than to be an evil somebody. -Abraham Lincoln Story Of Half-Bloods And Bullies Here's another Life Lesson post from my favorite book series Harry Potter. In the magical world of Harry Potter, there are purebloods (family from both sides are all wizards), half-bloods (the other parent is a Muggle or non magical) and Muggle-borns (both parents are non magical but they possess magical powers, like Hermione Granger). There are three distinct characters in the book that are half-bloods; Severus Snape, Dolores Umbridge, and the Dark Lord Himself---Voldemort. All these three characters despise those who are not pureblood giving you the impression that they are purebloods themselves. They regard themselves superior than the rest. In the Muggle world, I mean today in our world we find people like them. People who feel superior than the rest. People who look down on you because you don't fit. People can be mean for two possible reasons: 1. They hate your guts, because you've got something they don't or will never have. 2. You remind them of themselves. Envy Number one reason roots from envy. Envious people won't admit they are envious. That will be admitting defeat. That will be accepting the fact that you are better than them. So envious people will undermine you. They will do everything they could to ruin your reputation, stop people from seeing the good in you because they fear that you will stand out and be loved while they stand in your shadow. They will hate you simply because they already see that you are more than them in every aspect. Envious people can't stand people who make them see their weakness and flaws. Number two reason is due to denial and nonacceptance. There are things about themselves that they can't change. When they see these in you, they see themselves reflected back and they hate you for that. Also, you might be in the position that they are aiming for. You maybe reminding them that they are still stuck. Your success intimidates them because they want to be where you are badly. You remind them of their mediocrity and failure. And that is hard to swallow if you have not accepted and fully embraced who you are and where you are at the moment. That's exactly what Snape, Umbridge and Voldemort were like. They despise the half-bloods because they remind them of themselves. They cannot accept that they fall short to the standard they imposed on themselves. And since half-bloods show them that people like them exist, they loathe them. They hate the Muggle-borns because they feel more superior than them. They try to fit in with the purebloods, so people may think they are one of the royalties. How to deal with bullies Easier said than done, but bullies need our kindness and understanding more than anyone does. They are lost and confused. They don't even know why they hate you. Half-bloods and bullies in the magical world of Harry Potter were actually ignored by those who know better. Sure they sometimes can get to their nerve (the trio Harry, Ron and Hermione were easy targets of bullies---a Muggle born, a pureblood but from a poor family, and an orphan half-blood). But they always take the high road, defend other victims, and were not afraid to fight back if needed. Remember Hermione Granger punching Draco Malfoy in the nose? Epic. Because you're the better person, take the high road. Never stoop down to their level and take the gutter. That is what being royal is all about. Always. Gif from Google images Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Books Why We Need More Luna Lovegoods And Hermione Grangers 11:51 AM It matters not what someone is born, but what they grow to be. -J.K. Rowling We need more Luna Lovegoods and Hermione Grangers in a world full of Pansy Parkinsons. Well, this is not a review of the book itself, but a few of the life lessons I got from the Potter series. I love that quote because (1) I'm a Potterhead, and (2) because if you know Luna Lovegood, Hermione Granger and Pansy Parkinson, you would agree. Luna Lovegood is one of the characters in Harry Potter that you will learn to love. She is weird, she was called Loony Lovegood because she's odd and she doesn't fit. Pansy Parkinson is your typical mean girl at school. She's not pretty inside and out. She sticks with people who thinks they're powerful and bully everyone. She talks trash about you and makes your life miserable. She's your worst nightmare. Hermione Granger is just as famous as Ron Weasley and Harry Potter. She's one of the popular trio in Hogwarts. So, I'll presume you know who she is. Why We Need More Luna Lovegoods And Hermione Grangers They speak their minds Luna Lovegood speaks her mind even if it means being the laughing stock of the school. She believes in what most people in her world think is baloney. She can make you uncomfortable because she points out the truth that no one else would dare. Pansy Parkinson may have a field day every time she say something foolish but she doesn't care. How many of us can freely say what we want to say like Luna? Humility Hermione Granger is the smartest witch of her age. Yet despite being number one in her class, she doesn't brag about it. Pansy Parkinson is not even half as smart she is but loves to call attention to herself. And she always say bad things about Hermione. Sounds familiar? In our world, those who are pulling you down are already below you. They're not half as successful as you are and since they can't beat you, they will try to discredit you instead. Sometimes people in your life will try to expose what's wrong with you because they can't handle what's right about you. -Anonymous Defining standards Luna Lovegood and Hermione Granger define their own standards. Luna has weird fashion sense that even Harry was quite embarrassed when he was with him because he was conscious of people laughing at Luna openly. But Luna doesn't give a damn about what people say. She's comfortable with who she is and goes for what she believes is beautiful that no critic can tell her otherwise. Hermione Granger is looked down for being a Muggle born (witch born from non magical parents). In our world, she is the favorite subject of bullying and racism. The name calling and the discrimination though didn't stop her from being the top of her class. Both girls were victims of harassment, verbal abuse and torment, but neither backed down or got intimidated. Neither stooped down to their critics' level. Talk about taking the high road. Unswerving loyalty Luna Lovegood and Hermione Granger fought with Harry up to the very end. Especially Hermione. She saw everything that Harry went through and she stayed with him loyally. Both Luna and Hermione are your ideal best friends---with unquestioning loyalty and who are willing to give up what they have and risk everything to fight with you and for you up to the very end. Standing out Luna and Hermione were brave enough to not go with the crowd. When everyone else were taking the easy way out by going with the majority, they were not swayed. They have independent minds. And I think it's beautiful that it so happened they found like-minded people. Friendship They value friendship. One of the many things I love about Harry Potter series is the way they all value one another despite being different. They all have uniqueness and quirks but when it comes to friendship, they all jive. Today, you'll seldom find people who are genuine and sincere. Sometimes you have to think hard and long before you'll know what the other person's motive is. Sincerity is a big issue. So when you find people who are real, it becomes a rare opportunity. Standing up for others Although both Hermione and Luna are victims of bullying themselves, they don't sit around and watch the likes of Pansy Parkinson bully others. They may sometimes stay quiet and ignore the name callings in the halls, but they do stand up for those who are being bullied. They protect other people as much as they can. Selflessness They both tried to stop the most powerful and evil wizard of all. While Pansy Parkinson would have followed and caved in to Voldemort's threats, they were both willing to sacrifice their youth, and put their lives on the line, fighting side by side with their friends who are just as young and vulnerable as they are. They're both selfless. Careless and brave yes, but selfless nonetheless. Irreplaceable Harry and Ron would have been lost without Hermione. She was the brain in their group. She thinks in advance and she thinks...well like a woman does. That saved them from a lot of trouble in their journey. Luna was the one who talked Harry back into his senses when he tried to isolate himself from the crowd. If it wasn't for Luna's carefree insight, Harry would have ruined his friendships and he would have been more vulnerable to Voldemort. She was also the one who was there when Harry felt alone. Men then, couldn't have done so much or survived without them. Both Luna and Hermione embody Girl Power. They are both fighters. They are both very smart and wise for their age. They are both looked down by the self-righteous and the fault-finders. But, they both remained confident, staunch and unwavering that no Pansy Parkinson can put them down or stop them. Photos and gifs from Google images. Header photo fan art by courtneygodbey Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Listicle 8 Feel-Good Movies to Binge-Watch 8:22 PM Any weekend plans? How about binge-watching some feel-good movies? God knows we need some sanguine flicks to help us get through where we are right now. Here are my favorite feel-good movies in no particular order.8 Feel-Good Movies to Binge-Watch 1. Flipped An adaptation of the Flipped novel by Wendelin Van Draanen. These middle school kids in the early 60's will prove to you that even at such an early age, love can happen. Flipped is more than just conquering the awkwardness of growing up. It shows how girls think differently than boys. As with Juli, it shows how girls are not all hair and no substance. This coming of age movie is also about families and the different views of people who live different lives. Some of us lives in a fancy house, but all rotten and broken inside (like Mr. Loski) while others live simply yet are genuinely happy and have hearts of gold (like Juli's family). Why I like itJuli Baker. Her family's love and values, her brilliant perspective, and her strong character. She maybe young, but unlike girls her age, she's got substance. As Bryce's grandfather described her, she's "a girl with an iron backbone" and is "iridescent". She's got no time for shallow things and people. I also like the way Bryce finally caught up with her, saw what a gem Juli is, and did everything he could to make it up to her. Click image for details 2. About TimeAbout an awkward 21-year-old guy who discovered that he can travel in time. He used this "gift" to find his one true love. As he travels back in time, he learned that what he does today affects everyone else's future. And that there are things we take for granted that we can never get back. Time is the most valuable asset we possess and the best gift we can offer. Why I like itI like Rachel McAdams. There was never a boring scene in the movie. I like Tim's character. All the sacrifices he did for Mary---even sacrificing their first date for his obnoxious friend, and the way he loves and puts his family first. My favorite part, which is also the saddest in the movie was when he traveled back in time with his dad, back when he was a kid and they would spend quality time by the beach.Click image for details 3. Julie & Julia Two women from different generations, going through different things every day, but with the same passion and spirit. This movie is about Julia Child's journey to becoming the famous professional cook that she is today. And Julie Powell, a telephone operator and a food blogger turned author whose book was made into this movie...and how their lives were changed by finding their passion. Why I like it Meryl Streep and Amy Adams are a delight to watch. How Julie Powell's blog gained traffic is every blogger's dream. I've always been a frustrated cook, too. Julie and Julia are inspiring because they both didn't give up on what they want in life despite the dream stealers around them. I love their wonderful husbands! They're both extremely blessed to have such supportive partners. Click image for details 4. Serendipity Two good-looking strangers met, fell in love instantly, separated, hoped they'll meet again someday...and always believed they'll end up together. Finally, after years of not seeing each other, their paths crossed again. And they found what they felt was missing in their lives after their first meeting. Why I like it It's every hopeless romantic's kind of movie. Click image for details 5. 50 First Dates A romantic comedy film about Lucy, a girl with Goldfield Syndrome (a type of anterograde amnesia), and Henry, a guy working in Sea Life Park who loved her despite their challenging situation. He did everything to make Lucy love him even if it means introducing himself to her, and making her fall in love with him every day for the rest of their lives. Why I like it It draws a beautiful picture of how love should be - persevering, patient, and selfless. Love is not just lip service. Love is action. It's serving the other person every day. It's about being there in sickness and in health. Love makes you face the uncertain with a sense of security knowing that someone's got your back. Click image for details 6. Bruce Almighty A comedy about a regular guy with great life ambitions who met God. Bruce's arrogance turned into humility after he was given God's tasks and power. At first, he used it to his advantage. But eventually, he lost the one thing that's most important to him. Why I like it Jim Carrey is hands-down hilarious. What I like most is the way the movie demonstrates that God gives us everything we need, not what we want. It also shows how genuine His love for us is. Though He can do the impossible, He gave us the choice to whether accept His love or not.He never forces us to love, worship, or serve Him. This movie has shown me how beautiful the gift of free will is. Click image for details 7. The Lake House A remake of Korean film II Mare, The Lake House is a romantic drama about an architect living in the past and a doctor who lives two years ahead. They communicate by sending each other mails until they finally decided to meet. Why I like it The uniqueness of the plot is captivating. I just can't imagine holding on to something as strange and as beautiful as loving someone from a different time. It's not every day you encounter a love story as admirable as this. And of course...Keanu Reeves. Click image for details8. Just Like Heaven A fantasy love story about unfinished business. Elizabeth is a dedicated doctor whose life revolved around her work. David Abbott is a landscape architect who's mourning his wife's death. Both have emotional and personal issues. Both will discover what they need, what they're missing, and how to resolve their issues in an unexpected way. Why I like it Mark Ruffalo seems like the nice unassuming guy you can't help but adore. He's so winsome. The movie is about knowing that there are more important things in life than work or career. It also shows how we stop ourselves from experiencing beautiful things in life if we keep holding on to our past. Yet another movie that shows love as the most powerful force on earth. Click image for details Afterthought: Looking at this list made me realize what a sucker for love stories I am. 😅How about you? What's your favorite feel-good movie to binge-watch? Maybe you can add these to your list. This post contains affiliate links. That means that if you make a purchase after clicking on a link I may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Thanks in advance!
Books Lessons Learned From Charlie 9:19 PM Life's full of second chances. Don't waste yours. In case you haven't read the book The Death And Life Of Charlie St. Cloud or seen the movie Charlie St. Cloud, the story is more about finding your reason for living. When Charlie's younger brother Sam died, he found it extremely difficult to move on. He felt like he also died with him in the car crash that took his life. He wasn't grateful that he was given a second chance because he couldn't see the purpose of living anymore. Until this girl came along and taught him how to live again. Now he's torn between keeping his promise to Sam, and pursuing the love of his life. Lessons Learned From Charlie Death can never separate us from the people we love. They will always be alive in our hearts. Life catastrophes are inevitable, but the choice between letting it steal our hope and joy or moving on is up to us. Sometimes, it's okay to break our promise if it will eventually release us from the prison we built for ourselves and for the other person. It's normal to grieve over a loss but at some point, we need to let go. Not only for ourselves, but for the other person too. Death is indeed the beginning of another life, both for the person who died and the person he left behind. Nothing just happens. Everything has a purpose. There is a solid reason why we're given a second chance. Let's not waste it by living a directionless life. When we let go of the past, we open ourselves to new and beautiful possibilities. It's not easy to let go and move on that's why we need other people to help us. Don't shove them away. Let's be more compassionate and understanding towards others. We don't know what they've been through and what they're going through. We can let guilt eat us alive or let forgiveness give us a new life. There's no such thing as a lost cause. Follow what you believe in. It's always worth the risk. Take as many chances as you can. You'll never find the meaning and reason for living if you keep on living in the shadows of the past. It's better to put your faith on something than believe in nothing. Ultimate lesson learned from Charlie St. Cloud: Love is the ultimate force in this universe. Love conquers all, especially the fear of living, fear of giving and fear of not receiving something back. If Tess didn't come along, Charlie would have been stuck in the past, playing catch in the woods with Sam every night for the rest of his life. He would have died in vain without finding the reason why he was given the second chance; why him and not Sam. It's a powerful story about love (and Zac Efron playing the lead role is reason enough to watch it, c'mon). Not just about romantic love but also about the unconditional love we have for family and ultimately about selflessly loving ourselves. All photos from Google images. Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
Books Where True Magic Lies (A Harry Potter Lesson) 11:26 PM What makes the Harry Potter novel enchanting? For me, it's not about the spells or the magical creatures. It's about the rare kind of friendship formed between the characters. Where True Magic Lies The friendship of James, Sirius and Remus. All three of them died in the novel. Not together, but all three sacrificed their lives for a greater cause. That is for the boy who lived and for the next generations of witches and wizards. For both the wizarding and the Muggle world. My favorite line about friendship in the whole story is what Sirius said: "I'd rather die than betray my friends". Then of course Harry, Ron and Hermione's friendship. A friendship that started in a rather unusual place (they saved Hermione from a towering troll in a girl's rest room), but lasted for a lifetime. No abandonment, as they all went where ever Harry went even if it meant exposing themselves to grave danger (even after Ron left because the Horcrux around his neck made him, he wanted to come back immediately regretting his action). Of course there's fighting and misunderstanding between them. I don't think it's considered a genuine friendship if there was no squabble whatsoever. I believe that's why they were able to defeat the Dark Lord. They stayed together and they're all willing to sacrifice each others' lives and comfort to protect the other. They're all willing to stop their time and drop everything that matters to them in the name of friendship. Real magic happens when there is genuine friendship. Friendship is where true magic lies. Photos from Google images Hey, did you find this post helpful or entertaining? Please go ahead and share. Share buttons on the left and at the bottom of the article. Big thanks! Subscribe to About Life And Love by Email
