Whenever I have time off, I sometimes get into this mood of only wanting to watch Netflix and do nothing productive. I found this pattern at the end of 2019 where I watched Greys Anatomy from season 1 to 15 and learned SO much about life through the eyes of Meredith Grey.
These lessons don’t necessarily go in order of teaching, or in order of value, but they are a quiet reflection of the wisdom of series creator Shonda Rhimes and the incredible portrayal of the character Grey by Ellen Pompeo.
#1 You don’t know what you don’t know you don’t know.
Everyone has limitations; in season 1 the characters are fresh and excited about life, until the drama occurs.
Obviously the show is written to be dramatic, but it rings true that you don’t know what you don’t know you don’t know
In simpler terms, and to relate to experience, you don’t know where to improve until you’re in the situation that shows you where you’re lacking, and what you need to improve on.
#2 Things are not always what they seem to be
Appearances can be deceiving. In season 2 Meredith meets the wife of the man she’s been sleeping with and it catches her off guard that there is more than what she believed when she met the nice man in the bar.
In everyday life, things are not always as they seem because there is energy around us that we cannot explain through science or medicine. There is always more to the story, because it’s not only our story that is playing out.
#3 Even if you let go, those who love you will fight for you, so don’t let go
In season 3 Meredith falls into the cold water in Seattle winter and she nearly drowns until Derek realizes she’s gone and in the water. He heroically jumps in and pulls her out, only to find that she’s cold and nearly dead.
All the doctors do everything they can to save her, but what we see, is her experience in the in between.
The following seasons are only possible for Meredith because she chose to return to her body, she chose the relationship with Derek that she was avoiding, and the relationship with her mother that was difficult her whole life. Everything that she had gone through led her to this turning point for herself and the show which is reflected in the 12 seasons to follow her near death experience.
The lesson is that those around you are a reflection of love for yourself. Meredith surrounded herself with people who loved her so much to bring her back and push her forward through this point of transition. She went back for love.
#4 Family is not determined by blood but by your own openness to let people into your life with love
Throughout the series, Meredith considers herself to be alone. Her mother is the centre of chaos in her life, and she doesn’t have any siblings.
In season 4 her half sister Lexie starts at Seattle Grace as an intern, an eager, full of life and optimism, intern.
First with apprehension, Meredith refuses to let her half sister into her life, she does everything and anything to prevent herself from letting her sister get to know her.
Circumstances throughout the season lead Meredith to eventually open her heart and she realizes that family is not determined by blood, but by who you let into your life.
Reasons to Watch Grey’s Anatomy
- #1. After 15 seasons, the show is still going on. Numerous characters have come and gone, but the one who only gets wiser with time is Meredith Grey.
- #2. The story has depth because it’s in the 16th season. Meredith has so much wisdom to offer the sub characters now. There is so much depth to her character compared to season 1 Meredith.
- #3 Medicine is a field which is complicated, competitive, and idolized. By watching this show there are some lessons only medical professionals experience that are useful for everyone to know about.
- #4. It’s fun and enticing! This show pulls you in, with the drama of each plot line and the excellent writing. I also love how most episodes start with a voice over tidbit from Meredith or one of the characters. This shows the wisdom of the character and gives a bit of context before the episode begins.