What I've Learned from Jane Austen

I love Jane Austen. I think she is a fantastic writer and was far ahead of her time. She definitely knew how to tell a story and I don't know any girl around who can resist the charms of Mr. Darcy. Therefore, this post is dedicated to Jane Austen.

What I've Learned from Jane Austen:

1. Everyone has a story. Whether you're an individual or a business, you've got a story to tell. Tell your story and tell it proudly.

2. It's alright to be yourself. Elizabeth in Pride and Prejudice teaches us that you need to be true to yourself. She never was less than who she was. Even when Darcy had broken her heart and wounded her pride, Elizabeth was Elizabeth. She never settled for less.

3. Love is patient. When you love someone, you have to be patient. You need to be patient with their shortcomings and patient with their stubborness. George Knightley was patient with Emma...shouldn't we all be that patient with the ones we love?

4. Family is everything. When Marianne's heart was broken in Sense and Sensibility, her sisters were the ones who stood by her. They supported her and lifted her through the hard times. The world may fail us, but our family will always be there for us.

5. Sometimes, stubborness delays happiness. Look at Elizabeth and Darcy. They both loved each other, yet each was too stubborn to admit wrongs. Their love was delayed far too long than it should have been because neither would admit that the other was the perfect match for them. Luckily for Lizzy and Darcy, their love conquered all in the end.

I think I need to go read some Jane Austen now....