 |
| Photo by Jyruz Hilbero |
Whenever I’m sad, I stop being sad and be awesome instead. - Barney Stinson
 |
| Photo From CBS |
This spectacular series, which aired from 2005 to 2014 over a run of 9 seasons, has delivered not only good laughs but also has taken its viewers on a roller coaster of emotions. We follow the story of Ted Mosby of how he, as the title of the series would suggest, met the mother of his children. Along with his pursuit of love, we also follow the stories of his good friends Marshall, Lilly, Barney, and Robin.
Although I encountered it by chance as a recommendation from Netflix, I soon found myself binge-watching it. What made the series great aside from its hilarious running gags, are the unexpected turns of events that caught me by surprise. From breakups to career disappointments to the death of a loved one, HIMYM never failed to establish a sense of relatability to its viewers. I can’t help myself but feel the same pain that the characters feel whenever I watch this series.
 |
| Photo from CBS |
Ted Mosby definitely had his fair share of ups and downs in life especially when it comes to love. His misfortunes and achievements helped me embrace my own vulnerability to the things that life throws at me. His journey taught me that things will not always go the way I want them to—but at the very least, it will all make sense when the perfect time arrives.
At the end of the series, fans had split opinions about whether they are for Team Blue French Horn or Team Yellow Umbrella, which represent two of Ted's most influential love interests respectively. These two different symbolisms of not only love but life in a greater sense, especially with the concept of destiny and fate, instilled in me a sense of comfort in knowing that the unpredictability of life is actually what makes it great.
It also taught me to go with the flow and enjoy life as it currently is because no matter how hard you cling to the past, it’s already gone. This bittersweet sense of comfort that the series has given me will always be of value, especially during my most vulnerable moments.
 |
| Photo from CBS |
Life is full of things that can offer us happiness while making us feel whole. However, due to the things that stand in our way, we often start to lose hope while in pursuit of happiness. I hold these teachings so closely in my heart, along with these two quotes that can help me make sense of everything whenever I feel lost in life.
“You can ask the universe for signs all you want but ultimately we’ll only see what we want to see when we’re ready to see it.”
“Whatever you do in this life, it’s not legendary unless your friends are there to see it.”
 |
| Photo from CBS |
How I Met Your Mother offers comfort through hope and optimism, similar to how Ted ultimately met the love of his life. It is in staying optimistic through the hardest of times that we can say yes to all the things that will happen in our lives.
In every hardship I encounter, the series reminds me that a yellow umbrella is waiting just for me somewhere out there. Everything will soon pass and the time will arrive when everything just makes sense. The long and arduous journey towards finding the yellow umbrella may not be easy but it's definitely worth it.
Once you find it, your hopefulness will pave the way to new happiness and joy as it was always meant to be. So suit up! And say, "challenge accepted," and simply be legendary.
And that, kids, is what I learned from the story of How I Met Your Mother.
