Ok, so I have to guess that I’m probably not the only one around here completely hooked on This Is Us. I have seriously cried in every episode I think! (And don’t lie – you know you have too!!) It’s seriously gotten to the point where I have to hope that Max doesn’t walk in while I’m watching it because I know he’ll tease me for crying.

There are so many people who have fallen in love with the show & the characters, and I think there’s a few reasons for that…
They are not perfect. This isn’t a new idea when it comes to tv, but I think the writers & cast do a phenomenal job of bringing such a realistic sense to the struggles they face. They hurt & they fail, and I think we just resonate with that.

They value one another. I think that society has gone really far in the way of looking out for yourself, and seeing these people, this family, truly care for one another is really refreshing. They don’t always like one another, but they are still a connected family, and they fight FOR each other.

They consistently keep us on our toes. There have already been a lot of plot twists so far (I won’t go into specifics in case you somehow haven’t seen the show & want to catch up), and I have no doubt they will keep coming. From little surprises to big cliff-hanger moments, it keeps us engaged & wanting to know what happens.

I think those things are all really valuable lessons for us too. We are able to connect, to really resonate with other people when we are willing to show the messy side of things. To admit we aren’t perfect & that while in some ways we’re on top of it, in other ways we’re just a hot mess. We are able to gain loyal “fans” – be it friends, significant others, clients – when we show how we value others, especially them. We keep ourselves front of mind when we are consistent about bringing action that draws people in and makes them want more. Now I’m not saying we need to continually make people feel like they’re at the end of a cliff-hanger episode with us… We just need to be engaging about deep and meaningful things!

So take a cue from the family that cured my sadness over the loss of the Bravermans, and get out there & be real with people, be for people, and engage people. But please, try not to make them cry so often!