Harry Potter has been a huge part of my life and it is the reason there is magic in my life. Looking back on the series, there is more to the books than just a fictional story. I grew up with Harry Potter and his story is part of mine. I would have been shocked if I learned nothing from the story.
The stories took me on an adventure and showed me what friendship was meant to be, how to grow up with grace (not always perfectly), and how a story could change a life. While rereading the series, I found there were 20 life lessons that are applicable in my own life. Here is what I learned:
1. The family you are born into isn’t always better than the family you choose.
Harry lost is parents at a young age and spent his childhood living with his aunt and uncle who were horrible to him. Upon arrival to Hogwarts, Harry met some incredible people that became his family throughout the years. Just because your friends aren’t your blood relatives doesn’t mean they can’t mean you can’t love them just as much.
2. Even bad guys aren’t usually all bad.
When you look at some of the “bad guys” in Harry Potter, it is clear that not all of them are truly bad. Consider Draco Malfoy. From the beginning, he seems to be the worst person ever and always at odds with Harry. By the end of the series we realize he is collateral damage for his parents’ poor alliances. Don’t categorize people by what they seem to be.
3. Don’t waste your life being scared of what’s next.
“To the well-organized mind, death is merely the next great adventure.” –Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Sorcerer’s Stone
4. “Never trust anything that thinks for itself if you can’t see where it keeps its brain.” –Arthur Weasley, Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets
This is totally applicable now that people can hide behind social media accounts to hide the truth, just like a young Voldemort did to Ginny and Harry. Trusting someone you don’t know can be dangerous.
5. “Numbing the pain for a while will make it worse when you finally feel it.” –Albus Dumbledore, Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire 
6. The past can’t ever be changed but the future is in our control.
While Harry and Hermione were able to change Buckbeak’s fate with the time turner, things aren’t always that simple. The past shapes who we become and without the pain, happiness and everything in between we wouldn’t be us. Anything is possible no matter how difficult the task. We have the power to control what will happen to us.
7. Sometimes we have to face our fears in order to get what we want.
Ron followed spiders so he could help his friend in need. Harry overcame his fears so he could produce a patronus. Our wants may not be as severe as Harry and Ron’s but it takes a lot to overcome your fears to get the desired end result.
8. Sometimes we have to fight our battles alone.
Harry had an incredible amount of help from his friends but in some cases he had to fight alone. In the end, it was only him and Voldemort. I can tell you right now my battles are not that intense, but sometimes it takes a great deal of courage to realize that no one can help me but myself.
9. People aren’t always exactly how they seem.
Two words: Sirius Black. We started out hating him because he was the reason Harry’s parents were dead, but he turned into the caring godfather we love. 
10. Power must be used cautiously.
Power went to Voldemort’s head and things didn’t work out so well. It feels great to have power and to be in control, but it can destroy you.
11. Wisdom comes as you age.
I have meet some incredible people and just like the characters in Harry Potter, I have so much to learn. Every time Harry was in a tough situation, he could rely on Dumbledore for advice and help. Dumbledore was cryptic and distant sometimes but in the end he offered wise advice and suggestions.
12. Love is more powerful than hatred.
In the end, love, friendship and courage prevailed. Voldemort may have had a lot of power but he didn’t have any friends or any genuine relationships. The support system Harry had gave him the strength to defeat the evil in his life.
13. Teachers are the backbone of everything!
Hogwarts professors taught and protected their students. Real-life teachers may not do magic but they always have their their students’ best interests in mind.
14. Pronunciation is SO important.
Pronunciation is essential when practicing magic and in every day life. End of Story.
15. True friends are there when things get difficult.
This is a common theme in Harry Potter and something I take through life. Friends should be there for you at your best and worst. Period. 
16. Sometimes difficult decisions are required to protect the ones we love.
Hermione chose to make her parents forget her instead of risking their lives. No every situation is extreme like Hermione’s but that doesn’t make it any less difficult.
17. Your illness does not define you.
Lupin didn’t let his illness consume his life. Whether you are born with a condition or had one develop later, remember that you are so much more.
18. Don’t be a racist.
Making people feel less of themselves for something that can’t be changed is NOT cool. No matter the comment, it has no place in the Wizarding World or ours.
19. Death isn’t as scary as it seems.
Death is a commonplace in the series. Death will never be easy but the series taught me how to respond. Don’t fear or worry about someone after they are lost; celebrate their lives and move forward.
20. Magic is forever.
This series is case in point for my life. Starting with the books and ending with the movies, I have loved every second and I can’t wait to share the magic with everyone around me.
I have grown a lot from my experiences but Harry Potter has done an incredible amount to shape who I have become. Everyone experiences things differently though, so let me know what you think and share what you learned from Harry Potter.
My Dream in Motion 