Kristen SimondsUnpacking Life Lessons from Stranger Things
“Mornings are for coffee and contemplation.”
~Jim Hopperchapter 1 || reflections in the upside down
Last evening, my family and I watched the highly anticipated series finale of Stranger Things. Even if you are not a fan of the show, I urge you to continue reading, as this is not merely a fan rant nor a detailed synopsis of my impressions of the series. Instead, it is a reflection on the impact that Sci-Fi and horror can have on the human spirit.
These genres have a remarkable ability to work on my soul, challenging me to fathom the unfathomable and confront my innermost fears and hopes. They compel me to consider not only the narrative unfolding on screen but also how I show up in my own life—how I face adversity, how I cherish relationships, and how I navigate the complexities of existence. Through the lens of fantastical worlds and spine-chilling scenarios, I find myself questioning my values, my courage, and my aspirations, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of who I am and the life I want to lead.
(These were my thoughtful meanderings at 1 am as I couldn’t sleep, my mind wandering off to the 5-Season series and how life is truly stranger than fiction.)
Chapter 2 || little nuggets
A number of things stood out to me as the series concluded, one of which is the theme of children taking on adult roles. We watch these shows and think it’s impossible that children at this age could handle this level of catastrophe; however, children cope with real-world trauma all the time, often displaying a strength and depth of understanding that surpasses our expectations. In moments of crisis, they navigate complex emotions and situations, revealing an inner resilience that is both surprising and profound.
We forget what it’s like to be a child, lost in a world that feels overwhelmingly vast yet simple in its joys and fears. We forget about the resiliency they exhibit, how they bounce back from hardship, adapting to their circumstances.
“Why are you keeping this curiosity door locked?”
~Dustin HendersonWe also forget about the imagination they possess, thinking outside the box to find creative ways to solve problems, even when the adults around do not listen. Their ability to dream up solutions and envision better outcomes reminds us that sometimes, the perspective of a child is exactly what we need to tackle the challenges of life.
Chapter 3 || love
Additionally, the horrors and fantastical hardships we watch our beloved characters face show us what really matters: relationships, friendships, family, and, most of all, love. As they navigate perilous quests, confront unimaginable foes, and endure moments of profound despair, we are reminded that it is these connections that provide meaning. The strength of their bonds is tested, revealing the resilience of the human spirit and the transformative power of love in even the darkest of times.
Through their struggles, we learn that it is not merely the resolution of conflicts that defines their journeys but the way they support one another, cherish their shared moments, and find strength in unity. In essence, these narratives profoundly reflect our own experiences, encouraging us to value the relationships that enrich our lives and to recognize that love, in its many forms, is the guiding force that sustains us through adversity.
“I think its finally my year, Henderson. I love you, man.”
~Steve Harringtonchapter 4 || Neat & Tidy
One of my favorite aspects of the genre and the show is how the conclusion to the horror is wrapped up neat and tidy, unlike real life, where the mystery remains. This resolution allows us to experience a sense of closure and satisfaction; the suspense that builds throughout the series comes to a head, and all the loose ends are tied up in a way that feels both thrilling and comforting.
In contrast to the unpredictability of everyday existence, where questions often go unanswered and outcomes can be grim, these stories provide a reprieve. They remind us that, within the confines of the screen, evil can be vanquished, and the protagonist can emerge victorious, leaving audiences with a sense of hope and resolution that often eludes us in reality.
However, like us, the characters were left to discover their own path in a world free of fantastical horror, yet still one where the challenges of reality face them. The ending was left open, allowing us to contemplate the unfolding of their experiences, a bittersweet ending full of promising beginnings.
“The end is but the beginning of a beginning, and all that is and has been is but the twilight of the dawn.” ~H. G. Wells
Chapter 5 || rightside up
As we all navigate this intricate landscape of life, we encounter obstacles that are the very essence of human struggle—moments of doubt, bursts of courage, and the quiet resilience required to overcome life’s trials. Each decision made shapes the journey, revealing not only strengths but also vulnerabilities. In these moments of reflection, we often discover layers of ourselves that we never knew existed, crafting a narrative rich with lessons learned and experiences gained.
Fiction allows us respite from the challenges and horrors of our own making, offering a sanctuary where imagination flourishes, and possibilities abound. It inspires us to dream, giving us hope that our story has a happy ending as well, reminding us that despite the darkness we may face, there is always a light waiting to be found. Through the characters we meet and the plots we unravel, we find courage in our struggles and a sense of unity with others who share similar journeys, fostering a deeper appreciation for the beauty in our shared human experience, and hopefully, we land firmly planted right side up.
“…Music can reach parts of the brain that words can’t. So maybe that’s the key, a lifeline. A lifeline back to reality”
~Robin buckleyChapter 6 || Strange musings
And for those Stranger Things fans, in case you were wondering, my thoughts on the overall series- I loved it. Leading up to the final series, I found myself voicing complaints about various aspects of the previous seasons that frustrated me or felt were unnecessary to the plot. However, I decided to rewatch the entire series before settling in for season 5, and this turned out to be a wonderful decision.
I was delightfully surprised by things I had missed, forgotten, or just overlooked during my initial viewing. The wonderful music that took me back to my childhood, the nuances of the character development, and arcs kept the story engaging and captivating from start to finish. The playful nature and dynamic interactions between, of course, Dustin and Steve, as well as Robin and Steve, shone through as some of my favorite parts. These relationships added layers of depth and humor, showcasing the fantastic writing and chemistry among the cast. The blend of nostalgia, friendship, and supernatural elements truly made watching Stranger Things an unforgettable experience. It is definitely a story that my family and I will return to.
Chapter 7 || Welcome to Derry
…while we are talking series, I will also note that we loved Welcome To Derry. As avid Stephen King fans, we were thoroughly impressed with the casting and story development of the show, which brought a fresh and captivating take on the universe he created. The characters felt authentically developed, keeping with the feel of King’s original story. The cinematography and atmosphere were chilling and beautifully crafted, pulling us deeper into the eerie world of Derry. We are eagerly anticipating season 2, hoping for more narratives that will keep us on the edge of our seats, and we can’t wait to see how the story unfolds with new twists and character arcs that maintain the haunting essence of King’s work.
#artIsLife #artMimicsLife #awareness #balance #dufferBrothers #dustin #experience #fictionInLife #horror #it #meditation #realityMimicsFiction #relatable #scifi #seriesFinale #stephenKing #strangerThings #vecna #welcomeToDerry
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