6 Real Lessons You Can Learn From Troop Beverly Hills
THE GIRL SCOUTS are a truly amazing organization. They teach young women valuable life skills like how to survive in the wild, how to save a life, and how to sell really delicious cookies. They’re wonderful. And because the organization is so great, it gets its very own week in March where we celebrate all things Girl Scouts. Sure, we could concentrate on the Thin Mints, or even the Tagalongs to show how truly amazing they are...but instead, we want to take a trip down memory lane and visit a little movie called Troop Beverly Hills. FOR THOSE OF you who have not yet been graced by the comedic genius that is Shelley Long...get ready. We want to open your eyes to the most amazing movie ever made — and, yes, it just so happens to be about a troop of young girls who are out to kick butt and take names. Grab the popcorn and bask in the glory that is Troop Beverly Hills.
1/6Awesomeness comes in all shapes, sizes, and hats .
The movie follows Phyllis Nefler, a rich Beverly Hills housewife who is in the process of getting a divorce. Previously known for shopping...and not really anything else...Phyllis decides to take control of what she can in her life and volunteers to be the den mother of her daughter’s Wilderness Girls troop. The group of girls from Beverly Hills aren't taken seriously by the other, more “rugged” troops throughout Los Angeles — but Phyllis sets out to change that. Together with her girls, she proves that being a strong, independent woman is not a one-size-fits-all mold. In fact, you can be clad in couture and still rule.
2/6You’re never too old to learn a new skill.
When faced with a divorce and the realization that she’d never really done anything on her own, Phyllis sets out to become a true role model for her daughter. Through mishaps, blunders, and some seriously amazing fashion choices, she shows that you are never too old to make something of yourself — or prove people wrong.
3/6When it rains, it freaking pours.
Sometimes it seems like the cards are just stacked against you. And you know what? Sometimes they really are. Life can be hard, experiences can be tough, and there will definitely be times when you’ll want to break down in tears and scream “WHY ME?” And that’s okay. Troop Beverly Hills shows that just because your problems aren’t necessarily life and death, they can still get to you. Let your emotions run free, lady. Sometimes a girl just needs to let it out.
4/6But it really does always get better (even when you think it can’t).
You should never discount your emotions, but here’s the good news: even when it seems like it will never get better, it always done. Sunny days are just around the corner. Phyllis and her fabulous gang of misfits never let the others’ judgement or doubt keep them down. Sure, does it make them sad sometimes? Absolutely. But they pick themselves up and get back to being their fabulous selves. Oh, and here’s a pro tip for you: shopping always helps cure the gloomy days.
5/6Never underestimate yourself.
Because the girls of Troop Beverly Hills had a very cushy upbringing, they doubted their own ability to be true Wilderness Girls. Could they make it? Were they tough enough? And, hey, you’ve probably asked yourself those very same questions before. The truth is, we all have insecurities. We all wonder if we’re good enough or strong enough or smart enough or pretty enough...but you know what? You are all of those things. Sometimes in life we can be our own biggest roadblock, but just remember that you are capable of greatness. And just like Troop Beverly Hills are deemed True Wilderness Girls in the end, you, too, can do anything you set your mind to. You just have to have a little faith.
6/6Never stop being you.
In the end, Phyllis and the girls prove that they are capable of anything. But you know what? Just because they added some new skills to their resume, they still stayed the same fabulous ladies. They didn’t have to give up their beliefs, personalities, or looks in order to accomplish their goal — and that’s a great thing to remember. No matter what you chose to do in life, always remember who you are. Let experiences and goals make you better, but never let them change you completely. If you ever find yourself at a crossroad, just think: what would Phyllis Nefler do? And then do that. She won’t steer you wrong. She is a Wilderness Girl, after all.
