Be Like Spongebob -- or not

 ‎Be Spongebob. 

Hi, I'm Spongebob SquarePants 👋

‎You know Spongebob SquarePants, don't you? 

‎I am not going to assume that you don't know who he is or the show on Nickelodeon. It's a really fun show in my opinion, it goes on and on and Spongebob -- the main character -- is particularly fascinating to me. 

‎Everytime I see an episode and observe him keenly, I can't help but liken his traits to ours. 

‎So what if we could be like Spongebob? 🤔

‎👉🏾So what if we are as kind as he is?

‎Spongebob is kind to literally everyone.

Until and even when you are mean towards him or others, he is the kindest bottom feeder. He would give the shirt off his back, go the mile to help even strangers.

Remember when his cousin Stanley S. SquarePants came around and couldn't hold any job? He took him to EVERYWHERE he knew, encouraging him that he wasn't bad, he just needed to find his thing and he would be good at it. Stanley almost stole his job as a Fry Cook at the Krusty Krab though. 

‎👉🏾So what if we are as Passionate as Spongebob?

‎His love for his job??? UUNBELIEVABLE

He loves his job, his house, the playground, anywhere and anything he likes, he likes with a deep passion that consumes him. He enjoys what he does, because he's doing what he loves.

Remember when he woke up one morning, got dressed for work, only for Garry to remind him that it was Sunday and The Krusty Krab was not open, he was actually sad.

Or when he was asked to go home because he caught the 'suds' which was 'the flu' for sponges? Which meant that he could neither work nor play, it made him sicker than the actual suds. He is passionate. That is undeniably so. 

‎👉🏾What if we let ourselves be excited by the little things like Spongebob?

‎What if we don't think it's silly to be excited by a cup of ice cream or the fact that we are seeing our friends for the first time in a while or -- llet me make it simpler -- the fact that NEPA restored power.

Some people shame others for being excited by the 'little' things and call it immaturity. Spongebob is excited to see Patrick every single time even though he literally loves two doors away, he's excited to go jelly fishing every single time, in fact, he's excited just by the thought of visiting Sandy or going to Mrs. Puff's class. Sometimes we need to embrace that child-like excitement. 

‎👉🏾What if we are as determined as Spongebob? 

In spite of all the failurres and accidents, that sponge still goes for boat driving lessons with the enthusiasm of a first timer, best part is, he doesn't allow Mrs Puff's negativity or obvious frustration towards him to get in his way.

He's scared, he screws up, but he goes anyway.

That my friend, is how you show up over and over again even when life tries to hold you down. 

‎👉🏾What if we could prioritize spending quality time enjoying ourselves with others? 

‎All work and no play -- they say -- makes Jack a dull boy. Sometimes we get too neck deep into the 'obligations' of life and we forget what community or enjoyment is.

I don't mean the occasional bottle of wine you sip during fortnite with people you'll never meet. I mean making purposeful plans to spend time with family and friends.

As much as Spongebob loves his work, when it's 'best friend time' with Patrick, he takes it just as seriously, even cranky old Squidward gets in the action sometimes. 

‎But Spongebob is not an epitome of total goodness.. We also should NOT be Spongebob in some ways.. 

‎Do Not Be Spongebob. 

‎👉🏾He is not self aware enough to recognize that his neighborly/friendly attempts towards Squidward actually bothers him and he's unwanted in that setting.

He keeps bothering the poor guy with his good intentions but don't be that guy...

Make sure that you recognize when you become a bother, when you have overstated your welcome it when you are not wanted. Then.. Checkout! 

‎👉🏾He settles for less and allows Eugene Ktabs walk all over him. 

‎Seriously?

A penny a year for all that work he does? And still Spongebob believes Ktabs is doing him a favour by simply letting him work there. He gleefully agrees to more work-no pay, overtime shifts, etc. 

‎Never do that.

Always place appropriate value on yourself and your time. 

👉🏾‎He doesn't know how or when to say NO and tries to please everyone, getting himself exhausted!

Spongebob, in his kindness doesn't want to let anyone down, so if he could, he would split himself into clones and help everyone, please them and make them happy. I think there is an underlying need for validation and desire to be needed that makes him do that, but don't be that guy.. 

‎👉🏾He had no identity outside his job.

Being a Fry Cook was his identity and whenever that job was threatened, his whole life was threatened. Makes me wonder what he did before that job.

But never tie your identity to a job. It'll make you want to constantly prove that you are worthy of it, which requires overstretching. Don't be that guy. 

‎I love Spongebob

‎As a matter of fact, it's my favorite nickelodeon show, and I enjoy watching it while I eat.

No, not on TV. I found a page on TikTok (Daily Spongebob Videos) where new full episodes are uploaded daily, it's my favorite passtime. 

‎You are welcome 😉

‎Honestly, if I ever had a chance to BE Spongebob in Bikini Bottom, the first thing I'd do is get rid of Patrick. That dude is a leech and mostly a terrible friend. 

‎Also, I would leave Squidward alone 😅😭.. 

That guy really just wants to have quiet evenings, bubble baths, a thriving music and art career, and a lady squid to adore. 

‎So....what have we learned? 

‎Be Spongebob... Or.. Do Not Be Spongebob. 

‎Either way.... You Rock

Thank you for reading 💕

‎Until Next Time 

‎✍🏾

‎Itohan 💕

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