what naruto taught me

I read 52 books last year, but this year I've slipped on my book count. Though I'll catch up in the back half because I read 26 volumes of Naruto in the last 2 weeks 😂

I believe comics are the most fast-paced format for stories.

It's a lot faster to read a scene as a few panels than as prose or video.

Here's one particular moment from Naruto. It made me think, I don't want to sulk anymore. I want to be strong and keep my chin up like Naruto 💪

I don't want to sulk anymore

An eight-year-old boy, Inari, yells at Naruto for being too hopeful and optimistic about freeing their city.

Inari is always bitter and pessimistic since his father died fighting for the city.

Naruto tells off Inari for pouting, and Inari storms off.

Naruto's sensei, Kakashi, talks to Inari.

He shares Naruto's story with Inari, explaining how Naruto, despite growing up alone, chose to face his challenges without self-pity.

In all the time I've known him, I've never seen him cry, or use his troubles as an excuse to be a coward. Not once.

What a lovely lesson for kids. Kids may cry often, but they also need to learn to be brave and optimistic instead of dwelling in self-pity.

And it's an important lesson for me as an adult, too. This month, I had a moment where I sulked and felt sorry for myself. Of course, it's okay to cry and process, but I don't want to dwell in that space.

I want to be brave, strong, cheerful, and positive—like Naruto!