May The Fourth Be With You! What Star Wars Taught Us

May the fourth has become the unofficial day for all things Star Wars because of its similarity to the films' classic phrase, may the force be with you.

As the day approaches, we thought we'd have a look at some of the things you can learn from the iconic films. Whether it's lessons from Luke Skywalker or dark tricks to avoid from Darth Vader, there is plenty to take away from a Star Wars movie marathon.

Luke, Princess Leia and the rest of the gang really value each other and their friendship. They know the importance of standing up for your friends and supporting them when it matters, even if it is through something as risky as destroying a death star! The films really remind us of the importance of loyalty and that you don't need lots of friends, just a few that you'll support through anything and who'll do the same for you.

In life, we often know what the right thing to do is. Make sure you listen to your heart or the force that is within. In Return Of The Jedi, Yoda says, 'already know you, that which you need' and it's true for all of us every day. Most of the time, the answer is already inside of us as a gut instinct or initial reaction. Work out what your instinct is, what your heart is telling you and listen to it. Trust yourself, sometimes you'll find you already know everything you need to.

We're all different, but no matter what, every life matters. Whether someone is a bit clumsy like Jar Jar Binks or a bit angry like an Ewok, it doesn't matter, they are just as important as the rest of us and have their own special qualities. Jar Jar Binks was exiled from his planet because of his clumsiness but ended up shaping the future of the entire galaxy, if he had been ignored or thought of as unimportant, things could have been very different.

The Star Wars films are full of encouragement to try new things and take risks. This is something we can all put into practice daily, whether it's by trying a new vegetable, giving a new hobby a go or doing a different type of exercise. Trying something can be really rewarding and add more excitement to life, just like Luke Skywalker when he joined a group of rebels, you never know what could happen. However, one thing we definitely don't recommend risking is joining the dark side!

There are times when the odds will be stacked against you and you feel like giving up. Star Wars teaches us to power through, have faith and try our best anyway even when we think we might fail. In The Empire Strikes Back, C-3PO tells Han Solo that the odds of successfully navigating an asteroid field are 'approximately 3720 to 1' and Han Solo's response is simply, 'never tell me the odds'. He wants to try anyway and doesn't let a daunting ratio stop him from doing so.

The next lesson follows on from attempting to defeat the odds because we all know that sometimes you won't. Even the galaxy's Jedis face failure and defeat multiple times throughout the films. However, each failure teaches them something and allows them to avoid making mistakes in the future. Trial and error are crucial to success and it's important to view setbacks as stepping stones to the ultimate goal, no matter how long it takes to get there.

Most of the time, the Star Wars characters have a lot to think about, after all, saving the galaxy is no easy task! However, they don't become overwhelmed by it all, they just focus on being in the moment, getting through the task at hand and focussing on being present. Qui-Gon reminds Obi-Wan of this in Episode One when he says 'Keep your concentration here and now, where it belongs'. Being present, focussing on one thing at a time and embracing the moment will help you to achieve the most and be the happiest.

Even when things are at their worst, it's important to laugh. Cracking a joke or making people smile is the best way to lift spirits and brighten the mood when times are tough.  The writers of Star Wars definitely thought so, there are some brilliant one-liners throughout the films just at some of the most critical moments. Remember the importance of humour and how important it is to smile.

Whether it's Darth Vader and the dark side or a bit of anger and frustration, it's so important to rise above any darkness that's within us or surrounding us. Luke Skywalker reminds us to 'let go of hate' in Return Of The Jedi and it's a lesson we can carry with us always. Ultimately, being angry, holding on to fear, hate and regret will not benefit us. It's important to move past these so we can be free and put our energy into more positive things.

Qui-Gon words this final lesson perfectly when he says to Anikan 'Your focus determines your reality' and he's right. What you put your energy into and focus on will create your life and the achievements within it. You have to put the effort in to be able to benefit from the rewards, whether that's school work, sporting achievements or just a bit of baking, everything worth doing takes a bit of focus and dedication. Qui-Gon's wise words are a great motto to remember daily.

There are plenty of other lessons to learn from the classic Star Wars films. If you're going to have a movie marathon and watch them all, see if you can spot any o and make sure you let us know what they are. In the meantime, remember to practice your lightsaber skills, stand by your friends, stay away from the dark side and may the force be with you!