I want to start this off with an appreciation to the icon that is Michelle Trachtenberg. May she rest in sweet peace.

As a child, I remember pulling out that orange video tape (you know those gorgeous Nickelodeon tapes!) and popping it into the VHS player knowing I was about to go on a journey of fun, mystery, and laughter. That’s right, it’s time (again) to watch Harriet the Spy (1996). This film was one of my all time childhood favorites that I’ve watched so many times, I can pretty much replay it in my mind still. I am sat here in contemplation about why this movie has stuck with me. As a child I know it was just something entertaining, but when I look back I know there are things about this character that has shaped me. So looking back at it, I thought what lessons can I take bring into adulthood that I may not have recognized as a kid watching Harriet the Spy?

Be curious, bold, and unwavering!

As I think about the character Harriet, I see someone who is witty, unknowingly charming, bold, but also a little bit misunderstood. (I know you can draw a common connection through these flashback posts and characters I love.) Harriet was a girl on a mission who often found herself getting into mischief, but it was only because of her curiosity. As someone who was often curious (but maybe not as bold) that is something I feel I really related to as a child. Amongst other things, this movie made me feel like it was okay to feel and be weird, especially during a time when it wasn’t quite accepted to be different.

While I may have learned to surpress my “differences” when I got older, thngs seem to come back full circle, because I now don’t want to be anything but myself. Just like Harriet, I think there is always an innate draw to people who are honest about who they are. Sure, it can make you a target, but it also can lead to something magnificent like discovering a mystery or going after all your dreams. Following your own curiosity is being bold in your life! It shows that you have the courage to explore all the ways you want to show up in the world. That childlike curiosity didn’t lead you astray as a kid, so why would it now?

Your Words Have Consequences

As with every film protagonist, they are far from perfect. While Harriet had tenacity, her very observant nature also meant she was pushing her curiosity too far. She spent a lot of time observing others around her, making judgements, and taking notes but didn’t take the time to look in the mirror. Harriet made a lot of assumptions about people, while watching from afar, but failed to see her hypothesis true by actually getting to know them. There is a lot to learn from this, but a major point is to really think before speaking about others in a negative fashion. Harriet’s unkind words ultimately came back to haunt her when those words were found out by the people she said them about.

It’s a very simple idea, to not judge others. Yet, as adults and in a society where anything seems to go, the plot is lost! What we say, definitely has power and we can lose the people we care about most if we aren’t careful about what we say. I think it’s very important to be honest. In fact, this movie deals a lot about honesty, but there is a difference between honest criticism and plain meanness. Observing someone without actually getting to know them or their situation can lead to an unfair judgement. Not only can you hurt someones feelings, but also you might lose out on a person that could’ve been someone you enjoyed speaking with.

There Is Power in Being Apologetic

As a human, I know how hard it can be to sit in your wrongness. It can be so much easier to stick to saying you were right even when you weren’t, but being a grown-up means that you know how to say sorry. There is a big lesson in this film about coming to terms with yourself and your mistakes— and learning to say sorry. As a kid your often told to be apologetic (and I know sometimes the sorry’s aren’t deserved!) but when you get older it’s not as expected. As an adult it seems you are given a free pass to not be apologetic, sure it comes with consequences, but you can choose to ignore them.

What is the power in being apologetic then? I mean, it feels embarrassing and a hit to the ego BUT on the other end of it you can come to understanding. Being able to say sorry gives you a strength that not many people possess. It shows that you can own up to your mistakes and be an even bigger person by trying to right them. Harriet learned that her words has consequences and the impact to hurt others, even those who were closest to her. In the end, she knew that she had to right those wrongs and take accountability for how she made other people feel. That gave her the power to improve. To grow up. And as you know we never stop growing up!

I know that these lessons aren’t new and that they are things you’ve probably already known, but it never hurts to have a reminder. I think returning to these childhood movies prove to be good refreshers that bring us back to the basics of being human. That innocent time when we could easily learn, adapt, and evolve. That’s something I love about thinking about films I watched as a child. I get to see it through a new lens. A perspective of growth and philosophy. Sure it’s entertainment and joy, but through the Static Glass— everything can have a deeper and reflective meaning.

What was one of your favorite childhood movies? Maybe there are some lessons to relearn from there too! Drop them in the comments to keep the conversation going.

Look, if you’ve watched this movie then you’ll know I can’t NOT reccommend the song Get Up Offa That Thing by James Brown.

Thank you, Love you.

Rae