It’s Finals Week here at Duke University and the struggle between studying and Netflix has started in full force. My most recent television addiction is the Shonda Rhimes political thriller, Scandal. Our girl Shonda hit the big time with shows like Grey’s Anatomy and Private Practice; but she has really outdone herself with her newest drama.
After fully accepting my addiction to greatness, I started watching the third season this semester and Shonda does not disappoint. The wine is flowing faster and the drama couldn’t be any thicker. Don’t worry Jesus, Olivia Pope has yet to become my idol but she’s close!
For those who don’t watch Scandal or haven’t caught up on the most recent episode:
1. SHAME ON YOU!!
2. Get your priorities together.
3. But don’t worry this article won’t spoil any crucial plot details.
In fact, this article will only inspire you to make time in your schedule for Scandal. As Buddha once said “We are shaped by our thoughts; we become what we think. When the mind is pure, joy follows like a shadow that never leaves.” Ladies and gentlemen, it’s time to excise those painful thoughts of finals, careers, the real world and to dedicate ourselves to the one true path: The Olivia Path.
1. Wine, Particularly Red
There is honestly nothing better than opening a good bottle of wine, which is why this is the easiest of the five steps to Olivia-dom. Embrace your inner wino. Welcome them with open arms and a bottle of merlot. Remember, big girls drink from the bottle; however, if you’re wallet is as tight as mine, then boxes are a more than appropriate alternative. Don’t worry about alcoholism because wine has been shown to decrease your risk for heart disease and improves circulation. Think of it as exercise. Exercise gives you endorphins. Endorphins make you happy. Happy people just don’t shoot their husbands, they just don’t. So do the future hubby a favor and pop open a bottle… or box.
2. An Interesting Relationship
Even though Olivia’s relationship with Fitz is an emotional train wreck that really isn’t acceptable, relationships are on the path to the Inner Pope. You can have 99 problems but your bi**ch better not be one. So ladies don’t be afraid to check your man. Sometimes we go wild and need to be leashed in. To the guys who feel betrayed, don’t. At least you have a girl; the thirst is real and dehydration sucks.
3. Fixer
The best thing about Olivia Pope is that she’s a fixer. Any problem, of any shape or size, Olivia is able to come up with a plan to save thousands. Now, I’m not telling you to go around playing Fairy Godmother and fix others, but this step to finding your Inner Pope is about reflection. Think back on your life and your actions. Think about where you see yourself going in the future. Envision your dream and then go for it. Drake said it first: started from the bottom, now we’re here. He didn’t even start from the bottom. Look at his success; you can at least get half of that.
4. Looking Fabulous
With hair laid for the gods, Olivia is a paragon for beauty and looking fine all days of the week. Don’t believe me? Check this BuzzFeed. Hopefully you stocked up on fabulous new outfits during the Black Friday and Cyber Monday sales because now is the time to break them out. I know I did! This year, I was not only thankful for family and friends but also my employers #makingitrain. Now is the perfect time to find your Inner Pope and update the wardrobe by looking laid for the gods good. I know that sometimes it’s too easy to go to class in sweats but c’mon honey, do better.
5. Embracing Your Diva-Self
The final step on the path to your Inner Pope is embracing your Diva-Self. Olivia is the baddest of the bad, and you can be too. I’m a pusher; I push people, so now I’m going to push you into finding your Inner Pope and taking life by the reins. Have you seen Olivia walking through White house security? She struts cause she knows she owns it. And now you will too. So embrace that inner diva and let the trivialities of life become nothing but a dream.