Hamilton Taught Me….27 Life Lessons to Apply to This New Chapter

Jalesha Turner-Davis
Dec 23, 2020
6 min read

Hamilton has become my favorite movie of 2020, and most played album on Apple Music for 2020. Hamilton was first introduced to me by my friend, Kyle. Y’all, he was TOO hype to show me his favorite songs. I tried to keep my cool about it, but I often found myself going to the soundtrack for a listen. And then, Kyle and his fiance’ Anthony invited us over to watch it. Y’all I was confused because they knew EVERY. WORD. while I was just trying to catch the drama that was spiraling quickly.

Unfortunately, we did not finish the film that night....because that thang was fairly long!!

But, I did vow to watch it on my own time.

And, when I did…..

...I WAS IN LOVE!

Since then, the soundtrack has been on repeat! Those who know my husband can imagine how annoyed he is! To add to his annoyance, DD will even request his favorite “Ampton” (aka Hamilton) song to be played in the car.

As I bring in my birthday, it will be full of Christmas and Hamilton music. What better way to reflect on the lessons learned in my 26th chapter than to utilize my favorite movie of this season?

So, here we go!

1) “Get your education, don’t forget from whence you came. And the world’s gonna know your name. What’s your name, man?”

It ain’t about what they call you, it’s about what you answer to!

2) “In New York, you can be a new man.”

Each day presents itself with a new opportunity to reinvent yourself. While you have breath in your body, it is never too late to become the person that you desire to be.

3) “And there’s a million things I haven’t done. But just you wait, just you wait!”

God's not through with you yet! Fulfill your life’s purpose. The world is not ready for what you are destined to do.

4) “Talk less, smile more.”

Sometimes it's best to not say everything that you are up to. Be quick to observe rather than to speak. And, at the end of the day, just smile! It confuses your haters.

5) "I am not throwing away my shot.

It’s my time; so, I will “just do it!” I do not have time to wait for when everyone says I’m ready. If God says go, I’ll go. You never know what opportunity you will miss out on just because you’re listening to folx rather than Him.

6) “I prob’ly shouldn’t brag, but dag, I amaze and astonish.”

Amp yourself UP! Encourage yourself. You know how dope you are, so show your confidence. But, remember, there’s a fine line between confidence and arrogance.

7) “Work, work.”

Faith without works is dead. If you want something to happen, you have to believe and put forth effort.

8) “Look around, look around at how lucky we are to be alive right now.”

Don’t take any moment in life for granted. You made it this far, which means that you still have a purpose to fulfill!

9) “You say the price of my love’s not a price that you’re willing to pay.”

Look, not everyone is meant to have your heart! It is precious and should be protected like the jewel that it is! [Proverbs 4:23] Only offer your heart to those that are willing to pay the investment price. I’m not talking about those that want to borrow it and then will try to return it without the receipt after the 60-day return policy.

10) “Hey yo, I’m gonna need a right-hand man.”

We are not meant to do life alone. Everyone needs somebody to share the journey with. Who’s your right hand person?

11) “Dying is easy, young man, living is harder.”

Life isn’t easy! But, there are many benefits to continuing in this journey. The ultimate goal is to live towards obtaining an eternal reward.

12) “Love doesn’t discriminate between the sinners and the saints.”

Through it all, God loves us all. We all have the ability to experience His unconditional love. Fortunately for us, He doesn’t discriminate.

13) “I am the one thing in life I can control.”

This statement is self-explanatory. Why stress over the things that we have no control over?

14) “Wait for it!”

Your desires in life will come. You just have to stay on course and it will happen. Have faith. Be patient.

15) “You have no control who lives, who dies, who tells your story.”

Live your life to the fullest. What will be said after you are gone is outside of your control. But, the important part is that your story will be told. The question is: by who?

16) “History has its eyes on you.”

Generations coming after you depend on you in this very moment. What will you do with the opportunities that you are given? You never know how this will impact those coming after. You are making history!

17) “When you knock me down, I get the f- back up again!”

Naysayers may count me out; but, I will always get back up again! It’s called a rebound! It’s not over until He says it is!

18) “We’ll give the world to you and you’ll blow us all away.”

There are folx that you do not know right now that are being used by God to make room for you. They will provide you a path to an opportunity that will allow you to shine and live in your moment. When you are given this shot, KILL IT! Someone is depending on you to WOW the world!

19) “Why do you assume you’re the smartest in the room?”

If you are the smartest in the room, it’s time to find another room! Surround yourself with folx who are smarter than you, and folx that will challenge you to grow. Pay attention to the folx that you surround yourself. You will be surprised at who are the smartest ones in your circle.

20) “Take a break.”

Rest! Try to get plenty of it. You cannot survive without rest. Make time for play! Enjoy what life has to offer. You were not meant to work to live or live just to work.

21) “Lord, show me how to say no to this. I don’t know how to say no to this.”

Ask Him for help when you need it. While we like to think that we can overcome all temptation without God’s help, that is false. We will fail every time when we try to do it all on our own.

22) “I wanna be in the room where it happens.”

I don’t know about y’all, but I often find myself striving to be in positions and places where I am able to contribute to decision-making conversations. I will work hard to be in these places and not settle for less.

23) “And then we’ll teach ‘em how to say goodbye.”

Some things are not meant to be in your life forever. There are times in life when we will have to learn to say goodbye. It’s for your own good. When you learn how to say goodbye, teach someone else how to do the same. There’s strength in saying goodbye.

24) “Overwhelm them with honesty.”

The truth will set you free! “You ain’t gotta lie, Craig!”

25) “I’m erasing myself from the narrative.”

Eliza taught me that everyone is not worthy of knowing your side of the story. Many times, I allow folx to think what they want. Whatever floats their boat. Only the closest folx to me will know the truth, if I wish to share it.

26) “Forgiveness. Can you imagine?”

Forgive. Not for them, but for you. It can require much effort on your part, but it is an amazing feeling! The weight is no longer riding on your shoulders.

27) “Legacy! What is a legacy? It’s planting seeds in a garden you never get to see.”

Each of us will leave a legacy. How do you want to be remembered? Unfortunately for many of us, we will not see all of the fruits of our labor; but, the generations coming after us can reap what we have sown. There are folx who left a legacy for us. We must pay it forward.

I am sure that there are several more lessons that you can point out from Hamilton! I definitely could keep going!

I would love to hear your favorite lesson from the movie! Share it with me on IG: @javaandteawithjtd or via email (javaandteawithjtd@gmail.com).

...and if you are completely clueless after reading this blog, go on over to Disney+ and watch Hamilton immediately! You'll thank me later!