Although adults generally aren’t the target audience for Disney films, the fact is we love them just as much as children — sometimes even more so. Disney movies inspire feelings of deep nostalgia in those of us who grew up with them, as they taught us so much throughout our childhood. Disney adheres to an incredible level of detail and depth when creating their films, making each one a unique experience that offers lessons we can use throughout life.
So without further ado, let’s review a few of these magical Disney moments that gave us all the feels:
When Lilo and Stitch reminded us of the importance of family
Lilo and Stitch reminded us all that while many people in our lives may come and go, family is forever. This quote, originally spoken by Lilo, is especially important for collegiettes to remember when they are missing home; you may not get to see your family every day, but that doesn’t mean you don’t still mean the world to them. When you’re feeling homesick, remember that, just like Lilo and Stitch are always there for each other, your family will always have your back, too.
When Cinderella taught us that beauty comes from strength
Cinderella reminded us all that when we are faced with adversity and mistreatment from others, we must remember to be strong and find the silver lining in every situation, even if it seems like there is none. The strength that Cinderella showed while suffering the torment and abuse of her stepmother and stepsisters is what made the prince fall in love with her, reminding us all that the most beautiful thing about us is our humanity.
When Marie reminded us exactly what ladies are capable of
Although we should never forget to be humble and kind, every girl should be able to stand up for herself when she needs to. Always remember to maintain your dignity and never pick a fight, but don’t be afraid to use your voice to speak up for what you know is right. Just like Marie never allowed herself to be pushed around by her brothers, you should never allow anyone to treat you like anything less than the Disney princess that you are.
When Dumbo showed us that we should thrive, not just survive
“Whatever you are, be a good one.” Abraham Lincoln said this, and we think Dumbo would agree with him! Whatever you do, be it in college or in life, never give it less than your best effort. Success isn’t achieved by being mediocre; it’s gained through hard work, dedication and perseverance. It was Dumbo’s adamant refusal to give up on his efforts to fly that eventually allowed him to soar to greater heights than he ever could have imagined.
When Dory taught us what to do when life gets us down
We’re all going to have days when life gets us down, and when that happens, we need to take advice from our favorite blue tang and just keep pushing through. Whether you got a poor grade on an exam or you’re fighting with your best friend, always keep your chin up and know that the hard times will pass. Life can be rough, but remember, it doesn’t matter how many times you fall, so long as you get back up each time.
When Tiana proved that we are the key to making our dreams come true
As much as we’d like it if all our problems could be solved by wishing upon a star, that simply isn’t the case. That’s why Tiana reminds us that although it’s good to have dreams, they are meaningless unless we actively work to make them a reality. Tiana dedicated herself to her dream of owning her own restaurant and eventually that dream was realized — after a few misadventures as a frog in New Orleans, that is! Just like Tiana, you can make your dreams come true with a hard work and dedication.
Disney films remind us all to focus on the important things in life: holding our loved ones close, being strong in the face of hardship and pushing ourselves to give our best efforts to everything we do, even when we feel like giving up. These movies, meant for kids ages 1 to 99, offer us important advice on how to live our best lives and make our own fairy tales come true by embodying the spirit of some of Walt Disney’s most famous words: “all our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.”