Over and over, our generation has looked to all the Disney princesses for advice on fashion, life, love, and basically every other aspect of our life. They have been our role models since we were children.
I think this is great, but let’s be honest. We can’t all live the princess life. I don’t know about you, but it’s been awhile since I’ve seen my fairy godmother. That’s why I like today’s Disney. These more modern movies still have the “happily ever after” theme, but they have real life aspects as well.
If you are looking for a little advice and direction, don’t turn to the princesses. Check out these lessons we can take from today’s Disney.
1. Just because someone doesn’t quite fit in doesn’t mean they aren’t worth your time.
Wreck-It Ralph reminds us that just because someone doesn’t exactly fit the mold, and maybe seems to be completely opposite of you, doesn’t mean they can’t turn out to be one of your best friends. Ralph and Felix start the movie out with completely different objectives, but in the end they come to rely on each other. This has proven over and over again to be true in real life, as well. Some of your greatest friends are likely people who have completely different interests than you. This keeps the relationship fresh. Both parties get to learn something new every day. Keep this in mind in your everyday life. People might seem a little strange, but give them the benefit of the doubt. Give them a chance to show you who they really are – that person just might change your life!
2. Your mom will always love you no matter what – don’t take that for granted.
Brave is the ultimate mother-daughter story. Merida isn’t exactly the typical princess – she doesn’t want a prince, she just wants to do what she loves. Naturally, her mother tries to mold her into a future queen, and that creates some friction. Merida ends up almost losing her mother because of her own actions, but when the queen is saved, she only has love for her daughter. In real life, we might not always do what our mothers want. Don’t let your differences of opinion separate you. Most of us will never know a more unconditional love than that of our mother’s. Communicate with her when she frustrates you. Let her know that you love her too, but you need to do what’s right for you. She’ll understand.
3. Sometimes, it’s okay to let go and move on.
Toy Story 3 resonates pretty true with where most of us are in life right now. Andy is finally grown up and going off to college, but he has a hard time giving up his childhood toys. It seems like giving them up means leaving and losing them forever. Eventually, he finds that he can let go and let someone else benefit from his experiences. You might not be holding onto action figures, but to me, Andy leaving his toys was a lot like leaving home. It’s really hard to leave that old life behind. If we stick with what we’ve always known, we can’t be surprised, right? There is so much in the world for you to experience, though, and you have to let go and see what the next chapter has in store. Home will always be there. If you need to go back to our comfort zone for a visit, that’s okay. Don’t be afraid to reach for your dreams. Use those old experiences to better your future. Who knows, maybe life will take you back some day!
4. If you don’t feel like you are in the right place, don’t give up. You will find your place in this crazy world!
The Muppets is the ultimate story of finding your place in life. Walter lives in a human world, but he definitely doesn’t fit in. He knows that there has to be more out there for him. In fact, he sees it every time he watches the original Muppet gang. When he finally meets them, he knows he is where he belongs. In college, most of us are in a constant state of change and turmoil. It is a time of big, life-changing decisions. If you are unsure about where you are or where you’re headed – don’t despair. Find what you are passionate about and pursue it with everything you have. All it takes is one opportunity, one decision, one stroke of luck and everything will fall into place. When that happens, it’s impossible to know, but have faith. It will happen!