I love am obsessed with Disney. Whether I’m overwhelmed, happy, or nostalgic, I slip in an old VHS to help me to get through the day. So, I’ve gone through every animated Disney movie to bring you the best quotes to remember when you just need a little magic and guidance in your day. You may not be a child anymore, but you can always carry your childhood with you and look back to your past to help you with the future, because the best lessons come from places you’re least expecting – like from a children’s movie.
1. Life's not a spectator's sport. If watchin’ is all you're gonna do, then you're gonna watch your life go by without you – Laverne, the Hunchback of Notre Dame
Like Quasimodo, we may spend too much of our life indoors watching other people live their life rather than living ours. We to get out there and make memories so that we have something to look back on later on in life. We won't remember the funny movies on Netflix, or the hilarious gifs and memes on Tumblr. What we will remember is the places we went and the people who were there. Don't let anyone hold you back and don't only just experience the world, leave your mark on it.
2. Sometimes the right path is not the easiest one - Grandmother Willow, Pocahontas
Sometimes there’s your plan, other’s plan for you, or even no plan at all. All of which is fine as long as it’s what you want. Yes, everyone needs guidance, but only you know what’s truly best for you. Listen to others, but make the decision based on your heart. There are only four or five choices in one’s life that really determines who one will be, or where one will end up. So, make those choices for yourself and no one else regardless of the risks. You’re strong enough to deal with whatever comes, so don’t spend your life in the comfort zone just because you’re afraid. You’re better than that.
3. A true hero isn't measured by the size of his strength, but by the strength of his heart - Zeus, Hercules
It's easy to believe that only grand gestures and only the richest, most influential people can make a difference, but that's not true. Everyone makes a difference. You make a difference, and in some way or another, big or small, positive or negative, you have impacted someone's life. Gandhi once said to be the change you want to see in the world, so don't forget that you don't need to be a demigod to be someone's hero.
4. The very things that held you down are going to carry you up, up, and up - Timothy, Dumbo
For an elephant, Dumbo went through some pretty human experiences; like losing someone, getting taken advantage of, and being insecure about a physical trait. It's something some of us struggle with daily, but we must realize we are more than our "flaws". We're all different and we should all be proud of what sets us apart. It's not easy, but if we're creative and determined enough, we can turn all of our weaknesses into strengths and use them to do things no one else can.
5. Even miracles take a little time – Fairy Godmother, Cinderella
Patience is a virtue I do not possess. If I did five pushups I expect a six pack within the hour. If I studied thirty minutes before a test, I expect a hundred. We live in an age where everything is convenient and always available. I have to remind myself that the best things take time. Your time will come and your wish can come true if you stay gracious. Always have faith, and if you can, have a fairy godmother. That helps.
6. If you don’t think you shouldn’t talk – Mad Hatter, Alice in Wonderland
Thumper and the Mad Hatter would have a lot in common. Some of us were born without filters, myself included, so thinking things through doesn’t come as easy, but it’s still important to try. Thinking before speaking saves jobs, friendships, and even lives. Be kind, be educated, and be honest. Don’t talk about things you don’t know, and when you do know, try to be fair. It’s easy to get dragged into gossip and the drama, and you don’t have to sugarcoat everything like a diplomat, but be fair. There is enough hatred and ignorance in the world without your contribution. Words can’t be taken back although they can be taken out of context, so take everything you hear with a grain of salt, and check yourself before you speak.
7. You got the makings of greatness in you, but you got to take the helm and chart your own course! Stick to it no matter the squalls – John Silver, Treasure Planet
Jimbo here didn’t believe think he could be anything other than a hoodlum. His father left him, he had a poor upbringing, and it wasn’t until he was working for a crook did he realize he had value. We all have potential; we just have to realize it. Once Jim finally bet on himself, he realized he’d have to go all in. Some are so afraid of failure, they quit without even knowing how close they are to the finish line. Every journey comes with obstacles, but the reward is worth all the pain and struggle. Whenever you think about pulling out of the race, just push harder. It’s the only way to get to where you want to be.
8. You wish and you dream with all your little heart, but remember that old star can only take you part of the way. You got to help it with some hard work of your own and then you can do anything you set your mind to – James, Princess and the Frog
People talk about dreamers like they have their head in clouds, rather than having their boots in the mud. Dreamers and hard workers are not antonyms. We’re all welcome to have larger than life dreams as long as we’re willing to work for them. Tiana knew that nothing worth having was easy to get whether it’s about getting a job, earning a degree, or owning a restaurant. It’s all achievable and although a lucky star may help, it’s really up to you.
9. Just because you can’t understand something doesn’t mean it’s wrong – the Sword and the Stone
Throughout history, we’ve seen people be afraid of the unfamiliar, but don’t be afraid just be intrigued. Be open-minded and listen to what others have to say even if it’s coming from a zany wizard. Learn about whatever topic scares you; whether it’s terrorism, immigration, or in my case spiders. You’ll see that most of what you’ve learned are misconceptions and stereotypes passed through generations. Not every Muslim is a terrorist, not every Mexican is out to get your job, and not every spider is going to kill you. Afterwards if you disagree or are still wary on the subject, at least you can say you tried to give whatever and whomever a chance.
10. Like so many things, it is not what is outside, but what is inside that counts – Aladdin, Aladdin
Treat everyone equally whether it be a nun, or a tattooed biker, and always be looking for more. The roughest, dirtiest looking people can have a heart of gold while the most self-righteous and powerful can be full of darkness (looking at you Jafar). It’s no one’s right to judge, certainly not yours, so once again Disney asks for a little open-mindedness.
11. The past can hurt, but the way I see it, you can either run from it or learn from it - Rafiki, the Lion King
This baboon was unorthodox, but wise. You can’t change your past, but you can change your future. Nothing is harder than moving on, but you can’t afford to stay in one spot all your life. Don’t forget your past, but don’t let it deter your future. Only worry about the things you can change; and even then don’t worry too much. Whether it be past or future, remember: Hakuna Matata.
12. Ohana means family. Family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten - Lilo, Lilo and Stitch
It doesn't matter where you're from, who (or what) you are. It doesn't matter if you get lost, feel like a black sheep, or if people tell you you'll never belong, because family will always be there for you. When you don't know where to turn, turn to family. Not every family is perfect. Actually, no family is perfect, but we love them anyway because they're ours and it's the only family we'll ever get. Family means unconditional love and forgiveness regardless of what you’ve done. Your family loves you, so don’t forget to tell them how much you love and appreciate them.
13. Use that big head of yours to think your way out! Look for a new angle – Tadashi, Big Hero Six
This is a relatively new movie with an old lesson: Never give up. Be grateful for your failures because they’re all learning experiences. You just figured out one more way that didn’t work and therefore you are that much closer to finding a solution. If it gets harder, that only means you’re closer to success. No one gets it right on the first try, and most don’t even get it right on their 50th try. Even if your entire life has to be shaken up and turned upside down for you to see the solution; it’s worth it in the end. Whether you’re working hard for yourself or for someone else, you’ll be amazed at what you can accomplish so long as you persevere.
14. You must be imaginative, strong hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul. Anyone can cook, but only the fearless can be great - Chef Gusteau, Ratatouille
Taking risks is the only way to get anything done. It’s not about where you’re from or even who you are, but where you’re going and who you aim to be. Rats can be chefs just as poor people can become millionaires. Your circumstances do not define you; your actions define you. As long as you do what you love, you will be successful. If you’re not proud of what you’re doing now, change it. You can be anyone you want and that’s not just some cheesy, optimistic line. It’s the truth. You have to want it more than anything and work harder than anyone, but you can do it. I believe in you, Remy and Chef Gusteau believe in you; you just have to believe in yourself.
15. It’ll turn out all right in the end, you’ll see – Mrs. Potts, Beauty and the Beast
No one knows more about being stuck in a rut than Mrs. Potts. She didn’t know change was on the horizon and probably thought she was doomed to be a piece of China for the rest of existence. But things change; it gets better. You may feel like there’s nothing to live for and it’s just another day, another month, or another year of just going through the motions, but the only constant is change. This is probably the most important Disney lesson of all because just when you’re on the edge of giving up, you have to know that something better awaits you.
