Like most kids, I grew up on Disney movies (although I'm not sure I've actually grown up yet). Disney has done more than just provide laughs and many, many tears; they've taught me so many things, like always to take the opportunity to go on a magic carpet ride. Here are 15 lessons some classic Disney movies taught me:
1. "Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs"
First of all, don't ever take food from strangers because maybe it's poisoned--especially red apples from a scary queen disguised as an old woman. Just don't, simple as that. But also, friends are the best. Snow White had nowhere else to go, and the dwarves took her in because she was kind (and cleaned their house).
2. "Pinocchio"
Be honest. My nose may not grow when I lie, but my mom seems to always know. Honesty is clearly the best policy.
3. "Dumbo"
It's OK to be different. In fact, that's what makes us special. Poor Dumbo was mocked for having big ears (even though I personally think they made him adorable), but they made him unique. That should be celebrated, not ridiculed.
4. "Cinderella"
Kindness and love always will win. Cinderella's cruel stepmother and her ugly (inside and out) stepsisters were so mean to her, but we all know who came out on top (spoiler alert: it's in the movie title). Plus, anyone who sings to animals is OK in my book.
5. "Alice in Wonderland"
One of my favorite quotes from the movie is, "you're incredibly bonkers. But I'll tell you a secret. All the best people are." The happiest people embrace what makes them different. No one gets remembered by being completely ordinary.
6. "Peter Pan"
Never grow up, at least not completely. It's so important to save some of that childlike innocence and wonder. No matter how old you get, you can always have fun.
7. "The Little Mermaid"
Chase your dreams, no matter how impossible they seem. If you never fight for what you want, you probably won't get it. Oh, and apparently forks aren't for brushing your hair?
8. "Beauty and the Beast"
Inner beauty is what really matters. Sometimes you have to look a little deeper to find true beauty and kindness, but when you wander into a castle with a talking teapot, you know you've found something special. And if he gives you a library, marry him.
9. "The Lion King"
Two words: hakuna matata. It means no worries. There's no use stressing over the past. You can't change it, but you can choose to learn from it and grow.
10. "Pocahontas"
Listen with your heart, and you will understand. Grandmother Willow seems to always know exactly what to say. Sometimes being logical just doesn't work. You have to choose your own path and be bold. Respect the earth around you, because in the end, money (or gold) isn't going to make you happy.
11. "Mulan"
Stand up for what you believe in because you are in charge of your own destiny. People are going to walk all over you if you let them, so don't. Instead, be as swift as a coursing river with all the force of a great typhoon.
12. "Tarzan"
It's easy to see something new and different, and write it off as wrong. This isn't the case. There are different parts of the world and different social classes, and everyone has their own customs. You should embrace those differences and take it as an opportunity to expand your horizons, because even if it seems like two worlds, we're one family.
13. "Lilo & Stitch"
Ohana means family, and family means nobody gets left behind. Every family is different because family doesn't have to mean blood. Family means the people (or aliens) that are there for you.
14. "Tangled"
Get out of your comfort zone! Sliding into a routine is taking the easy way out. Life is what you make it, so choose adventure, choose love, choose life. Tip: A hunky thief by your side makes it that much more enjoyable.
15. "Big Hero 6"
Bad things happen to good people, and it makes life seem unfair. Family and friends are there to help you when you're ready to accept it.
