Like most little girls, I grew up idolizing Disney princesses. I loved their dresses, hair, voices, and their happy endings. Even now at 18, I'm still quite obsessed with all things Disney, but I have a totally different perspective now watching these movies. I've realized some of my core values have been installed by these princesses, and that we can all learn a little something from them.
1. Ariel taught me to never stop learning and wanting more for myself.
To this day, The Little Mermaid is still my favorite movie, therefore I'm completely obsessed with Ariel. I completely love her for wanting to learn as much as she could about something that interested her. She went out of her way to talk to Scuttle, even though he completely wrong (though, using a fork as a hairbrush is kinda ingenious). Ariel knew she could always be so much more than what she was.
2. Belle taught me eye is in the beauty of the beholder and to always give second chances.
Obviously, everyone is entitled to have a "type" they are more attracted to, however, beauty is all relative. Belle taught me to keep an open mind, and to never judge someone on their past. Beast was cruel and cold in his past, but Belle saw so much more in him and believed in him. And they lived happily ever after.
3. Jasmine taught me that happiness is better than money.
Jasmine can be considered your typical rich, spoiled girl, but she was never happy with the wealthy princes her father presented her with. Though she fell in love with Aladdin while thinking he was a prince, she loved him anyways after finding the out the truth. Her love and happiness with Ali was obviously a lot more important than the money.
4. Mulan taught me to be selfless and strong.
Everything Mulan did was the good for her family or her friends. She never once thought about herself first, even though she was put into great danger. Also, she had to have a great deal of inner strength to leave her parents and enter a world she's never known before. As the emperor so greatly puts...she's one of a kind.
5. Rapunzel taught me to step out of your comfort zone.
Everyone knows the story of Rapinzel and her long blonde hair. Unfortunately for her, she was locked in a tower for 18 years. When she finally left, she was scared, unsure, and nervous, but still preserved through. Because she stepped out of her comfort zone, she met the love of her life and finally found her true parents. Trying something new can be greatly benefiecial, and she's a reminder that sometimes, risks pay off.
6. Cinderella taught me to believe in karma.
Cinderella has a pretty rough start in life. No one was ever good to her, even though she was always kind to them. Her good karma finally paid off; the prince chose her and totally dissed her step sisters and step mother.
7. Pocohantas taught me to stand up forsomething, even if your standing alone.
All of Pocohantas's friends and family thought she was crazy for thinking that white men could be good. Despite being shamed for it, she still stood with her beliefs and literally stood up for John Smith before he was killed.
Disney has a hundred more lessons within their legendary movies, but these were the characteristics I've learned and that have stuck with me all this time. Next time you're bored, pick up your favorite Disney movie and rewatch it. Realize what it has taught you.
