There is a misconception that Disney movies are only targeted for children but, that is not necessarily true. I am a firm believer that in every Disney movie there is a message for adults too, one that speaks to us on a different level then if or when we saw these movies as kids. These are six Disney messages that speak more to adults than to children.
1. Hakuna Matata
"It means no worries" - The Lion King
This is a personal favorite, I have it plastered on my wall so that it is the first thing I see everyday. While this is a fun song to sing along and kids love trying to pronounce the abstract words, for adults it is telling us that there is nothing in this world that is worth over worrying for. "Hakuna Matata" is to remind us that there is only so much in this world we can control, and the things we can't control we just have to learn to not worry about; after all we are only humans.
2. Ohana
"It means family, family means nobody gets left behind or forgotten." -Lilo and Stitch
Lilo and Stitch teach us one of the most important lessons of all, in my opinion, especially living in a society like the one we do. Living in a society as promotes selfishness and solidarity, these two characters teach us that it is only surrounded by those we love that we are the strongest. It also teaches us that the bonds of family is stronger than anything else. While friends may come and go, family will always be there to see us through our toughest times.
3. Bare Necessities
"The simple bare necessities, forget about your worries and your strife." - Baloo, The Jungle Book
Baloo teaches us that while we may live in a material world gripped by consumerism, we are also capable of surviving with just the basics. He reminds us that we should take time to smell the roses and enjoy "mother nature's recipes".
4. Just Keep Swimming
"lalala swimming" -Dory, Finding Nemo
Finding Nemo is a story of perseverance , in which Dory chants the best way to get through the toughest of times, which is to just keep swimming. The little chant, that kids love to sing along to, is a motto for adults on a bad day(s) and it reminds us that we just have to keep going and we will eventually get through any situation, bad or good.
5. Let It Go
"Let it go, I am one with the wind and sky." -Elsa, Frozen
In such an over critical society it is important to remember that sometimes we just have to let go of all of the negativity around us and just focus on the good. This means being able to walk away and slam the door on people that only hold us back and put us down, instead we should focus on those that bring out the best in us and encourage us to be our true selves.
6. Never Look Back
"I never look back, darling. It distracts me from the now"
- Edna, The Incredibles
Edna Mode, one of Disney's most underrated characters, delivers an awesome piece of advice. She encourages us to not worry over the past for we cannot change what has already happened, on the contrary it only prevents us from moving forward.
So if you are one of the people that thinks Disney is only for kids think again. Hidden in these "children" movies there is a stronger message that is meant for the adults that are also watching, messages that help us go through this journey we call life.
