Watching "The Lion King" as a five-year-old, I did not realize all the important life lessons that were taught. Thirteen years later I am learning quality life lessons that one of the greatest cartoon films ever taught me.
My life has changed a lot in the past year, and even more in the past few weeks. I often dread change; but here is where Rafiki, the erratic monkey from "The Lion King," has something to say. When talking to Simba, Rafiki says, “Change is good!” Then Simba somberly responds by saying, “Yeah, but it’s not easy.” Both statements are very true, but we are definitely Simbas. Although what Simba said is true, change is more than just that.
Change is inevitable, and that is hard for us to realize sometimes. We want our comfort and security, so when something changes, we are afraid of losing that warmth. Don’t fight change, because it is leading someone down a new path in his/her life.
Change is difficult to accept, and that’s okay. A lot of us like a routine lifestyle where anything out of the ordinary is scary. Permanent change can be emotional and heart-breaking, but everything happens for a reason.
Change is a part of growing up. After high school, we all went our separate ways, met new friends and kept the ones who were closest to our hearts. We became new people; some with new homes, some with new personalities, and some with new styles. We stopped being the immature high schoolers we all were (whether you want to admit it or not) and began our steps towards adulthood.
Change is natural. Nature itself changes, so why worry when our lives change? It’s part of the circle of life. And like nature, there is a season for each part of our lives. We go through seasons in our lives where we grow and flourish and times where parts of us wither away. We can’t always stay on the mountaintop or live in the valley.
Change is hard. No matter how many things or people change in our lives, it will never be easy. We grow close to places, things and definitely people. Leaving those memories behind will always be hard.
Change is not always saying good-bye. It is often times assumed that leaving a home means you will never be there again. Home is wherever your heart is, and wherever you came from will always hold a special place in your heart regardless the distance or barriers between the two.
Change is an adventure. Whether it be going off to college, watching your friend leave for a new home, welcoming a new family member or trying a new job, it is always a new experience.
Throughout your life, the changes you go through equip you for what is coming next and create the person you come to be. Be thankful for the opportunities that come your way and celebrate change with others. Change does not mean losing your heart; it means discovering a new passion.
So, stop being a Simba and be a Rafiki. Be positive and excited for new journeys in your life and others around you. Change is not something to run from, but something to run to.
