A lot of people our age have grown up watching Disney films. Many have particular favorites and each of us have our own reasons for loving the films so much.
There are a lot of jokes about things geared towards adults slipping through the cracks and over the heads of the little ones watching the films. However, as an adult, it's easier to see how much Walt Disney's creations have really impacted the way we see life. There are countless lessons to take away from these movies but here are five that really stick out.
Pocahontas:
As adults we face many difficult situations that pull us in countless different directions. No one said life is easy. We all come to crossroads and we all must decide which side to walk on. Do we take the path that is easy but might not have the best outcome at the end? Or do we take the one with obstacles and difficulties but will provide the most personal success? Like Pocahontas, we will all eventually make these tough choices, as they are inevitable and unavoidable. But if we fearlessly take the time to struggle a little bit more, we can overcome anything.
Alice in Wonderland:
There is a common theme in Disney movies: the protagonist will always have significant obstacles to overcome. A task might be disgustingly demanding and so difficult that we'll think it's completely impossible to complete. Life isn't a video game -- there aren't quests and manuals that tell us how to break down barriers, and there isn't a "Start Over" button. The Doorknob makes a beautiful and emotional point: no matter how taxing this obstacle is, it is merely impassible for the time-being. Nothing is impossible because, as long as we keep pushing, we will succeed.
The Lion King:
Most college students are in their late teens and early twenties. Some are a little older than that. Nonetheless, there are more than a few who have lived through trying and traumatizing experiences. Each of us has our own personal demons. Whether we choose to disclose these experiences, like Simba has, is up to us as individuals and our personal relationships. There are some aspects of the past that hurt tremendously but Rafiki offers sound advice. We have a choice – we can either take our past experiences and use those as learning tools or we can pretend that they never happened and run, risking making mistakes as a result of the pain we are trying to avoid. It might be hard as hell, and the pain of tackling the past might be overwhelming, but in the end we become the best version of ourselves.
Cinderella:
As cliche as it is, patience is virtue. There are things in life that we want so bad, it hurts. Sometimes waiting for these little successes and rewards doesn't seem worth it. But, if you think about it, doesn't the release of finally getting what you want feel so damn good? Cinderella had to go through a tremendous amount of heartbreak before she was given a blessing that changed her life. Good things cannot happen all at once. If they did, we wouldn't appreciate them nearly as much as we do.
Frozen:
Disney films have that common theme of facing difficulties, fearing failure, but ultimately overcoming those things that stress us and weigh us down. We are all strong individuals, no matter how weak we may see ourselves at any given time. One thing stands true: in adversity, all you need is "Faith, Trust [in others and yourself], and Pixie Dust."
