Life Lessons Taught By Disney Princesses
Start writing a post
Entertainment

Life Lessons Taught By Disney Princesses

Taking another look a our favorite fairy tales.

99
Life Lessons Taught By Disney Princesses
Tumblr

While online the other day, I came across an article that asked "What our favorite fairytales would look like today?" It got me thinking about what my life would look like if it were a fairytale, which brought me back to some sayings from my childhood like “Once upon a time,” “Happily ever after,” and (the ever so elusive) “Prince Charming.” Admittedly, I got a little worked up the more I considered it. Where is my prince? Where is my happily ever after? Then I realized that in order for these gals to be so successful at landing their happy ending, they must know something that I don’t. Maybe they could impart some of their princess knowledge on me?

Growing up, like many others, I was a sucker for a good Disney movie and I still am to this day. Though I remember being fascinated by the glitz and glamour, the magic, and infamous soundtracks; what I think enamored me most was the idea of living happily ever after. In the world of Disney, no matter what happened it all ended with happy music, a “true love’s kiss,” and singing woodland creatures. Now, approaching twenty-one years of life, I could blame these movies for giving me false hope that my life would be full of sing-a-longs and midnight kisses but I won’t. Instead, I want to take a closer look at my favorite fairytales to see if I can learn something from them now that I overlooked when I was young. Rather than trying to fit those fairytales into our world today, we can mix and match what we learned from them to create our own story.

Case Study Number One: Beauty and the Beast

In this story, Belle, whose nose always seemed to be in a book, stumbles across the Beast in his castle while trying to save her father. Despite outward appearances and the opinions of others, she sees something in the Beast and with the help of a little magic, ends up with her prince.

While we might not have any magic to helps us out today, there are still lessons to be learned from Belle. The first is not to judge a book (or guy) by their cover. The second is to keep your nose in those books because smarts will get you that true love’s kiss. As a book lover myself, I’ve always been partial to Belle and admired her patience and ability to be both courageous and vulnerable.

Case Study Number Two: Princess and the Frog

The newest member of the Disney princess club, Tiana, lives in the city of New Orleans, famous for its gumbo and Mardi Gras parade. Tiana has been working her whole life to achieve the dream of owning her own restaurant. Kissing a frog however, puts a pause on her plans. In the end, the frog she was in a lip lock with ends up being her prince.

Tiana teaches us that if you want that happily ever after, not only are you going to have to kiss your fair share of frogs, but if you want to succeed in achieving your dreams, hard work goes a long way. She’s proof that nothing worth having ever comes easy, and that while you don’t need a prince to achieve your dreams landing one is a nice bonus.

Case Study Number Three: Little Mermaid

Ariel is a mermaid princess in the sea. Her father forbids her to go on land, but she sacrifices her voice for a chance to see what life is like above water and to win the heart of Prince Eric. Despite the fact she can’t talk, Eric still ends up falling for her and though she eventually gets her voice back, she permanently gives up her tail for legs so she can live happily ever after with her Prince.

The lesson Ariel seems to be teaching is to go after what your heart desires no matter what the obstacles are in your way. While that’s great advice, where I tend to disagree with her is how much she changed herself for Eric. Today relationships should be more about compromise, not how much one person can give of himself or herself to make the other happy. True love should mean they love you for you.

Case Study Number Four: Rapunzel and Sleeping Beauty

Both of these ladies spend large amounts of time in some sort of solitary confinement, whether it be locked away in a tower or hidden away with three fairies to keep you from pricking your finger. Another thing they have in common is waiting. Rapunzel waits for her prince to rescue her and Aurora waits for her prince to wake her up from her deep sleep.

The first lesson here is not to wait around to be rescued. If you lock yourself in a tower or envelope your heart in bubble wrap to keep yourself from getting hurt, you’ll miss out on all that life has to offer. The second lesson to take away from these two ladies is, don’t settle. After waiting so long for someone to notice how great (you already know) you are, it’s easy for some nice words or a kiss to sweep you off your feet. However, don’t just take what you can get; hold out for what you deserve- the best!

Case Study Number Five: Cinderella

This classic story needs no introduction, but for those who still want one anyway, Cinderella lived with her evil stepmother and two stepsisters who treated her poorly until one day, thanks to a little help from her Fairy Godmother, she met the Prince. Naturally, it was love at first sight and they lived happily ever after.

Cinderella can teach us is to have courage and be kind. Despite how she was treated and what life threw her way, she made the best of the situation and stayed true to herself. Another lesson she teaches (whether she means to or not) is that happiness is dependent upon finding your Prince. I know for certain that this isn’t true. I’ve been single more often than not and still wonder if the elusive Prince Charming is out there, however by no means would I label myself unhappy. (Part of me would like to think that Cinderella’s happily ever after was more about leaving her days of cleaning behind than marrying the Prince but come on, it's Prince Charming.)

Now, don’t get me wrong I love a good ending and the kiss at the end where they finally get together after all the hiccups, but the reality is that real life just isn’t like the movies. After giving it some consideration, I’ve come to the conclusion that even if I had the option to live in the land of Disney movies, I don’t think I would. I like writing my own story too much to let someone else write it for me. And honestly, though I hope to have my happily ever after (whatever it may be) one day, I’m not ready for it just yet.

As much I whine about having no prospects for a prince or not having my own Fairy Godmother, I ultimately wouldn’t change it because every time I’ve fallen down, I’ve gotten back up a stronger person. Every time I missed out on the “Royal Ball” it was because I was working on getting on step closer to achieving my goals. Every tear that I shed, happy and sad, made me feel something that no magic spell ever could. So yes, the Princesses I grew up wanting to be, have taught me a lot about both life and myself, but I’m in the unique position to write my own happily ever after.

Report this Content
This article has not been reviewed by Odyssey HQ and solely reflects the ideas and opinions of the creator.
Student Life

Waitlisted for a College Class? Here's What to Do!

Dealing with the inevitable realities of college life.

57779
college students waiting in a long line in the hallway
StableDiffusion

Course registration at college can be a big hassle and is almost never talked about. Classes you want to take fill up before you get a chance to register. You might change your mind about a class you want to take and must struggle to find another class to fit in the same time period. You also have to make sure no classes clash by time. Like I said, it's a big hassle.

This semester, I was waitlisted for two classes. Most people in this situation, especially first years, freak out because they don't know what to do. Here is what you should do when this happens.

Keep Reading...Show less
a man and a woman sitting on the beach in front of the sunset

Whether you met your new love interest online, through mutual friends, or another way entirely, you'll definitely want to know what you're getting into. I mean, really, what's the point in entering a relationship with someone if you don't know whether or not you're compatible on a very basic level?

Consider these 21 questions to ask in the talking stage when getting to know that new guy or girl you just started talking to:

Keep Reading...Show less
Lifestyle

Challah vs. Easter Bread: A Delicious Dilemma

Is there really such a difference in Challah bread or Easter Bread?

37236
loaves of challah and easter bread stacked up aside each other, an abundance of food in baskets
StableDiffusion

Ever since I could remember, it was a treat to receive Easter Bread made by my grandmother. We would only have it once a year and the wait was excruciating. Now that my grandmother has gotten older, she has stopped baking a lot of her recipes that require a lot of hand usage--her traditional Italian baking means no machines. So for the past few years, I have missed enjoying my Easter Bread.

Keep Reading...Show less
Adulting

Unlocking Lake People's Secrets: 15 Must-Knows!

There's no other place you'd rather be in the summer.

958937
Group of joyful friends sitting in a boat
Haley Harvey

The people that spend their summers at the lake are a unique group of people.

Whether you grew up going to the lake, have only recently started going, or have only been once or twice, you know it takes a certain kind of person to be a lake person. To the long-time lake people, the lake holds a special place in your heart, no matter how dirty the water may look.

Keep Reading...Show less
Student Life

Top 10 Reasons My School Rocks!

Why I Chose a Small School Over a Big University.

191971
man in black long sleeve shirt and black pants walking on white concrete pathway

I was asked so many times why I wanted to go to a small school when a big university is so much better. Don't get me wrong, I'm sure a big university is great but I absolutely love going to a small school. I know that I miss out on big sporting events and having people actually know where it is. I can't even count how many times I've been asked where it is and I know they won't know so I just say "somewhere in the middle of Wisconsin." But, I get to know most people at my school and I know my professors very well. Not to mention, being able to walk to the other side of campus in 5 minutes at a casual walking pace. I am so happy I made the decision to go to school where I did. I love my school and these are just a few reasons why.

Keep Reading...Show less

Subscribe to Our Newsletter

Facebook Comments