You may have grown up watching Disney movies, listening to Disney music or, if you’re lucky, visiting the Disney parks, but what has Disney taught us (other than thousands of song lyrics and movie quotes)?

“Grow Wise, Grow Strong, but Never Grow Up.” –Peter Pan

At first glance, the idea to “never grow up” seems silly. You cannot possibly stop aging, unless you’re Peter Pan, of course. However, most of us aren’t immortal, so what does this quote mean to us?

Disney isn’t telling us all to find the Fountain of Youth; they are encouraging us to never give up on our fun, carefree, childlike innocence. Never forget to have fun. Don’t lose your ability to wish upon a star. Keep dreaming, keep singing your cares away and never stop believing in magic.

“The more you like yourself, the less you are like anyone else, which makes you unique.”-Walt Disney

One of the many reasons why the Walt Disney Company is so successful is because they strive to be the best they can be. We can all take a lesson out of Disney’s book and do whatever we can to be the best version of ourselves. Disney does it by exceeding expectations in customer service, cleanliness and innovation. What does it mean to be the best you? Focus on your strengths and build on them. Don’t sell yourself short. Whatever you do, do your best.

“The difference between winning and losing is most often not quitting.”-Walt Disney

When Walt Disney first began his career, he ran in to countless issues. But he never gave up. He kept trying despite his failures. He kept going, ignoring those who didn’t believe in him, and look what it got him: a company that is known and loved all over the world. Walt Disney dreamt big, and you can too. Don’t second guess the dreams you have. Instead, take hold of them, and never let go. You’re going to struggle, but if you stick with your dream, and if you keep trying with a positive attitude, you can do anything you set your mind to.

“The very things that help you down are going to lift you up!”- Dumbo

Sadly, I don’t think we are going to start flying anywhere, at least not physically, but we can take off metaphorically in our lives. The trick to Dumbo becoming the star of the circus was for him to believe in himself, and that’s all it takes for you, too. Instead of seeing your bumps in the road as obstacles or blocks, see them as stepping stones to get to your goal.

Disney is more than musicals. It’s more than theme parks. It’s more than stories of far off places, dragon slaying and true love's kiss. Disney is an example to us all to be the best we can be, to keep moving forward and, above all, to never stop dreaming.