With the recent event of the killing of Cecil the Lion, people are coming together to discuss justice within the animal kingdom. No matter which side of the discussion you find yourself on, I think we can all agree that there is such a strong connection between humans and other animals, whether it’s a dog, horse, or a lion. And the bond between us doesn’t stop there. Ever since we were children, a deeper connection between humans and animated characters has been drilled into us, especially through Disney movies.

As a huge Disney fan, I spent a lot of my childhood watching, singing, and dancing to Disney movies. Who am I kidding; I still do that to this day. I even have a Disney station on my Pandora. I’m actually listening to it as I write this. No shame.

I’m not embarrassed because I have learned so much simply by watching these movies and the tales they had to share with me. One of my favorite Disney movies is "The Lion King." I’ve enjoyed this movie all my life, but now that I’m older, when I watch the movie I see so much more to it than I used to. From this classic, 11 lessons seeped its way into my life and have helped me get through my life and my transition into adulthood.

1. Everything can change in a day.

In a single day, Mufasa was killed and Simba was run out of the Pride Lands. In one day, he was found by Timon and Pumbaa and started one of the best friendships. And in 24 hours, he returned to the Pride Lands, defeated Scar, and took back his pride and his home.I know that each day seems the same, but little choices or big events are happening all around you. The choices you make today can help shape tomorrow, and not just for you. All of our decisions influence those around us, friends and strangers alike. Make the most of each day and it may be the turning point you’ve been waiting for.

2. Blood doesn't mean loyalty.

Anyone who has seen this movie has seen the ruthlessness of Scar to his own family. I’ve experienced some family who acts like I don’t exist and others who purposefully want nothing to do with just because of who my father is. I can’t control anything in that situation, but I have found family with those who do not share my blood. I have some of the greatest people in my life and I wouldn’t trade any of them to get back the aunt or cousin or whatever that didn’t want to be a part of my life. It comes down to the person and the heart they have, not if they share a familial title or not.

3. Different people will give you different perspectives that you need.

Timon and Pumbaa came into Simba’s life at the opportune time. If Simba had fought against the differences between him and a meerkat and a warthog, then he would’ve missed out on a great friendship. He also wouldn’t have had the concept of Hakuna Matata introduced to him. If he didn’t open up to the different people (or animals) in his life, he wouldn’t have had the perspective he needed to get through such a difficult time in his life. It’s the same for us. Closing off our mind to people we see or define as “different” would just cause us to miss out on different perspectives that we may need in our lives. Having an open heart and mind will allow you to meet those that were put in your life for a reason.

4. You can’t run from your past…

This lesson is very obvious in the movie. Simba’s responsibilities prevent him from just escaping what happened to his father. Our past is who we are or who we were. There is so much to learn from our memories or our actions back in the day. It’s who you are now and what you do with them that matters. Your past isn’t something to just completely forget about and pretend it never happened.

5. ...But sometimes you need to put the past behind you.

As much as I place an importance on your past, there are things that just need to stay in the past. That doesn’t mean that you just forget them or that you lie and say certain things didn’t happen. I’m saying that there are things that a person learns from and changes because of it. If you are changing who you are for the better because of decisions or actions in the past, then you shouldn’t dwell on it. There is a reason it is identified as your past and not your present. Accept your past, but continue forward into your future with the lessons that you needed to learn from it.

6. Remember who you are.

I know that I had a hard time trying to figure out how I fit into the world. I’ve always known who I was and what I believed in, but I didn’t know where I belonged in the world. I know that some people struggle with knowing who they are or that they try to change to fit in with other people. I just encourage that you stay true to yourself. Simba tried to run from his responsibilities as the king, and nothing but destruction came to the Pride Lands until he finally returned and accepted who he was. Ultimately there is only one person that you can trust, and that’s the true you.

7. Sometimes the truth isn’t what it seems.

Simba believed Scar’s lie and it haunted him for years. He saw a truth that wasn’t true in any sense other than his father had died. He blamed himself for something he was actually innocent of. As much as something may seem the truth, there is always the chance that it isn’t. And everyone’s truth varies from one person to another. For example, four people see a car accident. Those four people and the drivers all have a slightly, or drastically, different perspective of what happened. It’s hard to define what the truth is, but as long as you understand that things aren’t always going to be what they seem, you’re prepared for a lot of the future.

8. You may have found paradise, but where you grew up will always be home.

Simba was literally in paradise, but yet he had to return to a desolate Pride Lands, his home. I am from Michigan and I lived in the San Diego area last summer. I literally lived 5 minutes from the ocean. Every day was sunny and 75 degrees. And as amazing as that area is, it didn’t feel quite right to me. I missed the trees and being able to disappear into the woods and fields instead of being surrounded by apartments and cars racing everywhere. My home will always be Michigan no matter how far I travel. I don’t plan on living here, but I hope to find another place that will remind me of my home state. No matter what you do, there is always one place that is your home, where you felt safe, secure, and at peace. I’m not saying don’t travel, just remember where you came from and know it is normal to long for home.

9. Sometimes you will have to step up and fight for what is right.

Simba, Timon, and Pumbaa all came to the Pride Lands to fight Scar after living a life of relaxation. It was actually humorous in how Timon and Pumbaa fought against the hyenas. You can obviously see that they were not made for fighting and it was something they didn’t like to do. However, when it came to protecting their friend and saving his pride, they were willing to leave their comfort zone and fight against animals that are known as their predators. There are times when you will know you have to make a stand and fight for what is right or what you believe in. It could just be speaking up against someone or protesting, like those with Cecil the Lion. Either way, when you know that it is something truly important to you, you will find yourself doing everything you can.

10. True friends will be there for you no matter how much time has passed.

Simba really lucked out with his friends. Timon and Pumbaa were willing to leave paradise to stand by his side over something they had never even dealt with. And Nala, although she was a romantic interest, is still his best friend. After all the years and the time that Simba was gone, she was still there for him and believed in him. Over time you will go through friends that were temporary and those who are for life. Those true friends will be there for you as much as they can, no matter the time that’s passed or the distance between you. If there is something they can do for you, they will be there. Having one true friend is worth a million of the temporary ones.

11. And sometimes, it just takes a really good song.

Ok, let’s just admit that "The Lion King" has one of the best soundtracks ever. The scores are incredible. I distinctly remember listening to all of the songs with one of my friends and singing in chemistry class and on a bus when we were traveling in Costa Rica together. Listening to those songs make me so happy and bring me back to a simpler time in my life. What I’m saying, is sometimes a song can fix everything within you. Sing every single word and dance to it like there is no tomorrow. Enjoy your life and let music get you through.

After going through all this, I suggest watching the movie and learning even more lessons that I didn’t discuss. And if you have any, please share them with me in a comment below! Watch any other Disney movie or any of your other favorites from your childhood and see what they have been teaching you. Now, excuse me while I pop popcorn and dance around my living room singing to “I Just Can’t Wait to be King.” Hakuna Matata.