When I was young, nothing made me happier than sitting down with my family at the end of the night and popping in a Disney VHS. It was a tradition that grew as our VHS turned into DVDs, and as I grew from child to adolescent. The lessons taught through these movies shaped me more than any lesson I learned in school. They instilled values on me and made me smile when I was sad. To this day, these movies have been there for me when I need them most. They’ve taught me how to essentially be a person, a good one at that. I wouldn’t have had it any other way.
1. You learn to make the best of every situation.
No matter how hard life may get, you’re always able to find something good in every situation. Whether it’s whistling a song you like while taking a chem final or taking every problem with a “Spoon Full of Sugar” , there’s always a way to make even the most annoying of situations almost fun
2. You know that in the end, good will always triumph over evil, even if it takes awhile.
Even when things look bleak, the hero will always find a way defeat the villain. You don’t even question this anymore. If you are kind and if you hold onto hope, everything will turn out well in the end.
3. You know that true love conquers all, always.
Love will always win. Through every dragon, sword fight, and monster, love will always find a way to come through. It doesn't matter what happens love, if it is true, will conquer all.
4. Believing in your dreams isn’t even a second thought.
No matter how crazy your dream may seem, you know that you will find a way to do it. You just have to work for it and believe in it hard enough, and it will happen. And when it finally comes true, there will always be another dream waiting the wings.
5. Being unique has never really bothered you
In fact, it's something you strive to be. The hero is always unique and, in the end, it's what helps them through their problem. Being unique is what makes you special, and without Disney I'm not sure I'd know that.
6. You know that hard work pays off
Working hard and being dedicated are the only ways to achieve your dream. You can't just sit ideally by and wait for it to happen. You have to go out and make them happen.
7. You’re aware of your past, but you know when it’s time to move on from it
The past will always be apart of your life, but you know that dwelling on it for too long will do no good. It can be hard to let go of the mistakes you’ve made and there are times you wish that you could have a Rafiki there to smack you when you need it, but in the end the lesson he taught you has to be enough.
8. You always look beyond a person’s appearance
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Some of the most kind, smart, wonderful people I have met have been the type of people who's appearances have been different from my own. Disney taught me look beyond those appearances and try to get to know the individual people and now some of them are my best friends. Appearances truly count for nothing in my life because of these movies.
9. You know that family isn’t always defined by blood but rather by acceptance and love
It doesn't matter if your family doesn't look like you or if they're from an entirely different planet, they are your family. If someone is there for you and they love you, then they're your family. In the end, nothing else truly matters.
10. Stepping outside of your comfort zone scares you; but you know that in the end, it’ll be worth it.
There are so many things I haven't done yet and some of those things scare me but I know that I'd rather try them and be uncomfortable for a few moments then not try them at all.
11. You don’t take life too seriously
There are so many things that bring you down in life, but letting those things bring you down all the time is pointless. Sometimes you have to be a little silly and make a fool of yourself in order to get through.
12. “Growing up” has always been optional
Getting old is inevitable but "growing up" is optional. Disney has helped me hold onto my inner child as I age. I still believe in magic and hope as an adult. I choose to see the good in life, rather then the bad. I'm optimistic and kind. I'm so grateful for Disney because of that.
