4 Life Lessons From Walt Disney

As you all should know by now, I’m sort of a Disney nut. I’d like to think of myself as a Disney aficionado but, whenever I attend any Disney trivia-type things I NEVER score well, so I guess that only makes me a Disney nut. But, I’m okay with that.

You see what I mean? They’re hard questions.

A lot of people don’t get it. They don’t understand why we often vacation at Disney or why we wear Disney apparel or listen to Disney music. We are, after all, adults and Disney is for kids, or so some would say. I think Disney is one of those things you either get, or your don’t. Which goes back to my post from a week or so ago about diversity. There’s nothing wrong either way. I don’t understand why some people vacation at the same lake cabin year after year or the same beach house or the same whatever. We all like different things and different things “call” to us. For me – it’s Disney.

But here’s what I’ve found to be some very important life lessons from Mr. Walt Disney and his creations:

1 – Everyone dies. I know, I know, that’s morbid and that’s not what Disney is typically known for, but a lot of his movies and stories involve death and overcoming the loss of important beings in our lives. There is a good lesson in those stories. Sadness is okay. Grieving is natural. It’s okay to find joy again after experiencing a traumatic loss.

 

2 – Best friends or sidekicks are essential to leading a good life. Let’s face it, we all have those special “go to” people in our lives for whatever emotion we are facing. Sometimes we call one friend when we need cheering up and maybe a different friend when we’re having a super good day. Walt Disney understood this and thus created sidekicks for his leading characters. The sidekicks play important roles. Sometimes they provide a bit of brevity, sometimes comfort, sometimes a good swift kick in the pants. That’s what friends are for.

 

3 – Love comes in all shapes and sizes. And quite often, love comes when and where we least expect it. Sometimes it takes a while to recognize it for what it is and sometimes it smacks us up side the head. But love, no matter the form it takes, is essential for a well-rounded life. Disney movies are filled with love. Love between, fathers and sons (even ones who aren’t real), mothers and daughters (even rebellious ones), sisters, friends, a boy and his dog, and other unconventional forms (like when you’re raised by wolves).

 

4 – When all else fails – sing. Music is so important in life. Music sets a tone, creates an image, unveils moods. Life without music would be dull and colorless. I believe Walt Disney felt the same way and that is why so many of his movies include music, both happy and melancholy. Music in Disney movies can spur us to action or generate fear or put a smile on our face. Here’s a medley that put a smile on mine.

So there you have it my friends. Life according to Patricia’s interpretation of Walt Disney’s intentions. How’d I do? Anything you’d like to add to this list?

Word of the Day: Yare

Fun fact about me: I’m planning a trip to Disney World as you’re reading this post.

Original post by Jansen Schmidt, August 2019. Images by Google Images. Video by YouTube (Alex G)

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