This great film was released on March 4th but it took me awhile to see it. When I finally made it to the theater, on Easter Sunday, no less, it taught me a whole load of lessons. Disney’s Zootopia had me walking out of the cinema with notes typed on my iPhone. I love all Disney movies because in my eyes, there is always a lesson to learn. In this film though, I found so much more. The characters were just so spot on – they were truly relatable. We all have met a Judy Hopps with that tremendous sense of ambition and Nick the “hustler” in our lives. I won’t give away the movie just in case you haven’t seen it yet, but make it a priority for you and your children (might be over the heads of the younger ones…the moral that is). If you are anything like me, you look for the overall message and ways that you can apply these movies to your own life. Here are some lessons learned from Disney’s Zootopia.
“Never Let Them See They Got To You”
This holds true for many things. I remember my dad always reminding me that sometimes you have to take the “higher road”. This message in the film reminded me A LOT of him. I have issues with this because I wear my emotions on my sleeve, but when those who try to get under your skin or try to make you feel any less of yourself come at you, the best thing to do is walk away sometimes or a simple “thank you” will suffice.
“Just When You Think Someone Believes In You…”
There will be many people in this lifetime who will disappoint you. This is where your power comes in. We learn as we get older that we can’t give our power to just anyone in any way shape or form. What do I mean by that? Believe in yourself and don’t wait until someone believes in you! What someone thinks of you doesn’t define you… but you define your own self-worth.
“It’s Irresponsible to Label All Predators as Savages”
As this applies to the animals in the movie, it can certainly apply to people that we come in contact with every day of our lives. It’s not fair to label an entire group of people just because there is one bad apple out of the bunch. That doesn’t make all of the apples bad. This goes hand in hand with not judging a book by its cover and not passing judgement on anyone. That’s what makes this world so uniquely different….
“Real Life Is Complicated”
It really is, isn’t it? Remember when you were, like, 13 and you thought, “I wonder how it would be to be 18 years old?” Guess what? Real life is complicated and we should let it take its time. What’s more, life doesn’t have to be so complicated because it’s all what you make of it. If you stress over the simple things, you will lead a stressed life. You are the controller of that wheel on this ride called life. Drive that car to your destination and don’t allow it to be complicated!
“The More We Try to Understand One Another, the More Exceptional We Will Be”
It takes mature, secure and confident people to know that we are all different and our differences need to be respected. We might not have to accept someone personally, but we should at least respect them for who they are in life. In life at times we have to step back, observe and respect the choices that others make, even if we don’t agree.
“Look Inside Yourself and Recognize That Change Starts With You!”
The way we think, act and treat others all begins within ourselves. I am convinced it’s not the way we were raised although that may have an impact, it’s not a predetermination of the result. Our parents can try their best to raise us the right way but we might take a different path. We have to be the change that we want to see and our actions are a reflection of the person that we are. Take some time every day to reflect on the person you are. Take pride in who you are and your choices but remember no one is perfect! Accept who you are, who you’re becoming and make peace with yourself. I know I have. This movie allowed me to see that people will judge you, make assumptions about you, misinterpret what you say, but in the end if you are secure with who you are and confident within the shoes you stand in, none of it matters! What matters is you! Stand tall, be proud and be you!
Care to share: Have any movies inspired you lately? Share the titles below and let’s talk!