I'm a fan of Disney. Not one of those pin-wearing-always-have-to-get-every-movie-before-it-goes-into-the-vault kind of fan, but I love the stories.... and, okay, the songs. I love the songs. Interestingly enough, one of my favorite Disney movies isn't glittered with music. It's the story that captivates me.
Finding Nemo.
The story, if you aren't familiar with it, goes something like this... a man's wife is brutally murdered by a serial killer and his son is left physically disabled. In a twisted turn of events, the son is kidnapped and the man has to chase the kidnapper thousands of miles with the help of a mentally disturbed woman.
Intense, right? :)
One of the things that I love about Disney is that the movies aren't always just for kids. Sure, it's a cartoon and there are quirky lines that kids repeat over and over (don't tell me that you haven't memorized P.Sherman 42 Wallaby Way, Sydney) but it's messages can also be related to adults. Here is what I learned from Finding Nemo. I'd like to share them with you.
* Never Give Up. Whether it was Marlin searching for Nemo, Nemo believing that his dad would save him, or the aquarium fish looking for freedom, none of the characters in the story gave up. Were they frustrated, worn down, and often to the point of exhaustion? YES! But they had a goal in mind.
We need to remember that life is going to be difficult sometimes. There are even going to be people who want to stand in our way. Keeping our eyes set on the goals that we have keeps us from never giving up. We just have to keep swimming...
* Stretch outside of your comfort zone. Marlin was terrified after his wife died, and in raising Nemo, he was a helicopter parent, and clearly anxious over just about everything. But in order to save Nemo, he had to leave his place of comfort and stretch.
Sometimes, where we currently are is not healthy for us. Sure, it might feel good and comfortable to know where things are... to know which emotions belong for which situations, or avoiding certain topics prevent you from thinking about things... but staying in the comfort zone doesn't leave room for growth. It's only when we take chances and try new things that we truly grow as individuals and realize the capabilities we have.
* Worrying Can Make You Miss Things. Marlin is a worry wort. To the point of missing out on life. One of my favorite scenes in the movie is when Marlin runs into the swarm of sea turtles, which is where move-watchers meet Squirt and Crush. Crush and Squirt have a very different relationship than Marlin and Nemo... Crush is a parent who allows his son to take risks and find things out on his own, with some guidance. This scene changes Marlin, and increases his awareness to the fact that he can't Nemo in a bubble. In doing so, Marlin realizes the opportunities he's missed out on.
When we worry, it can be so easy to consume our minds with thoughts of "what if"s and other negative thinking. When worry gets in the way of daily tasks, we find that we miss opportunities of happiness and love. Maybe we push away chances to engage with family and friends. We say no to events that deep down we'd like to attend, for fear of how we'll be perceived by others. Worrying makes you miss out on things.
* The Power of Friendship. It's no secret that the only way that Marlin was able to find Nemo is through the power of Dory's friendship. He had nothing to offer her either, yet she was still willing to help. She distracted him when he needed it, offered comic relief too. And it was probably also her belief in him and their adventure that kept him focused on his goal. Marlin also learned through his journey that it's important to trust people, that everyone isn't always out to get you.
During times of stress, excitement, grief, and fear, the power of friendship is a force that cannot be beaten. To know that you've got someone in your corner when you need a shoulder to cry on, a word of comfort or advice, or someone to celebrate life's amazing victories. Friendship is incredible.
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