We all wanted to become princesses, once upon a time. Even though we’re now adults, we are still inspired by the Disney princesses to dream big and work toward our goals. Whether it be getting a certain internship or passing your hardest class, we are still using the lessons we learned from our favorite Disney ladies. Don’t believe those lessons still live on with us today? I’ll give you a quick reminder of the wonderful messages these princesses have instilled in us.
Dream big, work Hard.
Princess Tiana dreamt from a very young age of owning her own restaurant. As she grew older, she worked hard toward achieving her goal every day. However, while in the process of making her dream a reality, she denied herself the chance to go out and live!
It is great that you’re working toward an A on your paper and just generally being the best you can be! Make sure you take time for yourself to step back and breathe—and to have fun! If someone invites you out for drinks, then go! You won’t ever get the same opportunities that you have in college again so go out and live it up.
Stand Out Against the Crowd.
Everyone in Belle’s village thought she was super weird for wanting to read books all the time. What they didn’t know about Belle was that she was constantly dreaming of adventure. Belle did not settle for anything or anyone. Eventually, she found her own adventure in an unexpected, enchanted castle of a beast.
While not every girl is going to find an enchanted castle and a cursed beast, we all face our own challenges, just as Belle did. It can be hard to find people who have the same interests as you. Sometimes, you find yourself feeling isolated and alone. Eventually, with some effort and patience, you will find friends you click with and who like you for who you are. So, #livelikeBelle. Put yourself out there and find your own adventure.
Let it Go!
Elsa always kept her fears and feelings to herself. She was constantly worried about being judged by others. After hiding away who she truly was for so long, everything came to the surface. Everyone knew her secret and she ran from them. Eventually, Elsa came to truly accept her powers as a part of herself and well… we all know the song by now. Elsa showed us that bottling up stress and hiding who you truly are is detrimental to your mental health.
So, please talk to someone about your feelings. Talk to a friend, family member, guidance counselor or someone you trust. And, most importantly, embrace yourself! There is only one you, so live your life true to who you are.
Stand Up for Yourself.
Princess Jasmine was a headstrong young woman who did not stand for others deciding her future for her. Jasmine voiced her own opinions, and ultimately followed her heart.
It is important to have the ability to express yourself. What you feel and say matters. If you don’t agree with your roommate—say so. Tell her what’s up. Nobody is going to know what you want and need if you don’t tell them yourself.
Be Kind.
Cinderella was kind to everyone she met—even to the bitches who made her life miserable. She always kept a positive, optimistic attitude and continued to believe in her dreams. All she wanted was a day off from work—a reasonable enough request. Eventually, all her waiting paid off in the end.
Continue to be kind to everyone. With a little patience, all of your kind acts will open doors for you in the future. You never know… that one person you said “Good morning” to everyday could lead to a networking opportunity on campus for you.
Stand on Your Own.
Merida was a free spirited girl who wasn’t ready to settle down but her mother was determine to marry her off. Merida took her fate into her own hands, and fought for her own independence. Through many crazy adventures, Merida gets her point across—people should be able to find love in their own way, at their own pace.
If your friends start pairing off and you start to feel alone, don’t stress about it. Everything happens in time. Don’t go on the hunt for someone just to make yourself feel more secure. You are more than fine without a significant other. By waiting for love to find you, you’ll be much happier with your ideal guy than some filler dude.
Get Creative.
Trapped at the top of a tower, Rapunzel was forced to accept a boring, tedious everyday routine. As we all know, that got old and Rapunzel ventured out into the world.
Sometimes you get stuck in a rut and that’s okay. You just have to find a way to break free of it. In Rapunzel’s case, she literally broke free. If you’re stuck on campus or find yourself in a constant routine that means it’s time to get creative to break up the monotony.
Walk the Footsteps of a Stranger.
Pocahontas is a woman with wisdom beyond her years. She always followed her heart, despite knowing that the right path is not always the easiest to follow. She taught Explorer John Smith by seeing how others live, you become less ignorant and can learn a great deal. By standing up for what is right, Pocahontas prevented a war between her people and the invaders. She saved many lives by explaining that ignorance and misunderstanding had led to violence between the two groups.
Everyone knows the saying “don’t judge a book by its cover.” It’s best not to judge a person simply off of first impressions. It is better to try to learn more about and understand a person before passing judgement. Don’t be blinded by ignorance. By walking in someone else’s glass slippers you can learn a great deal and have your eyes opened up to a new world.
Stay Close with Your Family.
Princesses Anna and Elsa were once inseparable. After losing both of their parents in a tragic accident, the sisters grew distant from one another. Anna truly wanted to be with her sister, but Elsa continued to push her away for fear of hurting Anna. One day Anna accidentally forces Elsa to reveal her power. After Anna traveled far from her kingdom to find her sister and show Elsa that nothing can come between the two of them. In the end, the two princesses reconnect with a new understanding and acceptance of one another.
One of the big pluses of coming to college is being away from your family for the first time and having the freedom to make your own choices. While you might not have wanted to call home at first, you eventually get homesick. Your family will always be there for you. It doesn’t hurt to call more often, or, if you have the luxury, to go home for a weekend visit. Nothing compares to the love and bond that a family shares.
BE A MAN!
To take the place of her elderly father in the Chinese army, Mulan ran away from home. However, the training wasn’t as easy as she expected it to be—Mulan was pushed physically and emotionally. At first, Mulan was so weak that she was told to go home. Despite others’ doubts, she persevered. Mulan stayed and continued trained harder and harder. She succeeded and ended up saving her country from the Hun warriors that threatened China. In her world, Mulan’s only duty was to bring honor to her family by marrying well and having children. Mulan broke the law and social norms, and as a result, she saved China.
It’s important to be able to defend yourself. Don’t let others tell you what your limitations are. Never let anyone hold you back. You are strong and can do anything. Prove others wrong by demonstrating just how strong and capable you truly are.
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