Growing up is a challenging and exciting journey, full of ups and downs. Many people struggle with developing self-control and maturity, and these qualities are essential for a happy and successful life. Luckily, there are lots of great examples of self-control and maturity in popular culture, especially in the world of Disney. Disney’s Cinderella, in particular, offers many valuable insights into how to grow up gracefully.
Cinderella, of course, is known for her patience, kindness, and self-control, even in the face of extreme adversity. However, she is not the only Disney character who can teach us a thing or two about maturity and self-control. Here are a few examples of Disney characters who embody these qualities, and some tips on how we can learn from them.
Belle: Look Beyond Appearances
Belle from Beauty and the Beast is a great example of a mature and self-controlled character. She is capable of seeing past the Beast’s gruff exterior and recognizing his inner kindness and goodness. This is an important lesson for all of us – it’s easy to judge people based on their appearance, but we can miss out on some truly wonderful relationships if we do so.
When Belle first meets the Beast, she is understandably wary of him. However, instead of dismissing him as a monster, she takes the time to get to know him. She starts to see that he has a good heart, and that his rough exterior is a result of his past experiences. This lesson is especially valuable in today’s world, where people often judge others based on their politics or other superficial traits.
Jasmine: Stand Up for What You Believe
Another Disney princess who embodies self-control and maturity is Jasmine from Aladdin. Although she is a princess, Jasmine is not content to just sit back and let other people make her decisions for her. She is brave and speaks her mind, even when it’s difficult.
One important lesson we can learn from Jasmine is the importance of standing up for what we believe in. This can be tough, especially if we are going against the grain. However, it’s crucial to exercise our own judgment and make our own decisions, rather than blindly following what others tell us to do.
In one notable scene from the movie, Jasmine refuses to marry the despicable Jafar, even though it would be the easy way out. Instead, she stands up for herself and refuses to compromise her values. This teaches us that it’s always better to do what’s right, even if it’s difficult.
Simba: Take Responsibility for Your Actions
Finally, let’s look at Simba from The Lion King. Simba is a classic example of a character who grows up and learns to take responsibility for his actions. In the beginning of the movie, he is impulsive and selfish, and he runs away from his problems. However, throughout the course of the story, he learns to put others first and take responsibility for his actions.
One important lesson we can learn from Simba is the importance of taking responsibility for our own lives. We can’t control everything that happens to us, but we can control how we react to those circumstances. Simba learns this the hard way – he realizes that running away from his problems only makes things worse. Instead, he decides to face his problems head on and make things right.
In one powerful scene, Simba confronts his old friend Nala about the dire state of the Pride Lands. Nala challenges him to come back and take his rightful place as king, and Simba finally accepts responsibility for his actions and decides to do what’s right. This teaches us that it’s never too late to take control of our own lives and make things better.
These are just a few examples of the ways that Disney characters can teach us important lessons about self-control, maturity, and growing up gracefully. By paying attention to the actions and attitudes of these beloved characters, we can learn valuable lessons about how to navigate the challenges of life. Whether we’re dealing with difficult people, standing up for ourselves, or taking responsibility for our actions, we can all learn from Disney’s timeless wisdom.
Disney characters like Cinderella, Belle, Jasmine, and Simba can teach us valuable lessons about self-control, maturity, and growing up gracefully. We can learn to look beyond appearances, stand up for what we believe in, and take responsibility for our actions.
“Growing up is never easy. You hold onto things that were. You wonder what’s to come. But that night, I think we knew it was time to let go of what had been, and look ahead to what would be. Other days. New days. Days to come. The thing is, we didn’t have to hate each other for getting older. We just had to forgive ourselves… for growing up.” -The Wonder Years.