As a young girl, I was enamored by the timeless story of Disney’s Cinderella. Even now, as a young woman, I find myself drawn to the classic tale and the many lessons it offers.
One of the most prominent themes in Cinderella is the power of positive habits. We see this exemplified not only in the titular character, but in the many other beloved figures that populate Disney’s universe.
Take, for instance, Belle from Beauty and the Beast. She makes a habit of seeking knowledge and reading books, even in a time and place where this is discouraged for women. This habit not only fuels her imagination and intelligence, but also leads her to fall in love with the Beast, who shares her passion for literature.
Similarly, Rapunzel from Tangled demonstrates the power of positive habits. She spends her days painting, singing, and exploring her tower, honing her artistic and physical skills. These habits prove crucial when she finally leaves her tower and confronts the challenges of the outside world, from escaping the clutches of a manipulative villain to saving her true love from death.
One of the most striking examples of positive habits in Disney, of course, lies in Cinderella herself. Despite living with her cruel stepmother and stepsisters, she maintains a kind and gentle spirit, a habit of treating even the most unpleasant people with respect and compassion. This habit eventually attracts the attention of Prince Charming, who falls in love with her not only for her beauty, but for her inner goodness.
Cinderella’s stepmother and stepsisters, on the other hand, offer a stark contrast to this habit of kindness. They speak rudely and dismissively of Cinderella, and their constant negativity and vanity ultimately lead to their defeat. As the Fairy Godmother tells Cinderella, “Where there is kindness, there is goodness. And where there is goodness, there is magic.”
The power of positive habits extends to the animal characters in Disney as well. Take, for example, Dumbo’s best friend Timothy Mouse. He makes a habit of looking out for Dumbo, even when others ridicule and mistreat him for his big ears. This habit not only strengthens his bond with Dumbo, but also leads to Dumbo’s triumphant flight and newfound acceptance.
In The Lion King, we see the power of positive habits in the character of Zazu, the uptight yet loyal advisor to King Mufasa. Zazu makes a habit of following protocol and keeping order in the kingdom, even when it means disagreeing with the impulsive young prince Simba. This habit ultimately leads to his thwarting of Scar’s nefarious plot and the restoration of order in the Pride Lands.
As I reflect on my favorite Disney characters, I am struck by the ways in which their habits contribute to their individual journeys and collective triumphs. From Belle’s love of literature to Cinderella’s kindness to Dumbo’s friendship, these habits serve as guiding lights that lead them through adversity and toward their ultimate goals.
It is important to note that cultivating positive habits is not always easy. Like Cinderella, we may face obstacles in our lives that challenge our commitment to kindness and compassion. Like Timothy Mouse, we may have to stand up for others even when it is unpopular or difficult. But as Disney’s iconic characters demonstrate, these habits are the foundation for a fulfilling and meaningful life, one in which magic can thrive.
In closing, I think back to the words of the Fairy Godmother as she granted Cinderella’s wish to attend the royal ball: “Even miracles take a little time.” The power of positive habits may not always yield immediate results, but over time they can work wonders in our lives and the lives of those around us. Like our favorite Disney characters, may we embrace these habits and let the magic unfold.
Positive habits are a powerful force in Disney movies, inspiring characters like Cinderella, Belle, and Rapunzel to overcome adversity and achieve their goals. Kindness, compassion, and perseverance ultimately lead to triumph and magic.
“Where there is kindness, there is goodness. And where there is goodness, there is magic.” – The Fairy Godmother, Cinderella