A Motto to Live By

Without shame, I must confess I am a huge Disney fan. Anytime I’ve watched the Main Street parade, I’ve cried uncontrollably. I can’t tell you exactly why, but it happens every time.

I took my niece to see the new Disney live action Cinderella. It was spectacular. From the imaginative set design to the costuming that was pure Disney, it was wonderful. The performances were magical and once again, I found myself weeping at the beauty and innocence of youth.

In this version of the story, Ella lives with her adoring parents in a beautiful cottage set in a very picturesque backdrop of what you might call an enchanted forest. They have the perfect life together, but perfect doesn’t last forever. Ella’s mother becomes gravely ill. Upon her deathbed, she shares these words with her young daughter, “Always remember to have courage and be kind.” Ella is tested throughout the story, but she remains true to her mother’s final request.

What does it mean to have courage? Does it mean to be brave in the face of adversity, a new situation, or one over which you have little control? Must we have courage to be true to ourselves even if we are perceived to be different?  What about kindness? Is it the magical word that makes every situation better?

I think Ella’s mother nailed it. She gave her daughter wonderful words of wisdom to live by. Have courage and be kind.

What words of advice would you give your child?