If you’ve ever been a child, then you probably know what Disney is and have seen at least a film or two. For many, the industry continues to be a part of their lives even into adulthood because despite being children’s movies, these films carry deep meanings that hold more weight the older we get. So, in honor of the new Frozen 2 trailer that was released this past week, here are 10 powerful and inspiring Disney quotes for your current college life.
1. “Being brave doesn’t mean you go looking for trouble.” – The Lion King
The Lion King taught us many important lessons (the most important of which was to never trust your creepy uncle), but this one is sometimes overlooked. In this world, there’s a constant need to always be ready to step into the fire, to be “brave” and aggressive in all your endeavors, especially as a young woman. We, as people, are told that we must prove ourselves over and over without ever showing fear in the face of adversity. But bravery isn’t always loud; sometimes it’s the quiet courage to get out of bed in the morning and face the day. Don’t go looking for trouble when it’s not there.
2. “Love is the most precious of totems. It reveals itself in unexpected ways.” – Brother Bear
Love is a precious commodity in this world, and the older we get, the more we realize how much it’s worth. Be open to love, and be loving and kind. Friendships, romances, familial bonds and even the unconditional devotion you have toward your pet are all priceless. Love can bring the most unexpected and wonderful blessings into your life, so never be afraid to tell people how much you care. It’ll make their day and yours.
3. “Our fate lives within us. You only have to be brave enough to see it.” – Brave
Sometimes there are days when you feel so out of control, nothing goes right, and all your plans are simply crumbling at your feet. Those days can be overwhelming, but Brave reminds us that those days have no hold over us if we don’t let them. At any given time, you have the ability to change because only you decide your fate. Not your parents, not your professors, not the girls who talk about you behind your back, not even your boyfriend who cheated on you with the girl in his chemistry class. If you’re brave enough to take hold of your own destiny, your life can be whatever you wish it to be.
4. “Think of the happiest things. It’s the same as having wings.” – Peter Pan
It’s easy to become pessimistic and cynical in this world, but train yourself to think happy thoughts instead. Surround yourself with positive and kind people that uplift you when you’re down. Take up activities and hobbies that make you smile. Your world won’t be perfect by any means, but thinking on the brighter side of life will help you soar a little bit higher over the dark days.
5. “It’ll turn out alright in the end.” – Beauty and the Beast
Mrs. Potts was the wisest character in this movie, and she didn’t disappoint with this piece of advice either. It can be so easy to feel like you’re drowning in all the things that are going wrong. First, you fail that test you studied so hard for. Then, your partner breaks up with you. After that, one of your family members gets sick, and on your way back to them, your car breaks down. This quote is your reminder that no matter what, the sun will keep rising and the world will keep turning. Things have a funny way of always working out.
6. “Them? Us. Look at them, they are us. What differences do you see?” – The Lion King 2: Simba’s Pride
Arguably the best Disney sequel, this film casts an interesting light on a retelling of Romeo and Juliet by portraying deep-seated prejudices and the harmful consequences they bring. In this era of polarizing politics, racism, sexism, and hatred of all kinds, this quote reminds us of one very important concept: we are all still human. We are all still people. Treating anyone with hostility or cruelty because they’re “different” from you is wrong. Be kind and compassionate because at the end of the day, we are all each other’s own, and there is nothing that will ever change that.
7. “I am on my way. I can go the distance.” – Hercules
Each one of us has a dream, no matter how big or small, and this reminds us that no matter what, you have the ability to achieve that goal. It may be a long journey to the end, but as long as you keep moving forward, you’ll get there eventually. You will go the distance, and you’ll change the world when you do.
8. “The only way to get what you want in this world is through hard work.” – The Princess and the Frog
The older we get, the more we realize that life is all about what you make it. There’s no secret formula or magic ingredient to get the “perfect” life. If you want something, you have to go after it, and you have to go after it with all that you’ve got. Hard work will take you further than anything else, but don’t forget that a little bit of dreaming never hurt anyone either.
9. “If you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things you never knew you never knew.” – Pocahontas
College is all about expanding your perspective and looking at different sides of the story that you weren’t able to before. These years are about growth, and there’s no better way to do that than to empathize with others. You’ll see things in a completely new light that you wouldn’t have been able to if you’d never expanded your mind past your own thoughts. Coming to understand others will help you blossom into the best person you can be.
10. “All our dreams can come true if we have the courage to pursue them.” – Walt Disney
It’s only right to end with a quote from Walt Disney himself, and this one simply sums up all the others on this list. Realize your dreams, and chase them. Don’t let anyone tell you that you can’t because if Disney taught us anything, it’s that even the grandest of dreams are within your reach.
Let this list reignite the child-like dreamer inside each of you!