Life Lessons I learned from Frozen!

I don't think it's any secret that I'm a pretty die-hard Disney and Pixar fan. If it ever was a secret, it's not any more. :) So here I am, two viewings later, still in love with Disney's most recent cinematic golden nugget, Frozen. If you haven't seen it, stop reading this, drop everything and go see it right now, or consider this your spoiler alert.

So here we go....

Life Lessons I learned from Frozen! 

1. We weren't meant to live in isolation. Shutting others out only hurts the ones we love and are fighting to protect the most. The more Elsa tries to "conceal - don't feel" things only get worse. Even though her motives and intentions are 100% pure, all she does is escalate things by her independance. And besides...."LOVE IS AN OPEN DOOOOOO-OOO-OOOO-RRRR" :) 
2. The truth sets you free. Hiding and secrets don't last, and they don't get you anywhere. It's like spinning your wheels...frustrating and useless.
3. Totally trusting everyone you meet can be damaging. Sometimes it's wise to lock that door. Not to shut people out, but to use protective measures and make sure only people who you want and who deserve to be allowed in are let in. (Thanks a lot, Hans! Not that I'm bitter...)
4. We have to use wisdom in character judgement. People aren't always what they seem.  Initially, everyone was ready to dethrone Elsa because she was "an evil enchantress". When really, she was always the same scared, confused little girl who was out of control of her own powers, but never the less wouldn't intentionally harm a fly. Meanwhile, Hans over there is a sick, lying little --- whole lot of names I won't use right now. Not because they're not true, but because I'm sure there are more intelligent and mature ways to describe him that don't employ strong language and name calling. I just can't think of any right now. 
5. We all have what it takes to be a hero. Sometimes heroes come from unlikely, unpolished, unpredictable places. Don't discount anyone just because they're a bit of a fixer-upper (Yes, I'm winking and nodding to you if you get the reference!) and sing and talk to their pets in goofy voices. (Can I just say Kristoff made me feel so validated?!) 
6. True love isn't always romantic. (I LOVED this dynamic in the movie!) True love is about sacrifice, loyalty, selflessness, trust, perseverance and protecting those you love. If you are showing those  qualities (to name a few) to those around you, than you're marking your relationships with love. 
7. True love doesn't give up. Anna shows this kind of tenacity beautifully! Even when it looks like there's no hope, no way for you to help, love doesn't give up. If you're Kristoff, you listen to Sven, turn around and start riding like mad. If you're Elsa (however misguided...her motives were still loving) love keeps trying desperately to find a way to control the storm you're causing. And like we see in the entire movie, if you're Anna, you remain determined to find a way to break down walls and help your sister who's in way over her head. 

Disney, you may have out done yourself this time. And by "may have" I mean "I think you did." Thanks for great reminders of all kinds of life lessons...in general, and just in one story.