“The Little Mermaid” is more than just a beloved Disney classic; it’s a treasure trove of valuable life lessons wrapped in an enchanting undersea adventure. From Ariel’s unyielding curiosity to the importance of finding one’s voice, this timeless tale offers insights that resonate with audiences of all ages. As we dive deeper into the story, let’s explore some great life lessons from The Little Mermaid.
Great Life Lessons from Disney’s The Little Mermaid
“The Little Mermaid,” released by Disney in 1989, follows the story of Ariel, a young mermaid princess who dreams of exploring the world beyond the sea. Fascinated by human life and a crush on Prince Eric, Ariel makes a dangerous deal with Ursula, the sea witch, trading her voice for a chance to live on land.
Disney’s Little Mermaid started Disney’s Renaissance period of great movies we all know and love.
Have a Curious Spirit
Ariel was so curious! Even though sometimes her curiosity got the better of her I like how she was always wanting to know more. Curiosity is a powerful force that drives us to explore, learn, and grow. Ariel loved watching Eric and the other shipmates, went to surface often to ask Scuttle about items she found (though he gave silly answers), and her curious spirit is what led her to save Prince Eric.
Bright young women, sick of swimmin’, ready to stand! And ready to know what the people know, ask ’em my questions and get some answers! What’s a fire and why does it… what’s the word? Burn! When’s it my turn? Wouldn’t I love, love to explore that shore up above? Out of the sea, wish I could be part of that world! – Ariel
Curiosity fuels our desire to understand the world around us, pushing boundaries and inspiring innovation. When we embrace curiosity, we open ourselves to new experiences and perspectives, which can lead to personal growth. Ultimately, curiosity enriches our lives by fostering a lifelong love of learning and a deeper appreciation of diversity.
Be Brave Enough to Do Hard Things
Ariel showed bravery in quite a few ways. Being brave means facing challenges, uncertainties, and fears head-on, rather than shying away from them. Princess Ariel showed bravery in saving Prince Eric, approaching Ursula, defeating Ursula in the end, and ultimately going for the life she wanted. Whether it’s standing up for our beliefs, taking risks in love, or simply trying something new, bravery enables us to overcome obstacles and achieve our goals. It builds resilience, teaches us valuable life lessons, and helps us become more confident and self-assured.
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Find Your Purpose
The Little Mermaid is a story about identity and the struggle to find one’s place in the world. Ariel didn’t enjoy singing all the time for her father and his kingdom. She wanted to be on land and explore its’ seemingly unending possibilities. She was 16 and that is a time where we are all trying to find out who we are and how we fit in this world of ours.
However, Ariel’s journey doesn’t end there; major life changes, like meeting Prince Eric and transforming into a human, further shaped her path and understanding of her true purpose. Similarly, our purpose can shift and deepen as we encounter significant life events, prompting us to reassess and realign our goals. Ariel’s tale reminds us that it’s never too late to discover new passions and redefine our purpose, embracing the changes that life brings with courage and curiosity.
Learn to Adapt
Learning to adapt is crucial for navigating life’s constant changes and challenges, much like Ariel’s swift adaptation to life on land and human customs in “The Little Mermaid.” When Ariel transforms into a human, she must quickly learn new ways of walking, communicating, and interacting with the world around her. She learns quickly that a dinglehopper is really a fork for eating. This ability to adapt not only helps deepen her relationship with Eric but also highlights the importance of flexibility and resilience.
Communication is Important
One of the main struggles in The Little Mermaid is the lack of communication between Ariel and her father, King Triton. Their lack of open communication leads to misunderstandings, frustration, and ultimately, Ariel’s risky decision to make a deal with Ursula.
If only I could make him understand. I just don’t see things the way he does. I just don’t see how a world that makes such wonderful things could be bad. – Ariel
Had Ariel and King Triton taken the time to truly listen to each other’s perspectives and concerns, much of the conflict and heartache could have been avoided. When Triton finally listens to Ariel and understands her dreams and desires, a path to mutual understanding and family harmony is paved. This highlights the critical role communication plays in fostering strong relationships, resolving conflicts, and building trust. Effective communication allows for empathy and cooperation, creating a foundation for healthier and more supportive connections. Ariel’s story teaches us that open, honest conversations are essential in bridging gaps and achieving harmony in our relationships.
Ariel’s journey is filled with challenges as she navigates life on land, ultimately learning valuable lessons about bravery, identity, and the importance of communication. Through her adventures, Ariel discovers her true purpose and the power of embracing change.