They were our very first companions. We grew up in front of them, watching them, and soaking in their misadventures while they taught us lessons we didn’t even know we were learning.
Whether they were heroes or villains, our favorite Disney characters opened up a window to a world we could only dream of being a part of. Yet, they never really left us. Our hearts still melt when we remember Mufasa, and somehow we’ll always keep the lyrics to “A Whole New World” somewhere in the backs of our minds.
They became a part of our childhood, just like old friends that one day we’ll tell our children about.
But until we do, here are a few quotes to remember when life gets hard.
1. It’s OK to be a little loopy.
“You’re mad, bonkers, off your head! But I’ll tell you a secret: all the best people are.” — Alice, Alice in Wonder Land
2. Freedom is the best gift.
“But oh, to be free. Not to have to go ‘Poof! What do you need, Poof! What do you need, Poof! What do you need?’ To be my own master. Such a thing would be greater than all the magic and all the treasures in all the world.” — Genie, Aladdin
3. Don’t just watch life pass you by.
“Take it from an old spectator. Life’s not a spectator sport. If watchin’ is all you’re gonna do, then you’re gonna watch your life go by without ya.” — Laverne, The Hunchback of Notre Dame
4. Get out of your comfort zone.
“You think the only people who are people, are the people who look and think like you. But if you walk the footsteps of a stranger, you’ll learn things you never knew you never knew.” — Pocahontas, Pocahontas
5. You get what you give. Give love. Loads of it.
“Some people care too much. I think it’s called love.” — Winnie, Winnie The Pooh
6. Some people are worth figuring out.
“Do not be fooled by its commonplace appearance. Like so many things, it is not what outside, but what is inside that counts.” — Aladdin, Aladdin
7. You will never know how great you can be unless you try.
“You must be imaginative, strong-hearted. You must try things that may not work, and you must not let anyone define your limits because of where you come from. Your only limit is your soul. What I say is true – anyone can cook… but only the fearless can be great.” — Gusteau, Ratatouille
8. So, try. If it doesn’t work, then try harder.
“I am on my way, I can go the distance. I dont care how far, somehow I’ll be strong. I know every mile, will be worth my while. I will go most anywhere to find where I belong.” — Hercules, Hercules
9. Surround yourself with people that care.
“If ever there is tomorrow when we’re not together… there is something you must always remember. You are braver than you believe, stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think. But the most important thing is, even if we’re apart… I’ll always be with you.” — Winnie, Winnie The Pooh
10. Take the blame and learn to make better choices.
“Look, I’m sorry your life turned out so bad. But don’t blame me you messed it up yourself. You just focused on the bad stuff when all you had to do was… let go of the past and keep moving forward…” — Lewis, Meet The Robinsons
11. Keep your eyes open.
“If you focus on what you left behind, you will never be able to see what lies ahead. Now go up and look around.” — Gusteau, Ratatouille
12. Failing is everyone’s story.
“From failure we learn, from success not so much.” — Lewis, Meet The Robinsons
13. Leave the past where it belongs.
“Ah, yes, the past can hurt. But the way I see it, you can either run from it…or learn from it.” — Rafiki, The Lion King
14. Challenges and heartaches will make you grow.
“The flower that blooms in adversity is the rarest and most beautiful of all.” — The Emperor of China, Mulan
15. Know right from wrong.
“Always let your conscience be your guide.” — Pinocchio, Pinocchio
16. Life’s hard. Don’t forget to be kind to yourself.
“Look inside yourself. You are more than what you have become.” — Mufasa, The Lion King
