I just came back from watching quite possibly my FAVORITE movie of the year, Cinderella! I loved the overall message of this movie and how graciously Cinderella was portrayed throughout her trials. Its so important to be reminded that each of us has one thing we can control no matter the situation, and that is our attitude and how we are going to react when difficult situations come our way. I am so excited to share my thoughts and takeaways from Cinderella:
1. “Have Courage and be Kind” Lets be honest here. Its pretty hard to be kind to those who treat you like dirt. All of us have been there, someone was unkind and we had to choose how we were going to respond. I’ve been on a personal journey to be more courageous to be kind and give others the benefit of the doubt (regardless of what I think they deserve.) Kindness and courage should never be about how others will perceive you or your actions, they’re about trusting the goodness that exists in humanity, while still maintaining authenticity and being true to yourself. I loved the following words written by Kent Keith:
People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered.
Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives.
Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies.
Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you.
Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight.
Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous.
Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten.
Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough.
Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God.
It was never between you and them anyway.
2. “The do the best they can” (Referring to her horrible situation at home.) So often I am ready to dump (and dump and dump) a lot of negativity about bad circumstances or how I was wronged when asked about my past. I love how gracious Cinderella is when she spoke of her horrific Step Mother and Sisters. Believing that those around you are doing the best they can, is so important in moving forward without the baggage. It also makes it easier to deal with hurt feelings mentally and emotionally. This has been especially true for me with resolving in my own mind the wrong doings of others right away and trying to move forward graciously. Its the forgetting part of “forgive and forget.”
3. Forgiveness The very last words that we the audience hear Cinderella speak to her Step Mother are: “I forgive you.” Honestly, I was taken back. After all of that #Swearword they put her through? Seriously!? Maybe its because its taken me so long to truly forgive the people that have hurt me in my life, or maybe its because I just learned that forgiveness is a gift for the one forgiving. It spoke to me and reassured me that forgiveness is truly for the one letting go and forgiving than the offender. From now on, I’m choosing to forgive instantly and not let the hurtful actions of others control or stunt my growth ever again! I just loved this message from the movie.
4.”To be seen as we truly are” Authenticity is my word for this year. I used to say things and go along with comments I didn’t really agree with and make bad choices all for the sake of “fitting in.” I was afraid if people saw the real me, knew how I truly felt and what I really thought that they wouldn’t like me anymore. What I’ve found is the exact opposite. I actually feel more confident in my beliefs and I respect others even more when they are open and honest with me. If we are open to sharing our true feelings/ideas/beliefs in a respectful environment its easy to extend that respect to others. I’ve also found that I attract more people that I actually like being around and we get along comfortably in a safe/judgment free zone.
Just like Cinderella, each of us can show courage, grace and kindness in all that we do. How amazing would our world be if we were each a little kinder and courageous? Everyday we have a choice.
Images found here.