Disney Magic for Tough Days: 5 Quotes to Boost Your Mental Health
When life gets hard, sometimes we all need a little pick-me-up. Because let’s face it, no matter who you are, life is hard at times. Especially if you struggle with your mental health.
It’s easy to focus on the challenging circumstances, the storms swirling around us, and the negative aspects of life. So, to help you turn that around, we’re going to give you 5 inspiring Disney quotes to remind you that you're doing great and to keep going!
We believe in you. Are you ready to believe in yourself too?
#1: “The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.”
This beautiful quote from Mulan is referencing the plum blossom, the first flower to bloom in China. Only, it doesn’t wait until the Spring, when conditions are good, to sprout. In the same way, we don’t have to wait until life is “good” to live, blossom, and grow. In fact, it’s usually in and from the adversity that we grow and bloom the most.
This quote helps remind us that though challenges are going to come, they don’t have to break us. Like a flower blooming through harsh conditions, you too can break through the difficulties you’re facing. We are all going to face adversity in life, but your beauty comes from the resilience and perseverance you show through the challenges you face. Keep going—something beautiful is coming your way!
#2: “Today is a good day to try.”
This quote is from The Hunchback of Notre Dame and it reminds us to, well, try! With this attitude, it helps us start each new day with a blank slate, regardless of what may have happened yesterday. Today is a good day to try. Because guess what? If you never try, you’ll never know whether you can make it through or not. And we’re here to tell you that you can make it through—we believe in you!
No matter what you’re going through or what you’ve been through, we encourage you to try today. We understand it can be exhausting to keep trying and putting effort in, so if you need to take a little break, do so. But don’t quit! If you need a little encouragement to try again, remember what another Disney friend once said, “Just keep swimming, just keep swimming…”
#3: “You're braver than you believe, and stronger than you seem, and smarter than you think."
Christopher Robin said this powerful reminder to Winnie the Pooh, and if it’s good enough for a silly old bear, it’s good enough for you! When we’re struggling, going through something difficult, or feeling down, it’s easy to be hard on and think less of ourselves. But you are no less of a person—and no less brave, strong, or smart—just because you struggle.
You may not always feel it and that’s okay! Feelings are valid, but they don’t always tell the truth. So, just in case you need this reminder today: you are brave, strong, smart, and so much more!
#4: “The past can hurt, but the way I see it you can either run from it or learn from it.”
The wise Rafiki said this in The Lion King and it’s applicable to all. We’ve all been through difficult things in our past (and even our present)—loss, heartbreak, mental health struggles, loneliness, etc. Because of this, it’s easy to stay stuck in the hurt or run from the pain it caused. But, when we do that, it makes it really difficult to heal and move forward, which are two very important things to do.
When you’re tempted to stay stuck in the past or run from the discomfort or pain, remember Rafiki’s wise words. The pain you felt/feel is valid and yet, you have 2 choices: run and stay stuck or learn and heal through it. We encourage you to look back on difficult times and circumstances with a mindset to learn from it, process, and move forward.
#5: “Just because I cannot see it, doesn’t mean I can’t believe it!”
The Nightmare Before Christmas may not be top of mind for inspiring Disney movies, but this quote can’t be argued with. Struggling often takes our hope and our ability to see things properly. When this happens, we often look down on ourselves, become hopeless, or think negatively. Which, let’s be clear, are all valid responses at times because pain is so, well, painful!
But, pain doesn’t help us see the clear picture. Just because you can’t see something, doesn't mean it doesn't exist or won’t happen. Or that you still can’t believe it. If you’re struggling to believe in yourself because you can’t see progress or growth, things are taking longer than you’d like, you’re not where you want to be, etc., may you remember this quote and believe in yourself!
