What We Can Learn About Identity and Values From The 2016 Movie, Moana?
This article is an appreciation for the underlying principles of a Disney classic that focuses on the strong values of a family and how an adventurous teenager finding their identity can put them to the test.
Apart from having one of the best soundtracks to grace Disney’s speaker system. Moana, has many a tale and a principle to go along with it.
If you’re someone like me who not only loves the bright colours of a very optimistic and (slightly) unrealistic story but also to appreciate the messages about identity that are hidden deeper in the movie, then this article is for you. I will also break down why self-interests and purpose are so important for a growing teenager and how we can nurture them.
An Innocent Warrior
Let’s start with the synopsis (with some comparisons).
An adventurous teenager sets sail (leaves the house) on a daring mission to save her people (push the boundaries and cause havoc). During her journey, Moana meets the once-mighty demigod Maui (other, probably older, teenagers), who guides her in her quest to become a master way-finder (continue to cause havoc). Together they sail (drive) across the open ocean (road) on an action-packed voyage (you can say that again), encountering enormous monsters and impossible odds (nothing to change here). Along the way, Moana fulfills the ancient quest of her ancestors and discovers the one thing she always sought: her own identity.
Now, there is a great saying “that history doesn’t repeat, but it rhymes”. You might have similarities that of the story above, albeit, a little less demi-gods and havoc. However, as a teenager, a big part of their lives is based around FINDING THEIR IDENTITY.
Know Who You Are (Identity)
Being able to find out who you are won’t only allow you and your family to create a fulfilling life, but will also inspire those around you in your circle. For Moana finding her identity ultimately inspired a whole village to set their sails and sail past the waves and the reef to create a better life.
This doesn’t mean that you have to wait for your teen to be making these big steps themselves, but being industriousness as an individual, yourself, will help inspire those around you to explore what’s out there. This in turn will increase confidence, personal satisfaction and remove insecurities.
“Courage is honest commitment to noble ideals. The opposite of courage is not, as some argue, being afraid. It’s apathy. – Ryan Holiday
https://www.goodreads.com/
How Far I’ll Go
Rome wasn’t built in a day and it certainly wasn’t built without the foundation of the toughest concrete known to man, volcanic Roman concrete.
You can only grow as strong as the foundation and if you’re foundation of health; physically, mentally, emotionally and spiritually is weak and shallow, you won’t grow far. Being able to initiate healthy habits that create adequate levels of stress through exercise, nutrition, mindfulness and relationship stress (yes, that’s right) will develop the strongest foundation possible.
If you want to find out how to build this foundation into your life; download the guide to help you build the framework to a happy, healthy and purposeful tribe.
You’re Welcome
Finding courage is a big part of our journey to becoming a better and a more well-rounded human. We see it happen in the movie when Maui (demi-god) has the courage to find his own identity by connecting with others and acknowledging his selfish faults, how Moana voyages across the seas to find the heart and challenge herself. These stories are all of purpose, finding an interest in something that means the world to them and pursuing it for life or death. Here is a further article about purpose and how to find it.
You do not need to send your teenager off into a situation quite like this but providing the foundation, a purpose, an interest and the right framework to allow them to grow will reward them more than you can possibly sing about.
Until next time,
