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The Meaningful Life Lessons from Mulan

 

by: Millie Annabeth

source: redbookmag.com
I know my place. And it is my duty to fight for the kingdom and protect the emperor. I will bring honor to us all. Loyal, Brave, and Truth.


Mulan is a 1998 American animated musical adventure film about Hua Mulan, a clumsy girl who struggles to fit in and eventually develops into a strong and wonderful hero. She leaves her hometown to join the army to save her father's life. She has to pretend to be a man and is having a difficult time with the training. She inspires us because she goes from absolutely feeling like she doesn't belong anywhere to discovering her true self and becoming a warrior. This is an animated film, yet it has real lessons that might just help your life.


Determination and perseverance are what get you through 

Mulan's eyes show determination several times during the film. Life's circumstances have knocked her down several times. She could have given up and become a victim, but she chose to adjust her mental state and take control of her own fate. She changed her perspective because she started doing it for herself, to demonstrate to herself that she was strong and powerful. 

It is all too easy to give up without determination and perseverance. What is required is a decision to refuse to accept life as it is. It's simple to say you want it, but you have to show that you want it more than anything else. 

 

Having emotions is not weak, just have control over it 

After she finds out that her father is being sent to war and with his health condition, she knows that if he went, he would die. Naturally, she feels overwhelmed by her emotions. She goes outside to cry. She lets her emotions come out. But, she also gives herself time to process her emotions. 

Many of us try to bury our feelings to avoid dealing with them. But the problem is that they will eventually come out. In the film, instead of allowing her emotions to dominate her, she creates a plan to save her father. Even while she still feels sad, she is no longer overwhelmed by it. As a result, she can think and make better decisions at that time.

 

Other people’s happiness is not always your responsibility 

Mulan continues to attempt to fit in and be accepted by everyone. She sees herself being rejected again and again. You don't have to fit into the box that others want you to fit into and follow their standards. Mulan is only accepted by others when she truly accepts herself. It can be easy to make other people happy while forgetting about your own happiness. 

People will constantly seek more in life, but after a time of adjustment, they will accept you for who you are. You are not required to reject any aspect of yourself. When you live your passion or values, you transform so much that your light inspires others to want to shine and find their own path. Be kind enough to yourself to actually live your life for yourself, not for others.


Mulan isn't flawless, but by learning to love herself, she matures so much that she becomes an inspiration to all of us! She shows us that it's okay to have flaws and to fail, and to get back up every time. Don't let your uncomfortable life circumstances drag you down. Don't give someone control over you if they try to make you feel unworthy. You are not required to follow others’ standards. Be yourself, choose what you enjoy, and do it!  

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