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6 Things I Learned from Disney and Pixar’s SOUL
Don’t become so obsessed with your dream that you stop living.
Christmas looked very different this year. My entire life, childhood through adulthood, I’ve celebrated the holidays with my great, big extended family. Every year, at some point during December, we gather at my grandmother’s house, eat a glorious meal, sing carols, and play dirty Santa. It’s what we’ve always done, until now.
This year was much smaller, much simpler. There were just a few of us. The food and company were still great, but it didn’t feel like all the Christmases before. So, when I heard that Disney/Pixar was releasing a new movie, I won’t lie… I felt a little excited-like a kid at Christmas. My oldest nephew shared in my excitement as we talked about getting to watch the movie on Christmas Day.
After eating a little breakfast and opening gifts, we snuggled up on the couch-the whole family-and watched Soul.
From the very beginning, I was hooked. Part of the reason it touched me so much was that I feel like I’m living Joe’s life-waiting for my big break so I can finally start to live my life. Oooh what this movie has reminded me. The timing couldn’t be more perfect. There’s no better time to realize that you’ve been doing it all wrong like the beginning of a new year.
1. You should enjoy whatever you do.
I’m a Type A personality who gives 110% to everything I do, but sometimes when I’m pushing myself too hard, I forget to simply lean into my passion. I try to sculpt, bend, and mold it to my own agenda. Instead, I learned-like Joe from the movie-that I need to just enjoy doing what I do. My goals and deadlines can make me forget the reason why I love writing. Instead of asking what my passion (writing) can do for me externally, I need to focus more on what it does for me internally.
My passion gives me joy when I let it.
2. Don’t listen to the haters.
“You can’t crush a soul here. That’s what Earth is for.” — 22, in Soul
One thing that you quickly learn by being a creative is that there are a lot of haters. It’s amazing how many people will come out of everywhere to put you down as soon as you…
