There are plenty of reasons to love the animated films that have been produced by the Walt Disney Company over the years. The art is always beautifully done, the songs will have you tapping your toes, and the voice actors really bring their characters to life. Generally speaking, these animated favorites are also inspiring. We root for the characters to succeed (whatever that means in their particular situation), and we feel good when they achieve their happy ending.
While cartoons might not seem like a likely source of inspiration for a person in recovery from a substance use disorder, the fact is that many a Disney character has uttered a truth that relates not only to their animated journey, but to your recovery journey as well.
Let’s jump into the wonderful world of Disney to see what these characters have to say.
We Have Bad News…And Good News
First, the bad news…as delivered by Nani, Lilo’s older sister, in Lilo & Stitch.
Sometimes you try your hardest, but things don’t work out the way you want them to.
That is certainly true in many areas of our lives. Sometimes relationships don’t work out. Sometimes a job isn’t right for you. Sometimes a carefully made decision still leads to a negative outcome. And for people in recovery from a substance use disorder, the risk of experiencing a relapse is always present—even when you are doing your very best to keep your recovery intact.
But we also have good news—and from a whole collection of colorful characters:
When life gets you down you know what you’ve gotta do? Just keep swimming. – Dory, Finding Nemo
Though at times it may feel like the sky is falling around you, never give up, for every day is a new day. – Chicken Little, Chicken Little
It’s up to you how far you go. If you don’t try, you’ll never know. – Merlin, The Sword in the Stone
Giving up is for rookies. – Philoctetes, Hercules
Today is a good day to try. – Quasimodo, The Hunchback of Notre Dame
We figure we all should pay attention when a fish, a chicken, a wizard, a Greek god, and a plucky cathedral bellringer all agree on something. And the something they all agree on is simple: Each and every day is a “good day to try”—which in the case of recovery might well mean a good day to try to keep your recovery going. In the event of a relapse, trying might also mean returning to treatment to get yourself back on the right path. After all, “giving up is for rookies.”
Of course, trying requires a certain amount of bravery.
Characters Call for Bravery and Beauty
Here are two Disney characters reminding us of the importance of being bold and courageous:
You don’t have time to be timid. You must be bold, daring. – Lumiere, Beauty and the Beast
There are those who say fate is something beyond our command. That destiny is not our own, but I know better. Our fate lives within us, you only have to be brave enough to see it. – Princess Merida, Brave
It takes bravery to seek out treatment for a substance use disorder—and it can take ongoing bravery to keep your recovery going over the long haul. It might seem easier to give up, but as Lumiere reminds us, “You don’t have time to be timid.”
But being brave during challenging times can lead to wonderful things, as the Emperor of China reminds us in Mulan:
The flower that blooms in adversity is the most rare and beautiful of all.
The life you build for yourself in recovery can be beautiful—and that is reason enough to stay the course in recovery. And often, that means leaving the past where it belongs: In the past.
Be Content in the Present and Hopeful About the Future
When a person in recovery looks back on their life, they often find plenty to regret—especially about the time they spent using drugs or alcohol. Often, those feelings of regret can chip away at the foundations of recovery. That is why it is so important to keep yourself grounded in the present moment—and to stay hopeful about your future. Here’s what two beloved characters have to say about that:
I never look back, darling. It distracts from the now. – Edna, The Incredibles
To change the past is a big order, but you can change the future. – Timon, The Lion King
Edna (who has plenty of life advice) keeps moving forward and does not get bogged down in the past. That is good advice for anyone in recovery. So, is Timon’s reminder that you can’t go back and change the past, but you can work your way toward a better future for yourself.
We Don’t Wear Character Costumes. We Do Help People.
When you are struggling with drugs or alcohol, you are definitely not in “the happiest place on Earth.” And truthfully, a trip to a Disney park won’t be much help. Instead, you should head for Wooded Glen Recovery Center. Located in Henryville, Indiana, Wooded Glen provides personalized substance use disorder treatment and can treat co-occurring mental health disorders as well. When you are ready to rewrite your story, we are here to help.