Yesterday we were fortunate enough to attend the UK premiere of Cinderella at London’s Leicester Square. The remake of the classic story has already made a big impression, with opening box office sales of over $70 million. Director Kenneth Branagh and writer Christopher Weitz are sure to be proud of their remake of the Disney classic. The tale of Cinderella has proven to be very popular amongst women of all ages who have always dreamt of being a princess and meeting their prince charming. For those that have heard the Cinderella story before, this movie pretty much contains all the same elements as previous ones. This includes the evil step-mother and step-sisters, a fairy godmother, the glass slipper, etc. One thing that really caught our attention in this movie though, was the advice Cinderella’s mother gives on her deathbed:
“Have courage and be kind” – Cinderella
These words of encouragement went on to become a theme within the movie. This was great to see because they have such a positive meaning. From our line of work, we notice that the vast majority of people feel like they’re constantly suffering. Although suffering is a choice that’s given to us after experiencing pain, it’s pretty hard to control, especially in situations such as physical injury. When things go wrong, or people treat you badly, it’s not the easiest task to remain positive; we often have a very natural emotive human response which causes us to enter a state of suffering. A lot of the time, the suffering not only includes emotions of sadness, but it can result to us living in fear, or reacting with anger. Sadly, when people do react with anger, they let their mood dictate their manners, and any form of kindness is thrown out the window. This is why this message is of such importance. It’s great to see a Disney movie promoting these positive words, especially as so many young people are going to watch this movie. When we understand and live by words and phrases from an early age, they become a part of our growth as they form our beliefs. If young children are able to adapt the mentality of being courageous and kind, we’ll start to see less fear, and more bravery and compassion in the world. People will treat others better. In an ideal world, they’ll then teach these words to their loved ones and their own children in the future, and hopefully the cycle will continue. In this sort of world, suffering would almost be minimal.
In the movie itself, Cinderella is continuously treated badly by her step-mother and step-sisters. However, she stays true to her mother’s words and displays love, despite receiving anything but love back. Times get tough for her and she even feels like giving up, but again, she acts with courage and doesn’t let anyone or anything, steal her joy. She exemplifies beauty in its truest sense. This is another great thing about the movie; it encourages us that beauty is skin deep. Even when the prince has the choice of any woman he wants, many who are real princesses and are probably physically attractive to him, he only has eyes for one; the commoner who has a heart of gold and inner beauty like no other. Not so common after all hey?
As we mentioned earlier, having courage and being kind is far from easy. It’s much easier to moan or react destructively when things don’t go your way. It takes a great amount of courage to remain strong during difficult times. Imagine if someone suddenly approached you in the middle of the streets and started verbally abusing you. How difficult do you think it would be to have the courage to either ignore them, or be kind back to them, whilst remaining joyful? There are not many that can do this. It takes much more effort and sacrifice. Unfortunately, it’s our reaction which usually moulds the next moments in our life. When we react negatively, we attract negative situations because we live in a like-for-like universe. The energy you give out is the energy that comes back your way. Cinderella again, shows this to be true as she is the one who the prince chooses to marry. Don’t let the darkness of the world destroy your inner peace and take you to gloomy places. You are born to love, this is your true inner-self. You have goodness within; you can find the kindness that lives within you, regardless of the cruelty that exists. Besides, kindness wins every time! Being a winner and being a lover are both the same thing.
We’d like to leave you with this note by Mother Teresa, adapted from “Do It Anyway: The Handbook for Finding Personal Meaning and Deep Happiness in a Crazy World” by Kent Keith. Mother Teresa was so moved by these commandments that she hung them on a wall in her orphanage in Calcutta. They’re words that not only describe the essence of Cinderella’s being, but words that we should all live by. Like the last lines state, it’s not about you and anyone else anyway, it’s about your relationship with the Divine; that is, pure love.
“People are often unreasonable, irrational, and self-centered. Forgive them anyway.
If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish, ulterior motives. Be kind anyway.
If you are successful, you will win some unfaithful friends and some genuine enemies. Succeed anyway.
If you are honest and sincere people may deceive you. Be honest and sincere anyway.
What you spend years creating, others could destroy overnight. Create anyway.
If you find serenity and happiness, some may be jealous. Be happy anyway.
The good you do today, will often be forgotten. Do good anyway.
Give the best you have, and it will never be enough. Give your best anyway.
In the final analysis, it is between you and God. It was never between you and them anyway.”
– Mother Teresa (adaptation of Kent Keith’s original Paradoxical Commandments)
Author: Vex King
I am the founder and owner of the Bon Vita lifestyle brand. I could give myself a title and call myself a lifestyle entrepreneur, personal mentor, writer, designer, innovator, CEO, or anything else I see as fitting. However no title can define me as an individual. I’m just an optimist, a visionary, a philanthropist and jack of many trades. I’m using my positive influence to redefine the creative industries using Good Vibes Only #GVO so that people can fulfil their dreams, purposefully, and enjoy The Good Life #TGL. My daily words of intent are to make people… Think, look & feel GOOD!
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