Let No One Stear Your Destiny But You
Last Sunday in the New York Times, there was an article about a new animated movie produced by Disney’s Pixar coming out on June 22nd that caught my attention. I’m not generally drawn to animated movies. Perhaps that’s because of one too many viewings of “Bambi” and “The Little Mermaid” or that adult cartoons, like “The Simpsons” and “Family Guy”, are built on a type of humor that I find unfunny (just my opinion).
I think what attracted me to the movie “Brave” was the main character’s hair, which you can see in the video clip below. I have always wanted wild long hair like hers, but the closest I could get was long and stringy (best kept in a braid).
In the movie “Brave” there is a young woman, who does not want to be married off. She is seeking independence and adventure. She is a bow and arrow, armed-force to be reckoned with. She is a girl who fights against the restraints of what her mother wants her to be and who follows her passions.
I wish there had been fairy tail movie like this when I was young. I wish bravery and adventure had been emphasized, rather than simply pursuing a Prince.
But it’s not too late to be influenced by a cartoon character or to be brave. Okay, so hiding out in my potting shed, away from the clamor of demands may not fit into the category of bravery, but it does show wisdom, which may be something even better to shoot for.
At the end of the trailer below, Merida asks,”If you had the chance to change your fate, would you?”
And my answer is a wholehearted “Yes!” Because I don’t believe in fate. Fate is a word that resounds with helplessness. And I know I’m not helpless.
What would be your answer?
I like, “You have the ability to create your own destiny, are you brave enough?” better than if you had a chance to change it would you. I think everyone has that chance, at least to chose how they react, to life circumstances, what their next move will be. Love it! (and totally relate to the hair stuff!)
The heroine could have been drawn from a photo of my daughter-in-law. Her red hair is not quite that bright, but in all other ways it is exactly the same. She’s a litigation attorney and the opposition is almost always fooled by her appearance. Expecting a kitten they are quickly finished off by a lion!
Great post with plenty to ponder.
You’re right, you sure don’t come across as helpless! And I like the fact that you hang out in your potting shed. That’s a real pretty photo of you, I wish I could do a braid in back :))
Not sure how I feel about the fate question, I’ll give it some thought.
Sue – yes, I liked the dare factor of the question but agree that there is no “if” to it. As you said, if all else seems impossible you can always change your attitude about it which will often result in a change better than what you could have forced into being.
NC – Good for your daughter-in-law! I wish I was more like that. I have a difficult time coming up with the right words fast enough under pressure.
Susan – I’m not helpless but wish I was more confident and was more of a risk taker. The photo is about 12 years old. Those were the days…
I don’t believe in fate either, because it doesn’t give you a choice.
As a girl growing up in Germany I was lucky to have Pippi Longstocking as a guidance – independent with two carrot colored braids and thousands of freckles in her face she did whatever she wanted and not what she was told or what was expected of her. She definitely was my hero.
Carola – Thanks for the reminder. Pippi Longstocking was my hero too! I read all the books about her several times, imagining that I too could be so confident and brave and have so many adventures. She didn’t care what anyone thought or listen to suggestions on how you were supposed to behave. I wish there was a new book about who she became when she was my age.
Ohhhhh, I can hardly wait to see BRAVE, Maery…and thank you for bringing it to our attention (we’re so far behind when movies comes out in the States, I’m afraid!). You already know my answer to the question. I DID change my “fate” and have been the happiest I’ve ever been in my life. But it took a lot of blood, sweat and tears to finally figure it all out! (sigh)
BTW, I LOVE your hair, assuming that’s you in the picture!