I recently went to The Lion King in 3D not once, but twice. It would have been wonderful to take my nephew to see it, but he lives miles way. I do have a confession to make. I cried my eyes out both times I saw it. Even though I have seen the movie more times than I can count, seeing it this time around was very different.
 
Here is a quick break down of the story: The Lion King is about a lion cub named Simba who will one day be king of Pride Rock. This does not sit well with his Uncle Scar, who becomes second in line to the throne the day that Simba is born. Simba is being taught how to be King by his father Mufasa when a tragedy happens. Scar murders Mufasa and lies to Simba to make him believe it is his fault. Simba runs away and through a chain of events he returns home to reclaim his throne completing the "circle of life."
 
Here are life lessons entertained throughout the movie that can help a Single and Savvy Auntie live a life filled with more love and happiness:
 
1) Give Encouragement Everyday.  Most of the scenes between Mufasa and Simba feature a father encouraging his son. He tells Simba how great he will become. This lesson is something all Aunties can do. One of the best gifts that you can give your niece or nephew is encouragement.  What we are told about ourselves as children stays with us forever. When you encourage the little ones as they grow, you are planting seeds of self love in them that will last forever.
 
2) Say Hakuna Matata. When Simba runs away, he is found by Timon and Pumba. When they see that he is down they teach him the saying “hakuna matata” which is Swahili for “there are no worries."  Stop worrying about finding Mr. Right. Don’t worry that you will be alone forever or worry about anything else in your life. When something is not going your way, change your perspective. Let go of worries and fear. Replace them with love and positivity. What you think about, you bring about in your life.
 
3) Always show respect. When Mufasa and Simba are having a father and son talk, Mufasa explains to Simba that even though they are at the top of the food chain, every animal has to be respected. This reminds us that everyone is important because they bring a unique value to the world. Do not assume that someone is not on your level because of their profession or the amount of money that they have. Treat others as you would want to be treated. This is great for building loving and lasting relationships with a potential partner and friends.
 
4) It is time. There is a wise monkey named Rafiki who anoints Simba the day of his baby ceremony. When he finds out Simba is still alive, he states “it is time." It affirms the inevitable; Simba should take his rightful place as King. Long story short, you can run but you can not hide from a destiny that belongs to you. You are here to be great and do amazing things in your life. There will be challenges thrown in your way to throw you off course, however, everything that you need is already inside of you.  Be who you are, it is always time.
 
5) Remember who you are. What Samba came to realize is that he had to accept his greatness and stop running from past mistakes. Doing this is when everything fell into place. Be your own yea-sayer. Do not let circumstances take you away from your greatness. If you incorporate this lesson into your life, all of the other Lion King lessons will easily be incorporated as well. You are exactly who you think you are.


Published: October 19, 2011