Five Lessons I Learned from The Greatest Showman

HAPPY MONDAY!

Jacket - Bohme (similar)

Shirt - Lexi's Loft

Jeans - Primark (similar)

Necklace - Laalee

So unless you live under a rock, you've probably seen the amazing movie "The Greatest Showman". If you're anything like me, you've probably seen it multiple times. This is by far my favorite movie in a long time. I love it! The message, the music, the acting, the life lessons...the list goes on. So today I thought it'd be fun to share some lessons I learned from this movie and what I took away from it.

BE YOURSELF

"When the sharpest words wanna cut me down

I'm gonna send a flood, gonna drown them out

I am brave, I am bruised

I am who I'm meant to be, this is me"

I love The Bearded Lady and when she sings "This Is Me" I literally get goosebumps! She is absolutely amazing and the message in this song is gold. 

Anyone that reads my posts regularly knows that I haven't always been the best at loving myself. Like most people at some point in their lives, I've struggled with my self esteem, my worth, and the way I look. But over time, I began to realize that I am who I am. I can't change that...nor should I want to. I can always try to improve and better myself, but I shouldn't try to change who I am.

"Look out 'cause here I come

And I'm marching on to the beat I drum

I'm not scared to be seen

I make no apologies, this is me"

There will always be mean, nasty, jealous people out there...ready to make judgements and throw shade your way. But you can't let them define you or shape the person you become. Do your thing and let the haters hate. As P.T. Barnum said, "No one ever made a difference by being like everyone else."

Be authentic. Embrace your scars. You do you.

CHASE YOUR DREAMS AND HUSTLE

"When the world becomes a fantasy

And you're more than you could ever be

'Cause you're dreaming with your eyes wide open

And we know we can't be go back again

To the world that we were living in

'Cause we're dreaming with our eyes wide open"

This song has such a unique message. I love that Barnum started with very little and came from humble circumstances, but envisioned something great for his life. He wanted his every day real life to be his dreams. He wanted to live life as though he's dreaming with his eyes open; to make his fantasy a reality. He had a million dreams for the world he was gonna make.

What a good testament to what life can be. And not just for him, but for all of us. Barnum didn't have things handed to him. He had to work hard and learn by trial and error. Refusing to chase your dreams because they're out of your comfort zone is a sad way to live life and a great way to miss opportunities. 

"Comfort, the enemy of progress." ~ P.T. Barnum

KINDNESS CHANGES LIVES

In the very beginning, we see a woman on the street give young Barnum an apple. It was a simple act and probably meaningless to onlookers, but I've thought a lot about the significance of that moment. Why did that wake him up? How did that change his life? 

I think that Barnum realized in his deepest moment of need, a random stranger showed kindness. He saw that there is good in the world and that life had so much more to offer him. He just had to take it.

Another message of kindness; believe in yourself and help others to do the same. Once Barnum started chasing his dreams, he helped struggling people see the good in themselves. He took a group of people struggling with self worth, and gave them a place where they not only fit in, but where they belonged. He gave them a home.

FAMILY IS EVERYTHING

"From now on

These eyes will not be blinded by the lights

From now on

What's waited till tomorrow starts tonight

It starts tonight

And let this promise in me start

Like an anthem in my heart"

In the movie, Barnum lost sight of his family and what was most important. But there's a turning point where he realizes how wrong he's been and decides to no longer neglect his family and what matters most. In the end he puts his family (both his flesh and blood family and his work family) first.

All of the success and greatness we experience in life means nothing without someone to share it with. If you leave people alongside the road during your journey, you'll get to your destination and have no one to celebrate with. 

TRUE LOVE ALWAYS FIND A WAY

"What if we rewrite the stars?

Say you were made to be mine

Nothing could keep us apart

You'd be the one I was meant to find

It's up to you, and it's up to me

No one can say what we get to be"

Let's be honest, this was pretty much the best scene of the entire movie. And that's saying a lot because the whole movie is amazing. We go through an emotional journey with these two characters that aren't "supposed to be together" and are rooting for them to beat the odds.

From the hate, the anger, and the passion comes this song. A song about rewriting the rules, changing destiny and choosing love above all else.  (Spoiler alert) in the end they choose to be together and ignore the naysayers, the doubters, and the haters. If this doesn't scream true love and make you a believer, then I don't know what does.

"All I want is to fly with you

All I want is to fall with you

So just give me all of you

It feels impossible

It's not impossible

Is it impossible?

Say that it's possible"

P.S. Does anyone else want to learn how to become a trapeze artist and swing in the arms of Zac Efron while he serenades you?

There you have it, five lessons from an amazing movie about life, love, and success. If you haven't seen it, do yourself a favor and see it! Have a fabulous Monday and a great week!