Unrealistic Life Expectations
I blame Walt Disney for a lot of the emotional ills of my generation. His sugar-coated films set unrealistic expectations that have cost me thousands in remedial therapy! And I know I am not alone…..
The Original Intention
Original fairy stories often had dark endings. They were told to entertain, teach and warn adults and children about the challenges of life; human beings can be monsters, actions always lead to consequences and yes Life can be hard!
Harsh Lessons
The original Sleeping Beauty, was raped whilst asleep by the King and only gets woken when one of her kids sucks a splinter from her finger?! Pinocchio’s Gepetto gets accused of abusing him, aka being a peodophile, and the former dies from suffocation from being hung from a tree. The Little Mermaid dies because the Prince marries another, but only after her sisters trade all their hair with the wicked witch for a dagger to kill him with, but the Little Mermaid refuses to do so.
The Disney Correction
Disney decided to soften these stories, to make them more palatable, and in doing so made me believe the impossible; you will always be rescued and often by a handsome rich prince, romantic perfection exists, bad people always get punished, good outweighs evil.
There is some acknowledgement of this in the 2013 film ‘Saving Mr Banks’. The original story of Mary Poppins was a lot more gruesome and strict than the 1964 Hollywood version I saw.
The Disney Phenomena
I feel very strongly about the damage this protective, polished veneer on Life has caused; I call it the Disney Phenomena. Of course, it is not just Disney, this sugar-coating was endemic across Hollywood, but Disney made it real to the developing minds of children – Me!
Unrealistic Expectations
The problems come from wanting and believing in these ideals, but of course falling short and not being able to relinquish them – without oodles of personal therapy. Rich Prince Charming doesn’t exist without compromise, gorgeous plump healthy babies don’t manifest to order, happily ever after is a myth. Happiness, is a momentary state and you need the full rainbow of emotional states to truly appreciate it.
Getting More Real
I’m pleased to note, that some more recent Disney films don’t just see everyone falling in love and or living happily ever after. The focus is upon having the strength to be who you are – Moana. I prefer the Batman Lego Movie and Despicable Me films, the characters are more human in their imperfections and therefore relatable . I’m happier to have my children’s vulnerable minds exposed to these more authentic films.
Keeping it Real
We possess some original fairy stories, where good does not triumph over evil and we do read these to keep the balance, obviously age appropriate. I see my role, as their Mother, to prepare them for ALL of Life, so they are equipped to deal with the knocks and know how to get up again.
Final Message
So Disney, my message to you is….You clearly have play an important role in entertainments, but please keep it real because keeping it too sugar-coated is bad for our collective emotional health.
Unrealistic Life Expectations Guidance
If you too struggle with unrealistic expectations of life, finding the toss and turn too much to bear, I recommend Peppermint Essential Oil. This will bring you back to earth and give you the clarity and focus to deal with reality.
I suggest Lemon or Wild Orange, if the harsh reality leaves you short of mojo to get up and go.
Sweeter dreams can be achieved with Lavender combined with Marjoram or Wild Orange, your nose if your guide.
If, you feel you would like more regular support to reset your life expectations and perhaps align them with your life’s purpose, book either a 360 Bespoke Consultation or an Astrology Chart Reading. Either of these will uncover you and your purpose and allow me to support you on a natural path to harmony.
You can also book me for life coaching support on an hourly basis, contact me for prices.