4 Reminders from The Greatest Showman
I should preface by noting that I do not like musicals whatsoever. I usually find the singing and dancing distracting, and I prefer getting straight to the point without any hoopla. I rarely watch them, but something about the magic that transpired in the trailer of The Greatest Showman and the fact that Zendaya and Zac Efron both starred in the movie made me want to wake up early to catch the matinee showing. I am so glad I did. I have not stopped listening to the soundtrack since leaving the theater. I will be guilty of belting out in song while sitting in traffic for the next week--I absolutely adore the movie!
1. You are enough
I constantly forget this fact. Social media is a major component that diminishes my self-acceptance and self-esteem. I scroll up and down and double tap my fingers fervently to feel a sense of inclusion, but all I end up feeling is detached and pitiful. I get jealous that I'm not enjoying the delights of a five-star restaurant or basking in the ocean in Hawaii. Charity Barnum, played by the wonderful Michelle Williams, never asked for anything more of her husband other than the loving and sensational man she fell in love with. You don't have to be anyone else or impress anyone because you are extraordinary all on your own. You and me, we're enough.
2. Everyone is equal
As with all of the other songs in the movie, I fell in love with Keala Settle and her empowering voice when she sang "This is Me." Feeling embarrassed about yourself is so easy to do, especially when told that we're not enough (note bullet #1) . Everyone has a right to think whatever they may like, but in the end we are all human who have wondrous eccentricities that make us differently alike. How boring would society be if we didn't have differences and everyone looked and acted the same way. Beauty is not defined by blue eyes blond hair. I see beauty in hearts of gold, open-mindedness, and genuine smiles.
Also, did anyone else get throwback vibes from Demi Lovato's "This is Me" from Camp Rock?! Here's the movie scene in case you want to relive 4 minutes of your childhood.
3. Find your form of self-expression
It was a struggle to sit still for the two hour movie because every musical scene invigorated my dancing cells. All I wanted to do was jump up and dance right along with them. Art is such an all- encompassing craft that excels at granting an outlet for an artist's self-expression and passion. Zac Efron and Zendaya's performance of "Rewrite the Stars" spurred tingles all over me, and Loren Allred's voice in "Never Enough" is captivating and unforgettable.
Discover what you love to do, and hold on to it. It makes living life joyful, and no one can take that away from you. Truth to be told, I still figuring out what I want to do career-wise. Nevertheless, I know everything will fall into place in the end. I have complete faith in God, as He is all-knowing and all-powerful.
4. Kids are fearless
I babysit every now and then, and I love it because kids are bold and adventurous. I tend to overthink and and overanalyze everything, with fear and worry commandeering my thoughts. I admire their ability to seize any opportunity presented to them and their willingness to try everything. Being careful and strategic is practical and sensible, but there comes a point where we have to jump right into the deep end. Most of the town admonished P.T. Barnum and his circus crew, but the kids looked at Tom Thumb and the Bearded Lady with awe and wonder. I am practicing to not be quick to judge others and listen to their stories. Everyone has a story to tell, and I want to be there to listen without bringing any preconceived notions or stereotypes.
Have you seen The Greatest Showman? What did you think? I would love to hear your reactions in the comments below!