Sometimes, life is simply too much. Too much at home, too much in the news, too much violence and sadness and loss. Times like that, your best option can be to escape the intense moment and rest your mind and spirit. This week, I escaped with my grandchildren and a fish named Dory.
After rushing to the theater, buying popcorn and getting two small children settled in their seats, those new reclining ones, I settled back to enjoy the beauty of Finding Dory (“Not Dora, but Dory,” my granddaughter says. “Repeat after me: Dor…y.”).
I was not disappointed. I was captivated by the beauty of the film and by the charm of the characters. Baby Dory is adorable and steals my heart effortlessly. She has big blue eyes and unstoppable determination.
Dory is a disabled Bluefish who suffers from short-term memory loss. In the film, she becomes separated from her parents. This is the story of Dory’s search to find her parents and to remember.
The film shows us Dory’s ability to cope with her disability and, in the words of her father, “to keep on swimming.” Dory does not quit swimming or give up her search in spite of great odds and a whole ocean. Even as she faces loss, grief, disappointment and what looks like failure, she keeps working toward her goal.
As I watch this beautiful and charming film, the words of the characters remind me of some important life lessons. It also reminds me that help and wisdom come from some unlikely places, especially if we look, and we ask.
Words of Wisdom from Dory, her family, and friends
1. “Not everything in life is easy to do…there is always another way.” Dory’s Parents.
Because of her short-term memory loss, Dory has a hard time remembering simple instructions and memorizing important information. She gets discouraged because learning is hard for her. In a playful way, her father tells her to give up but quickly adds that there is always another way.
When you find something to be difficult, pause. Talk to a friend, or simply look at the situation from a different perspective, and you will see more options.
2. “I know you are scared, but you can’t give up.” Dory.
Being brave and having courage does not mean you are not scared; it means you face your fears and act anyway. Fear is not a bad emotion. It reminds you to slow down and pay attention to yourself and what is happening around you. It is a signal for you be cautious and take the time you need to think before you act.
As you face fears, take action and accomplish frightening things, you will have more confidence and courage. You will believe you are brave and act accordingly. You will become stronger with every action.
3. “News flash! No one is fine.” Hank the Octopus.
We all compare our insides to others’ outsides and we fall short every time. It puts us at an unfair disadvantage because we do not hear their doubts, fears, and internal struggles. Instead, we tell ourselves that they are not afraid or have no doubts.
It is not necessary to be okay all the time. Everyone has bad days and difficult circumstances. We all need help from time to time. People are willing to help and understand that we all have struggles, shortcomings, and weaknesses. Everyone has issues and problems.
4. “You remembered. You remembered in your own unique way, Dory.” Dory’s mom
There are many ways to learn, accomplish things and perform tasks. You may not have the same gifts and talents or be able to do the things others do. You can still be successful in your own way.
- “The best things happen by chance.” Dory
Because of her memory loss, Dory could not make a plan and stick to it. She would think about what she was doing and start on a direction but was easily distracted and sidetracked . Her plans would take unexpected and beneficial turns.
You see in the story of Dory that just because your plan does not go the way you expected, or simply does not work, there is another way. Still, she was able to accomplish her goals.
6. ”When life gets you down…Just keep swimming, just keep swimming, just keep swimming.” – Dory and Dory’s parents
This could have been Dory’s motto. She never gave up and never quit trying. No matter how afraid she was or how discouraged she became she continued to work and move toward her objectives.
Dory knew that she could not complete her task alone and that if she went too far alone she would forget and get lost. She was willing to ask for help and was brave enough to face obstacles, discouragement, and fear. In the end, she was able to talk to herself, remind herself if what she wanted and take the risk to keep on swimming.
She did remember.
Are you having trouble moving forward some task, relationship or goal? I can help you remember and face the fear and hard work of getting what you want in life. Call me at (919) 881-2001.