August has been full of birthday celebrations and get-togethers. It was lots of fun, but the highlight
had to be a trip to London to see The Lion King at the Lyceum theatre. I went with a family member for their birthday and it was a very memorable day; from getting on the train (and it not being for work) to taking birthday pics in Trafalgar Square, the private lounge experience, and the actual show itself! It was truly a fabulous day.
If you have not seen The Lion King, I would definitely recommend it, as it is a show that both the younger generation and the young at heart can enjoy. Here are three lessons from The Lion King that we can learn from and apply to both our personal and professional lives.
At the beginning of the show, young Simba, next in line for the throne, found an adversary in his very own uncle named Scar. He wanted him out the way in order to take something that was not rightfully his, and resorted to an evil plan to discard Mufasa and get his own way. The first lesson we can take from this story is that in life, sometimes criticism and even sabotage can come from people we would least expect. The particular role, title or position someone holds does not always equate to their value of you as an individual and them honouring that place. Listen, observe, believe what you see and then act accordingly.
After the evil plan came to pass, and the subsequent tragedy; Simba fled his family home. He then encountered Timon and Pumbaa, a meerkat and warthog. In the natural law of the animal kingdom, a lion, meerkat and warthog would not be the most obvious and compatible trio. Yet, being a young lion and out of his depth, Timon and Pumbaa, take Simba under their wing and they do life together. From the outside looking in this collaboration did not make sense, but the second lesson is that we can often find friends and advocates in unusual places. It may be worthwhile considering who you been overlooking that may actually be a suitable support system in this season.
As the story of the Lion King progresses, it was through a conversation with a wise soul and remembering that his father lives on through him, that Simba came to himself. He recalled his position
as Mufasa’s son, the correct heir to the throne. In essence it was his self-belief that propelled him to return to the place meant for him and take action. The final lesson I want to share in this blog is that self-belief is important. Everyone else around you seeing what is in you is great, but until you see and accept it for yourself, potential will never be fully realised. As you start a new month, remember that who you are is important, and although not everyone is for you, there are many that do support you.
Francesca McDowall, August 2024