Something More

I believe, even though I ridicule* myself for the belief, that I was meant for more than this. I'm not talking about award ceremonies, or Beverly Hills, or all that, but I am talking about doing something valuable with my life. Something I'm passionate about. Something that takes me outside of myself and lets me share incredible stories with other people.

I think I've always felt that way. No self-criticism (or well-meaning laughter or advice) can quash it, although there have been times I've thought that belief had finally been laid to rest.

Whenever I see a movie where someone experiences this feeling, I resonate with it. I understand that longing to do something more with life than settle into a routine like thousands of others (I am by no means saying that a quiet life isn't valuable. I think it is. But when you have something out of the ordinary to offer, or you know that your gifts aren't the usual set, to let yourself slide into a life you were not meant to live is wrong and it will end up hurting or even killing you).

Here, then, are five scenes/songs that have spurred me on, despite the doubt.

Belle (Reprise): From my favorite movie. I saw this at five years old and have never forgotten the feeling of soaring as Belle runs into her backyard and you see the beauty of her world. "I want adventure in the great wide somewhere, I want it more than I can tell..."

Part Of Your World: I am aware that Disney is responsible for encouraging my big dreams. I regret nothing. The image of her reaching through the rock toward a new world seared itself inside me at a very early age. "...wish I could be part of that world."

Something Better: Never mind my absolute love of everything ships and pirates (and inns), Jim Hawkins voices my own worries about my future and my hope for something better. "And I know this life I'm living can't be my destiny...there's gotta be something better, something better, there's gotta be something better than this for me!"

[From Rango] This is more of a...reminder to me. That this gift isn't just for me. It is meant to be shared. "Don't you see? It's not about you. It's about them."

Go The Distance: Yup. Another Disney. Although I didn't see Hercules until last week, I have played this song, singing it to myself, for over a dozen years. It's a promise to myself. I can go the distance.


What about you? How do you retain the determination to keep going?