It's the story of the Lion King.
You know Simba, right? Born the son of Mufasa, and in line to be king of the jungle. But Simba's Uncle Scar believes he has more right to the throne than Simba does, so he executes a plan. He has Mufasa killed in a stampede, and as Simba watches his father die, Scar whispers blame and condemnation in his ear. You did this. You failed your father.
What does Simba do? He runs away and escapes to the jungle and meets up with Timon and Pumba. Hakuna Matata! It means no worries. They dance, sing, party, eat grubs, get high and basically don't deal with anything for a very long time.
Until one night, Simba sees Mufasa in his reflection. This is one of my favorite scenes of any movie, because Mufasa doesn't advise Simba to clean up his act. He doesn't tell him to improve himself or try harder or get off the grubs. He doesn't tell him what to DO, at all. He says, "Remember WHO YOU ARE".
Remember who you are.
What if, every time you didn't feel good enough, someone was there to remind you. "Remember who you are."
What if, every time you felt like your body (or your life) doesn't measure up, someone was there to remind you. "Remember who you are."
What if, every time you felt unworthy or ashamed, someone was there to remind you. "Remember who you are."
Remember who you are.
Worthy of love and belonging. No matter what.
That worthiness is not determined by your shape or size or age or speed or marital status or bank account or title or job.
Your past can be forgiven and let go of.
You can try again. And again.
You are already good enough.
You were born into royalty. Your name is in the book of life. You are precious and valued.
But we all have an Uncle Scar, don't we. A past that whispers lies to us, reminding us of where we fall short. Convincing us we are somehow guilty, or have gotten too far off course.
I used to be debilitated by my past. That I could ever find freedom to live fully in the present, is a gift I'll never take for granted. If I can ever help you with this, please let me know.
At the end, Simba returns and claims his destiny and his place. He doesn't do this by fixing himself. He does this by recognizing his purpose and receiving forgiveness for being lost in Hakuna Matata for so long. He comes back to his true identity. He stops escaping, and returns from who the world and Uncle Scar told him he is, to who he really is. He is fully redeemed and restored.
It's a great story. Remember the truth. Remember who you are.