Have you ever felt torn between what others expect from you and what you want for yourself? That struggle is at the heart of Moana’s story—and it’s a feeling so universal that Disney built a narrative around it. But Moana isn’t just about voyaging across the ocean to confront a monster; it’s about growing into who you are, finding your inner strength, and learning to face your fears head-on. In many ways, it mirrors the challenges we all encounter as we navigate life’s twists and turns.
Answering the Call
From the start, Moana feels the ocean calling her but feels limited by the expectations of her family and the island. “I wish I could be the perfect daughter,” she sings in How Far I’ll Go, torn between her duty and her longing for something more. That internal tug-of-war is very relatable.
We’ve all been there—wanting to honor responsibilities while also feeling a deeper pull toward our dreams. Moana’s story reminds us that listening to that quiet inner voice is not selfish; it’s essential. Suppressing who we are often leads to feeling disconnected and stuck.
“You Can’t Go Beyond the Reef!”
Moana’s father’s warning to stay safe reflects the fears and limitations others often project onto us. These fears often reflect their own insecurities and are voiced out of concern for our safety. But just like Moana pushing past the reef, growth requires us to take risks. When we do, we can discover strengths we didn’t know we had.
When It All Feels Too Much
Remember the moment when Moana, overwhelmed and defeated after failing to face Te Kā, breaks down and cries, “Ocean, choose someone else”? We’ve all been there—hitting that point where the weight of our struggles feels unbearable and giving up seems like the only option. But here’s the truth: feeling like that is okay. What matters is what comes after.
In Moana’s darkest moment, her grandmother appears—not to solve her problems but to remind her of who she truly is. “The call isn’t out there at all; it’s inside me,” Moana realizes, rediscovering her strength. It’s a beautiful reminder of the power of having someone in your corner, someone who sees the light in you even when you can’t see it yourself.
Seeing Beyond the Surface
Te Kā initially seems like a straightforward villain. She’s destructive, angry, and impossible to approach—at least at first. But when Moana looks deeper, she realizes the truth: Te Kā is actually Te Fiti, a goddess robbed of her heart. Instead of fighting, Moana approaches with empathy, saying, “This is not who you are,” and restores the heart, bringing peace and balance.
This moment mirrors how we often treat parts of ourselves—like anxiety, anger, or sadness—as something to fear or fight against. But what if we stopped and asked what those feelings were trying to tell us? Often, what we see as flaws are simply wounds that need understanding and care. Moana’s compassion reminds us that true healing starts when we look past the surface and embrace what lies beneath.
“You Know Who You Are”
The mantra that carries Moana through her journey is simple but empowering: “You know who you are.” When life feels overwhelming, it’s easy to lose sight of our identity. But Moana’s story reminds us that our true self is always there—it just takes some effort to reconnect.
One way to do this is to focus on the moments that make you feel alive, just like Moana does when she sets sail. What are the things that light you up? When you lean into those, you start to remember who you are and what you’re capable of.
So, the next time you feel stuck, take a page from Moana’s book: trust your gut, face the storm, and remind yourself, “You know who you are.”
Individual Online Therapy in Florida, Idaho, South Carolina, and Utah
At Calming Transformations Counseling, our therapists understand movies can help with mental health. We also serve those with anxiety, stress, depression, or relationship issues, who may be religious. Sessions can be held through online therapy in the states of Florida, Idaho, South Carolina or Utah, or walk and talk therapy in Hillsborough County, Florida. Book an appointment or contact us today to schedule a session and take the first step toward a more peaceful life.
