Encanto - messages as you move into a new year

How have your past couple weeks been treating you?  

If you’re anything like me, your year did not wrap up and begin as intended.

Maybe with unforeseen emergencies, unfinished year-end goals, or it taking longer than anticipated to recover and replenish from the year, it just feels too soon to jump back into standard routines.

And you’re probably right.  There is both collective and individual exhaustion that has been accumulating for most of the past two years now.  But you already know that, right?  :)

One way I relax is to watch movies, a special treat when the time and energy align to make it possible, and these days I find myself drawn to unrealistically cheery, feel-good themes.

Most are noticeably unrealistic.

Encanto, however, while fantastical, was so full of heart and meaning that I enjoyed opportunities to watch it three times…and one song line or another is continuously circling through my head. (Translation: I definitely need to learn more of the words!) ;)

It’s too early in its availability to give spoilers, so I'll keep this general for now.  

The central themes of finding your place, valuing yourself for who you are, balancing gifts and talents with sustainable service, and wanting to make an impact while not being sure how, are all applicable to our work here in promoting social justice, engaging in courageous conversations, and looking for ways to increase psychological safety for ourselves and those around us.

And a bonus was how the characters expressed and worked through their emotions in song and dance!  

As a story of a person without obvious talents bringing out the best in others individually as well as bringing them together to witness their collective magic - it can show us some inspiring ways to go about our work in this new year with love, music, and a shift in perspective about what - and who - we value.  (Stay tuned for more on these specifics next time!)

As a representation of parts of Colombian culture, in my limited experience, it felt incredible, too!

Did you watch it yet? What did you like most?

If you can take one thing with you, I hope it’s that you remember that You are a miracle, and that no matter what your gifts… You matter, You can make a difference, and I’m so thankful you are here.