I’m sure by now you have seen the first TV spot for the live action Aladdin movie starring Will Smith as the Genie. It is everything I hoped and more. It also reminded me of why I loved Aladdin to begin with and how Aladdin taught me some very valuable lessons. Life lessons that have stuck with me for years and that I hope I have passed onto my son.

Lesson 1 – Be You
Both Aladdin and Jasmine teach us to be who we are. Do not try to be someone else or to conform to what others perceive us to be. Be who you are meant to be. Be true to who are and live your life with honesty.

Lesson 2 – You are Greater than your Situation
You must believe in yourself always, even more so when others doubt you and discourage you. Remember, even Walt Disney himself was repeatedly discouraged by others time and time again, yet he believed in his dreams and he believed in himself.
After all, diamonds are produced from the same minerals as coal. Although you are not yet fully polished, you are still a “diamond in the rough”!

Lesson 3 – Friendship
Aladdin taught us the importance of friendship both good and bad. The sultan learned the hard way that not all friends can be trusted such as with Jarfar. The sultan put all his trust in him only to have him betray him.
However, Aladdin showed what true friendship really was when he set the Genie free with his last wish. Aladdin chose friendship over material possessions.

First look at Disney’s Aladdin
A thrilling and vibrant live-action adaptation of Disney’s animated classic, “Aladdin” is the exciting tale of the charming street rat Aladdin, the courageous and self-determined Princess Jasmine and the Genie who may be the key to their future. Directed by Guy Ritchie, who brings his singular flair for fast-paced, visceral action to the fictitious port city of Agrabah, “Aladdin” is written by John August and Ritchie based on Disney’s “Aladdin.” The film stars Will Smith as the Genie; Mena Massoud as Aladdin; Naomi Scott as Jasmine; Marwan Kenzari as Jafar; Navid Negahban as the Sultan; Nasim Pedrad as Dalia; Billy Magnussen as Prince Anders; and Numan Acar as Hakim.
Aladdin magically appears in theaters May 24, 2019
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Another lesson I think this story taught me when I was young was that good people can do bad things because they are given few other choices. Aladdin was a thief. This to me as a child was shocking and horrible. I came from a home though that always had food. It was important to learn that not everyone was so lucky and desperation makes people do things…. I think it made more understanding to others struggles and look more deeply at what actually causes poverty. We need to fight for living wages as it will = less crime!
This is true and a great lesson as well. I always love how Disney helps us learn lessons and see the world differently.