I found myself last night watching ‘Monsters University’ – wearing 3D glasses, eating popcorn and surrounded by little kids (and other adults that love a good animated flick!).

I originally went just to relax and have a laugh, but it ended up being a little more than that. I was impressed with the key lessons in the game of life that were sprinkled throughout the story.

A little unexpected side order of enlightenment to my entertainment! And a good example of art imitating life.

life lessons from a monster

• harness your strengths: utilise what you’re great at, the things you naturally do the BEST. You will get much further in life by harnessing your strengths, instead of trying to improve on your weaknesses.

• ditch the mould, be unique: don’t focus on trying to be like everyone else, or what society expects of you. Don’t try to be something you’re not. Instead, focus on being the full expression of YOU. We all have a unique gift to offer the world, and we flourish when we find and use that gifting. Life works best when we celebrate our uniqueness, our differences. Don’t be afraid to be yourself, be true to who you are, always.

• do what you love: follow your passions, do what makes your heart sing. There is a power that comes from focusing on what lights you up inside. Do what you love – even if you fail at the first attempt, failing is good for the soul and builds endurance. Everyone has some kind of capability that can be tapped into and allowed to let flourish. (To read my post on living your passion, click here)

• believe!: determination and self conviction will get you everywhere. Ignore the nay-sayers, the pessimists, and the downright bullies in life. Believe in yourself whole heartedly. You never know what you are capable of unless you try. Change your thoughts, and you will change your world.

Not everything in life will go according to your plan. But that doesn’t mean you won’t be happy or find new dreams.

You will make a new plan, a better plan, one that is more aligned with your unique calling in life.

I truly believe that everyone has their own purpose, their life work.

Sometimes you just have to forget the path you think has been laid out for you and follow your own.