Six lessons in friendship from Disney’s Moana 2
As Disney’s Moana 2 is released across the UK, we look at the importance of friendships and what it really takes to build and bolster them. To delve deeper, we interview Dana Ledoux Miller, the writer and director, and Jason Hand, director of Moana 2, to uncover their take on the theme of friendship at the heart of the film.
Friendship is integral to Disney. For over a century, their films have harnessed heartwarming interactions, emphasised the joy of connection and shown us that together is always better. In Moana 2, friendship again plays a key role in how she overcomes the challenges she faces in saving fellow Polynesians isolated in the island of Motufetū. Through storms and adversity, the combined skills and loyalty of her friends propels her forward, nurtures strength and boosts old and new friendships along the way. And, as well as giving us a critical support network, research has long shown that friendships also boost our wellbeing. In a recent survey by SnapChat, it was found that friendships have a huge impact on our health and happiness and push us to be the most authentic version of ourselves. This fostering of connection, among strangers especially, introduces us to new adventures, differing perspectives and the chance to become a better version of ourselves.
Here are the six lessons in friendship people can take away from Moana 2…
HUMAN CONNECTION IS KEY
As humans, we aren’t always the best at fostering connections with strangers or admitting we need a shoulder to cry on. We need the warm blanket but sometimes we will only feel capable of standing out in the cold. As a result, we often miss out on a healthy warm dose of vitamin C. Yes, that’s right, connection. In a recent global survey, one fifth of the population admitted to feeling lonely for a substantial part of the day. And, with the world loneliness epidemic continuing to impact, human connectedness is more important than ever. In fact, it’s the lifeblood of friendships.
As Moana seeks to free and connect her fellow islanders, the desire to bring everyone together is palpable. This connection becomes a powerful force that materializes in many different shapes and sizes. Some unions are formed over shared goals or interests, some are fostered by natural deep-rooted bonds and others evolve from lived experiences. However these connections come to be, they are what helps steer us, guide us and encourage us to grow.
TRUST IS CRITICAL
Whether a friendship is long-term or has been formed at breakneck speed through a shared unique experience, trust is a non-negotiable. Without it, the ensuing choppy waters might not be passable. And, as Moana proves, it fosters good understanding and brings with it a level of safety and respect. How can you lean on your friends if you don’t believe they will prop you up?
Being open and honest are fail safes. Whether you’re making new friends or engaging with long-standing ones, these traits are critical. Being afraid to tell the truth for fear of judgement, nervous to share true feelings or thoughts or simply feeling unable to offer a hand in case it’s not well-received can lead to a miscommunication and a breakdown in trust. Be yourself and trust will undoubtedly follow.
BE YOUR AUTHENTIC SELF
It can be really hard to be your authentic self in all friendships. Not because the friendships aren’t genuine but they all offer different things. Some are friendships built around work, others are long-term relationships where your paths have differed over time, and some are new friendships formed from shared adventures. In all these situations, presenting as your true self will help these relationships to truly blossom.
Communication is really important too, the foundation of an environment in which you can properly show up. This is especially true in long-distance friendships or ones that have limited face-to-face interactions, and can be a key reason for the success or failure of your friendship. Being able to speak to your friend, share feelings, address conflict and navigate challenges without second-guessing yourself harbours a safe and open space to just be you.
WE ARE BETTER TOGETHER
Meaningful friendships are not only the bedrock of our lives, but they unite us in our everyday battles. A problem shared really is a problem halved and together we can achieve more than we ever can alone. This collective action can come in the form of recognising the skill sets in friends you don’t have or even simply being able to turn to them when you need advice or a pep talk. Knowing the individual strengths of the people around you can bolster your own and help you take on challenges or face things you wouldn’t have the impetus to do alone. Whether that’s signing up for a new adventure or meeting new people, having someone to do it with can be the nudge we need to go for it.
A proper team, whether that’s one friend or multiple, has no weak links. The right people will help your rise up and be your best self, helping you go further than you maybe thought possible.
LIFT EACH OTHER UP
Once of the greatest gifts we can give each other is a good old confidence boost. Championing our successes, big or small, and our efforts to continue moving forward goes a long way in solidifying relationships. Moana and Maui offer this in abundance to each other. When Maui needed the confidence to be himself, she gave it to him. And as she faces new challenges, she looks to him for the same and he understands how to give that.
A positive affirmation when a friend is struggling, an acknowledgement of their emotions, an act of kindness when they feel alone or a sing-it-from-the-rooftops celebration when they’ve achieved even the teeniest of victories can elevate. It can be a text to let them know you have their back or an encouragement to do something they perhaps wouldn’t have before, knowing the impact it will have.
GROW WITH YOUR FRIENDSHIP
A good friendship is enduring. It can change, face challenges, encounter distance and all manner of life’s trials and triumphs, but it’s in those moments where a deep connection can withstand and adapt. They grow as you do, ebbing and flowing at any given time. And, even if one person needs more from the other, they aren’t one-sided. Vulnerabilities and hopes can be shared and heard on both sides, depending on who’s need is greater at any given moment.
And, as we evolve, so too our old and new friendships. Life is busy. Making friends in our 30s and 40s is very different to making them in our 20s, as work commitments and everyday responsibilities inch into our free time. It’s often moments for our friends that are the first things to suffer. But, when you pop your head out of the storm, as Moana does, and you realise these connections continue to flourish apart just as they have when you’re together, you know they are the right ones.
At Flash Pack, our mission is to create more than a million new friendships, with 80% of Flashpackers staying in touch after a solo adventure.
