by Samuel Lyons

As the opening credits for Mary Poppins Returns began, and the famous Cinderella Castle pulls into focus, I thought about the magic that Disney has embodied in so many people’s lives for decades. It hit me, this must have a connection to the ethos and beliefs of it’s creator Walt Disney.Wow. And what magic has once again been created under his brand.

Over the past year I have had the pleasure of experiencing the journey of personal transformation. Like all change, it has its pulls, pushes and personally for me some pain. In the latter part, specifically the last 3 months, this was then relieved through random bouts of crying both in sadness and pleasure. I really got in touch with this flow of emotion and it felt quite beautiful to allow myself to let go and to simply cry. Part of me felt like there was a need to resist and be strong, whilst the other part told me, it was okay. You deserve these tears. Throughout this time, I also got back in touch with my magic and the magic that surround me. For some reason, I had lost belief in it for a while. Although, as I allowed myself to explore and grow, I was reminded of my spirituality. This is when the magic reappeared.

“All the adversity I’ve had in my life, all my troubles and obstacles, have strengthened me… You may not realize it when it happens, but a kick in the teeth may be the best thing in the world for you.” (this is a quote from Walt Disney)

Sitting in Cineworld cinema on a Monday evening, there in front of me the Mary Poppins Returns movie was telling its audience to remember the magic. That when we forget it, life can seem far more glum and things become far more difficult. I was really quite moved by the underlying story they were portraying to adults and children. So much so, that there I was stopping tears from welling up inside me, on numerous occasions throughout the film. The simplicity of the messages were so powerful and profound. The reminder of the joy that is received by seeing the world through the eyes of a child. That wonderment. That hope. The power of the magical worlds we live in. Were we only to believe.

“When you believe in a thing, believe in it all the way, implicitly and unquestionable.” (this is a quote from the movie)

Bizarrely, as I am typing this, I can feel those emotions arising again. And I absolutely love it. Belief really is the most important message for humanity. Belief, in our own magic. Belief in the magic that surrounds us everyday. And even when things really feel like they are at their very worst. Stay calm, stay in the flow. Everything that is happening is the way it is meant to be. Hold onto that belief, until the magic happens and things change.

“Everything is possible. Annabel Banks

Even the impossible. Mary Poppins” (these are quotes from the movie)