Yes, I said Mufasa. As in The Lion King.

Love each other.

Whilst in London, Brooke and I went to see The Lion King at the Lyceum Theater while the guys went to a football game (apparently an experience like no other!)

I’ve seen the Lion King twice before, but when Brooke asked if we could go, I had no hesitation in experiencing it again.

Time 1: July 2005 during my first vacation to NYC with Brett

Time 2: July 2011 again in NYC but at a different theatre with good friends

Time 3: August 2013 in London with Brooke

Can I tell you – if you haven’t seen it, you must.

The first five minutes are magical. The singing, the costumes, the “animals”, the set. The character of Rafiki grabs you with a strong and endearing presence, and undoubtedly a voice that will take you beyond the parallels of the stage. That live version of Circle of Life will bring tears to your eyes no doubt, and if it doesn’t – there’s something wrong with you 😉

So what could I possibly have learned from Mufasa, Rafiiki or Timon after watching three live performances and umpteen movie viewings? Where do I begin…

“You have forgotten who you are and so forgotten me.”—Mufasa to Simba

Lesson 1: Take pride in who you are and what you do.

Lesson 2: Think about how your actions affect others.

Lesson 3: Don’t worry about the things that won’t make a difference in the bigger picture.

Lesson 4: Sometimes removing yourself is the best thing at the moment.

Lesson 5: We are codependent, interdependent and must also be independent.

Lesson 6: Look within yourself for strength.

Lesson 7: Do not underestimate yourself.

Lesson 8: Be someone on which others can depend.

Lesson 9: Take care of each other.

Lesson 10: Stand up for what you know is right.

I could keep going, but I think you can see that all of life’s lesson are wrapped up in one of the greatest Disney movies of all time.

Please view: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-pgZtzDj_7o

I look forward to your comments and/or lessons learned from Mufasa, or any of your favorite characters.