This past year, I attended a production of The Little Mermaid with my mom and three older sisters (the first time we had been together since I chose to follow a different path than the rest of my family 2.5 years ago). I was surprised when I found myself easily relating to the rebellious conversations between Ariel and her father. This was a new experience for me.
Became absorbed with Ariel’s passion for humans
Five years ago, when I saw the production “The Little Mermaid” I was more taken by the special effects than the storyline, but this time was different. Because of more recent life experiences, I became absorbed with Ariel’s passion to join the human world. I completely identified with Ariel’s dilemma whether to follow her heart or to follow the teachings of her father. (Better late than never)
While watching “The Little Mermaid” my father communicated with me from the spirit world
Over eight years ago when my father died, after he made his transition to the spirit world, he became my new lead guardian angel. While watching the production of The Little Mermaid I could sense my father was communicating with me through words spoken between Ariel and her father.
Follow the desires of the heart or …
Although Ariel was expected to follow in her older sister’s footsteps, the internal stirrings inside her were compelling her to follow a path she was told was dangerous. Despite the risks and possible consequences, Ariel felt she had to learn more about the human world for herself!
I too was expected to follow my three older sisters which I did until about age 50 when I began to tune into some internal stirrings causing turmoil rather than peace. I didn’t know what was happening for another six years so I remained silent while I studied and researched (mainly about my religion) striving to figure out what these internal changes stemmed from.
Related to Ariel for the first time watching “The Little Mermaid”
Ariel’s father taught her that humans were dangerous due to the fears he developed because of the negative stories he had heard and believed about humans.
Like Ariel’s father, my father was driven by fear striving to keep all his children safe from harm. I consider this to be a lower form of love. As I watched the play, I recognized for the first time that The Little Mermaid is a story depicting a higher love when children are allowed to follow their dreams while receiving support from their loved ones, especially their parents, despite differences of opinion.
Don’t Fear!
Because of the teachings of their father, all of Ariel’s sisters also believed humans were dangerous. It was strange to be sitting by my three older sisters as our father spoke the words, “Don’t fear the things I taught you to fear!” My father had delivered this message to me once before in 2015 so I clearly understood my dad wanted to be certain that I understood the importance of his message “DO NOT FEAR” .
I believe differently than my family
I felt saddened that I couldn’t tell my sisters what was happening because they don’t believe our father is my lead guardian angel. I wish they understood, but I continue to learn to stand alone in my new beliefs apart from the many generations of religious traditions my family and extended family adhere to.
If you haven’t read my “About Me” page, I was raised a Mormon but after many years of studying Mormon church history, and because of promptings from the Holy Ghost/Holy Spirit, I no longer attend or support Mormonism. If you would like to know more about my journey away from the religion I once loved, see my “About Me” page.
Like Ariel’s father, my father understood
When Ariel apologized to her father for all the problems she had caused, her father admitted he was mistaken about humans, and that he now understood this was her path and with his new understanding, he desired to fully support her and her dream.
Like Ariel, I received a similar message from my father that he is proud of me and that he understands my journey, and is doing everything possible from the other side to support me on my “stand-alone” journey. (My mom who is 87 years old believes my husband has led me astray from the only true church and the only church that offers salvation.)
Conclusion – The Little Mermaid
Letting go of control and allowing a child to follow their heart and to create their own life are the components of true love. Love for one another should always be a higher priority than religious beliefs or differences of opinion.
Although I feel lonely at times, I feel peace on my “stand-alone” journey. Like some of you, it is freeing to finally have the confidence to follow my heart and do what I feel is best for me and to allow myself to heal from my past.
Top Featured Photo by Vincent Anderson
