coco

I couldn’t leave out the animated category, so let’s talk about Coco! The film follows Miguel (voice by Anthony Ganzalez ) whose passion for music is squandered by his family’s loathing for it (through unfortunate events, music has only caused pain and sadness in his family’s history). Miguel’s journey to get his family’s blessing to pursue music reveals some shocking revelations as well as the importance of family.

Another solid film from Disney Pixar, Coco reminded me how hard it can be to have a passion without the support. It’s hard enough to follow your dream when your own demons get in the way (fear of failure, being good enough, etc), but when the support of friends and family is absent, how do you power on?

Don’t give up. If your friends and family don’t understand your passion, they just won’t be the ecstatic cheerleader you were hoping for. To get them to understand, try listening to them. Just like Miguel’s family, they may have a belief or fear connected to whatever you are pursuing and are unable to see it in the same positive light as you. If they are willing, sit them down and let them talk. Most importantly, don’t argue or interrupt. Take in what they have to say and just let them be heard. Sometimes that can solve the issue right there.

When it’s your turn to explain your side, you can hope they’ll listen back, but don’t be alarmed if they do not. Be patient, give them time and use other means of support in the meantime. Forcing them to support you might not work so well. Giving them an ear to be heard and letting them see the positive impact your passion has on you might work better. At the very least, they wouldn’t want to stand in the way of your happiness.

Seriously, if Miguel’s family had just talked it out, they may have realized the importance of music in their family before Miguel had to run off and into the underworld. However, while it would have saved a lot of time and stress, it would have also made for a quick and boring movie. So save the drama for the movies, not your life.

That’s all the music I have in me this week. Until next time, think to the tune of a few of these questions:

How are you supported in your passion?
What do you need in order to feel supported?
Where can you find the support you need?
Why do you need support?
What does that support provide?