Podcast Episode 243 - What Tiana Taught Me About Focusing On What Matters Most
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Have you ever been so consumed with getting something done that everything else went on the back burner?
Do you struggle with developing deep relationships?
Have you ever wished life felt fuller and more meaningful?
We’re continuing our “What I learned from Disney Princesses” series, and today is another of my favorites! We’re talking about Princess and the Frog’s hard-working Tiana!
Today is for you if…
If you’re tired of feeling like you’re doing all the work but it’s not producing what you want.
If you desire to grow deeper relationships with your spouse, family and friends and experience lasting love.
If you’re ready to actually live life instead of just going through life.
I love Tiana; she’s the first African American Disney Princess and a hard-working firecracker.
We meet Tiana as a little girl with her friend Charlotte reading the fairytale Princess and the Frog. She declares she will never, ever, ever kiss a frog.
Next, we see her learning to cook from her hard-working daddy. She dreams of creating a restaurant to share his love of good food and bring people together from all walks of life.
He told Tiana as she wished on the evening star that…
“You wish and you dream with all your little heart. But you remember Tiana, that old star can only take you part of the way. You got to help it along with some hard work of your own and then you can do anything you set your mind to.”
“Promise your daddy one thing–that you’ll never, ever lose site of what’s really important.”
As a little kid, Tiana thought that meant the restaurant.
Her daddy passed away before he could make that dream happen.
We meet Tiana again years later as a hard-working waitress, scraping together her tip money to save up for the downpayment on her Tiana’s Place restaurant.
Almost There song
Mama! I don’t have time for dancing!
That’s just gonna have to wait a while
Ain’t got time for messing around
And it’s not my style
…
I remember Daddy told me
“Fairytales can come true
You gotta make ’em happen
It all depends on you.”
So I work really hard each and every day
Now things for sure are going my way
Just doing what I do
Look out, boys, I’m coming through
And I’m almost there…
Through a crazy turn of events, Tiana gets money from her old friend Charlotte for her restaurant so Tiana can make beignets to help Charlotte woo Prince Naveen, who comes to town to find a rich bride. But the restaurant got given to someone else. Desperate, she wishes on the evening star one more time. Only to turn around and have a frog there…” I guess you want a kiss.”
The frog talks back. It turns out that the Shadow Man turned Prince Naveen into a frog trying to get what he wanted. Tiana trying to save her restaurant, agrees to kiss him in exchange for money so he can turn human again.
But she wasn’t a princess and got turned into a frog. Now they go on their adventure to figure out how to get turned back to humans.
On their way, they meet Louis, the trumpet-playing gator who dreams of becoming human and playing for huge audiences. Then they meet Ray, the cajun firefly who guides them to Mamma Ode to fix their issues and help their dreams come true.
1. Real Friendship
She got the point at the end that she puts herself in harm’s way to save her friends.
She finally learns to take time for friendships… it’s not all about working.
2. Real Love
As they find Momma Ode to have her turn them human again, Momma Ode gives them perspective.
Dig a Little Deeper song
Miss Froggy, might I have a word?
You’s a hard one, that’s what I heard
Your daddy was a loving man
Family through and through
You your daddy’s daughter
What he had in him you got in you
You got to dig a little deeper
For you it’s gonna be tough
You got to dig a little deeper
You ain’t dug near far enough
Dig down deep inside yourself
You’ll find out what you need
Blue skies and sunshine guaranteed
Open up the windows
Let in the light children
Blue skies and sunshine
Guaranteed
She finally realized what her daddy’s words meant when she was tempted to trade an amulet to the Shadow man in exchange for getting her restaurant. It was like a deal with the devil.
“Promise your daddy one thing–that you’ll never, ever lose site of what’s really important.”
Love is what matters most.
She was willing to stay a frog to keep her love for Naveen.
So many times, we can forget what we have right in front of us.
How do you treat your spouse?
Do you act like you just met where you savored every moment and talked to them like you cared?
Or do you act like they’re in the way?
Do you talk to them with love and respect?
3. Real Purpose
Tiana learned there’s no I in TEAM. She realized that her purpose included other people.
Now she can get her restaurant but gets to share it with the love of her life, her family and new family and her best friends!
What about you? Who is called to come alongside you to fulfill your purpose?
Homework:
1. Do you have friends that you’re doing life with?
If you’re not doing life with your friends, text one today and set up a time to chat, either in person or on the phone or via Zoom.
If you’re missing friends, pray and ask God to bring the right friends into your life that will lift you up.
Then, get involved in places where you can meet people, like small groups, serving, networking events, parties, etc.
2. If you’re married, how do you treat your spouse?
Do you act like you just met where you savored every moment and talked to them like you cared?
Or do you act like they’re in the way?
Send a text right now and share how much you love them.
Promise yourself to treat them like you did when you first met them.
Find little ways to show you love them.
3. Purpose - ask yourself, who should be with you on your journey to fulfilling your God-given purpose?
Maybe it’s an accountability partner, coach or asking a friend or your husband for help.
If you don’t know what you’re purpose is, start there. Explore what you love and spark your interest.
When we nurture our friendships, our lovers and our purpose, we begin to really live life to the fullest.
Consider a coach if you’re struggling to discover your purpose or have started on the journey, but fear stops you in your tracks. Coaches help you see things you may not see so you can get unstuck and get going again. I would love to be that coach for you. I have just a few spots left in my schedule right now. Go to heatherbunch.com/coaching and pick a time that’s right for you. Let’s see if I’m the right fit to help you Live Fearlessly Free!