Warning: spoilers ahead!
Encanto teaches us that it’s important to challenge tradition and others’ expectations. Sometimes it’s necessary to shake up the status quo to find yourself so you can be yourself. This is especially seen in Isabella’s song “What else can I do” as she realizes her efforts to maintain the perfect image expected and encouraged by her family, especially Abuela, was actually holding her back.
At the beginning of the song, we see her surprised and excited to create a cactus stating, “it’s not symmetrical or perfect, but it’s beautiful, and it’s mine” because she has always made roses which are a more traditional standard for beauty in the plant world. It seems in that moment that she’s never even tried to make anything except pretty flowers and is shocked at her ability to make something else.
She specifically mentions curiosity about “What could I do if I just grew what I was feelin’ in the moment?” Because the cactus popped up in her anger toward Mirabel. As she continues to expire and embrace the possibilities, we see her growing more and more interesting and different plants including “a river of Sundews” which are carnivorous and super cool but not typically included in floral arrangements.
We get to watch the sisters bond as they gain a new understanding and acceptance of Isabella’s true self. It’s a truly beautiful moment.
After the song, we hear Abuela describe the situation by saying “Isabella is out of control” and we can see Isabella looking hurt and defeated in the background. Until her Abuela said that, she was excited and proud of herself but the weight of her family’s expectations appeared to make her doubt herself again. She actually looked abashed about having fun and being herself, which is such a shame.
So what can we learn from this?
Our personal power is not derived from the expectations of others. Isabella became more powerful when she began to accept ALL of herself instead of trying to be what she thought others wanted. Real, lasting empowerment is gained when we accept who we are, warts (or in this case thorns) and all.
Take some time to explore what expectations you have for yourself and where they came from. Then ask yourself the following about those expectations:
- Do they fight with your values?
- Do they feel like a constant burden?
- Are they unrealistic and/or unattainable?
- Do they make you feel dependent on approval from others?
If you answered yes to any of the above, it is time to reevaluate what drives you and determine what is truly important to YOU.
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