10 years on, Moana has proven herself to be one of the most beloved and relatable Disney princesses of all time. Rather than waiting around for someone else to save the day, she’s the type to grab a boat, sail out into the open unknown and figure things out for herself.
We think this also says a lot about the people who gravitate toward her as their favorite. If she’s the princess who inspires you most, we bet you’ll relate to the following eight things.
You Have a Strong Sense of Purpose
Moana spends her entire adventure chasing something bigger than she can understand in order to save her island, with a drive to do right by the people she loves. If she’s your favorite, you probably relate to knowing precisely what you want out of life, or at least being determined to figure out what’s important to you, no matter what stands in your way. You refuse to settle for a path in life that doesn’t feel like yours or satisfy your soul.
(Moana via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
You’re Fiercely Independent
Moana sets off on her adventure all by herself (Heihei hardly counts), refusing to wait around for help. She makes her own decision as her journey begins and trusts herself, regardless of how treacherous her path gets. Even when the demigod Maui joins in on things, he mostly gets in her way. If Moana’s your favorite princess, you likely value your independence just as much as she does, feeling most confident when you’re in charge and in control of what happens next.
Also read about: The Definitive Ranking of Every Song From Moana
You Question Tradition When It Doesn’t Feel Right
Moana constantly pushes back against the mindset of her village and their mentally of maintaining the status quo just because that’s how things have always been done. In the process, this rebellious streak teaches her that the narrative isn’t even true, and that her island was made of up risk-taking seafarers once upon a time. If you relate, we bet you also prefer to think twice about outdated rules and expectations, challenging them when your gut tells you there might be a better way.
You’re Deeply Connected to Your Heritage
Moana may leave her island to go on a daring adventure, but her love for her home and her people never wavers. In fact, it’s this sense of community and desire to protection her family that forces her to embark on her quest. As a fan, we bet you also feel a powerful connection with your own roots, whether that’s your family, culture or the place you grew up. Traveling the world doesn’t have to mean leaving any part of yourself behind.
Setbacks Can’t Hold You Down
Like any good Disney princess adventure, Moana’s journey isn’t all smooth sailing. Moana’s boat capsizes, she gets knocked off course and faces setback after setback, but none of them can keep her down for long. If that resonates with you, chances are that you also aspire to process disappointment fast, immediately getting back up and more ready than ever to make your next attempt. You know better than anyone that you don’t truly lose until you give up.
(Moana via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
You Care Deeply About Saving the Earth
Moana’s journey is all abut restoring balance to the ocean and the world around her, highlighting the importance of protecting the environment as a whole. As a Moana fan, we bet you’re also into sustainability, nature and doing your part to nurture the planet, making your efforts known in small ways each and every day.
Also read about: Actor Hualālai Chung on His Polynesian Pride and Voicing Moni in Moana 2
You Trust Your Intuition, Even When Things Get Scary
Again and again, Moana decides to listen to her instincts, even when everyone around her says she’s making the wrong call and the world is literally falling apart around her. You may be inspired by her because you also prefer to trust your gut over outside pressures, allowing you to take a leap of faith when success is anything but certain.
You’ve Always Been the Natural-Born Leader
Moana’s journey is inspired by the people she loves, driving her to step up to the plate and save the day. If she’s your favorite princess, you’re likely the friend who also raises your hand when things get hard, keeps everyone motivated and reminds people precisely what they’re capable of when they need it most. That leadership makes you an asset and even changes the world, on occasion.
(Moana via Walt Disney Studios Motion Pictures)
For even more on Moana, click HERE for all of the best quotes from the first movie to use as Instagram captions.
