Why Merida?

Of course, I don’t look like Disney’s Princess Merida from Brave! Then why is she on my profile photo? I don’t have blue eyes or red hair or go around with a bow and arrows. Then why her?

The first time I saw the movie, it went way over my head. I had kept waiting for the longest time for a hero to appear – even wished that one of the three idiots who showed up to win her hand might magically transform into a wholesome prince. But it was all in vain… The film ended without a hero. I was shocked!! I outright concluded that it was a waste of my time and I hadn’t watched a worse Disney movie.

I ended up watching it again after a few years, as nothing much was on the television and I just wanted something playing in the background as I ate. I had zeroed in on it as I was on a schedule and knew for a fact that this movie would not at all tempt me into staying back and delaying my work after eating. But I was wrong. I ended up watching it till the end. That time, I loved it.

The animated film was just the same. It had not changed. Apparently, it was I who had changed. The girl who did not understand its theme had faded away and in her place sat a woman with a new perspective.

I now know the importance of finding oneself before finding someone else. And if we don’t fight for it, no one else will. I now understand the spirit of Merida. I resonate with it. Hence, the profile photo. Also, we both have curly hair, which at times takes on a life of its own!