Tag: disney

A Thought: Why Moana Still Moves Me Every Time

Reflections on Calling, Connection, and the Power of Seeing the Real You

Tonight, I found myself watching Moana again. And once again, it got me — the laughs, the music, the story, and yes… the tears. No matter how many times I’ve seen it, this movie reaches something deep inside me.

There’s something powerful about Moana’s journey — the creation of who she becomes. From the beginning, she sees something beyond the horizon. She feels the pull of purpose long before she can explain it. And even when others try to press her into the expectations of a future chief, she listens to that small, steady voice inside that says, You were called for more.

She learns to believe that she was chosen — not by accident, not by coincidence, but by design. And that faith in who she is becomes the strength that carries her across the sea.

And then there’s Maui — funny, flawed, full of swagger, and yet carrying his own wounds. His story adds heart and humor in a way only he can. And of course… Hei Hei. Or as I like to call him: Drumstick. The fact that they wove such a ridiculous (and perfect) chicken into the story still makes me laugh every single time.

But the moment that truly gets me — every single viewing — is the restoring of the heart of Te Fiti.

Moana sees her.
She recognizes her.
She knows who Te Fiti really is beneath the anger, the destruction, and the pain.

That moment when Moana walks forward, singing gently, offering the heart back to her — and Te Kā’s fiery rage melts into the calm, green, life-giving presence of Te Fiti… yeah. That’s where I lose it. Every time. Something about seeing someone restored to who they were always meant to be hits a place in my own heart.

This movie reminds me that we all carry a purpose, a calling, a heart that sometimes gets buried under life’s storms. But with courage, faith, and a whole lot of heart, we find our way — just like Moana.

And maybe that’s why I love this movie so much.
It’s more than a story.
It’s a reminder.

Know who you are.
Remember who you were created to be.
And don’t be afraid to restore the hearts you encounter along the way — including your own.

Love, love, love this movie.

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From Tsimshian Shores to SEAL Teams: The Legend of Solomon Atkinson

Beneath the Northern Lights, His Journey Unfolded

Once upon a time, in the rugged coastal village of Metlakatla, Alaska, there lived a man named Solomon “Sol” Atkinson. Born in 1930, Sol was a Ts’msyen (Tsimshian) Native American, deeply connected to both his heritage and his community. His life would become a tapestry woven with bravery, service, and legend.

As a young boy, Sol learned resourcefulness from the land and the sea. The support of his tight-knit community shaped him, teaching him resilience and kindness. But it was his ancestors’ legacy that truly set him apart. Sol belonged to the Gitlaan clan of the Xpi’hanaḵ house in the Tsimshian nation, a lineage that followed the matriarchal line—a society rich in tradition and wisdom.

When Sol enlisted in the Navy in 1952, he etched his name into history. He became the first Alaska Native to join the underwater demolition teams, the predecessors to the renowned SEAL Teams. As the SEALs emerged in 1962, Sol’s commitment led him to become one of the inaugural Navy SEALs—a plank owner, a foundational member, of SEAL Team 112. His courage and dedication shone during conflicts in Korea and Vietnam, where he repeatedly risked his life for his comrades and country1.

But Sol’s legend extended beyond the battlefield. He championed his community, ensuring they had a pool that produced Alaska’s only certified scuba training program at the local high school1. His love for Metlakatla ran deep, and he embodied the spirit of service and resilience that defined both his Native American heritage and his Navy SEAL legacy.

And so, the tale of Solomon Atkinson echoed through the misty Alaskan forests—a story of honor, courage, and the unbreakable bonds that tie us to our roots. Legends are born from deeds, but Sol’s legend was etched not only in valor but also in the hearts of those who knew him. His legacy lives on, sailing across the seas as the USNS Solomon Atkinson, a tribute to an Alaska Native and Navy SEAL pioneer3.

Photo by Tyrone Scott Hudson

And as the waves whispered against the shores of Metlakatla, they carried with them the story of Sol—a man who walked between worlds, leaving footprints in the sand and ripples in the ocean, forever etched in time. 🌊🌟

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