Disney’s Encanto has swept people off their feet. The animation is bright and beautiful, the story is heartwarming and the music is catchy. “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” has been sung and danced to in TikToks and Instagram Reels a thousand times over.
When my husband and I sat down to watch Encanto, I assumed I would jump on the bandwagon and be singing about Bruno all week long. But before I could get to Bruno, Louisa sang.
Without giving away too many spoilers, Louisa is extremely strong, but she feels the need to take on the weight of her family’s burdens. Can you relate? You may not be strong enough to move mountains but the weight of your family is resting on your shoulders.
“Who am I if I can’t carry it all?”
Louisa’s song, “Surface Pressure”, sung by Jessica Darrow, plays again and again over my phone. So many parts of my heart relate to her lyrics. If I can hold it together just a little longer, if I can lift a little more, if I can hide my weakness then no one will know that I’m not as strong as I pretend. No one will know that I feel like a failure. No one will know that I think I’m not a good mom, a good enough wife.
If I can trust that I don’t have to live under the growing pressure I’ve created for myself, who would I be? What kind of mom, wife, friend, sister, in-law, daughter would I become? Probably a more joyful one. If I can let go of the stress and unrealistic expectations I’ve held myself to, the better I will be able to embrace the true strength I already have.
Take a listen to Louisa’s song. Reflect on the areas where you have taken on more than you can handle. It’s okay to let go! You may just find you have more time to dance to “We Don’t Talk About Bruno” if you do.
