The Bird Who Couldn't Fly

I keep thinking about Blu.

You know how he's the last male of his species?

And he can't fly?

That's the setup. Rare bird. Can't do the one thing birds are supposed to do.

But here's what got me—

Blu doesn't spend the whole movie trying to fix himself.

He spends it trying to protect Jewel.

Trying to get her home.

Trying to make sure she's safe.

He's terrified the entire time.

Chained to her. Falling out of trees. Crashing into things.

But he keeps going.

Not because he suddenly believes in himself.

Not because someone gave him a pep talk.

Because Jewel needs him.

And then—at the very end—

When she's falling and he has to choose between his fear and her life—

He flies.

I used to think that scene was about courage.

But I don't think it is anymore.

I think it's about love being stronger than fear.

Blu didn't overcome his fear.

He just found something he loved more than he was scared.

That's different.

I think about that a lot.

Because I can't walk.

And maybe one day I will. Maybe I won't.

But if I ever do—

I don't think it'll be because I stopped being scared of falling.

I think it'll be because I found something I love more than I'm scared of not walking.

And maybe that's enough.

Love first. Flight second.

That's what Blu taught me.