Here’s your weekly dose of Monday Motivation!

In case you didn’t know, this inspirational quote comes from The Hunchback of Notre Dame, a hauntingly beautiful yet underrated animated Disney film. I’ll be honest, as a kid I didn’t really appreciate this movie or all of its meaningful undertones, but watching it again as an adult has given me a renewed admiration for Quasimodo and his story.

There’s a lot we can learn from Quasimodo about optimism, humility, and perseverance. From the very beginning of his life, he grew up in a world filled with shame and deception. Not only was he raised by Claude Frollo who showed him nothing but hatred and disdain, but he was also made to remain isolated from the rest of society because of his outer appearances. Yet despite all of that, he grew into a gentle and kind person who continued to see the good in people and the beauty in the outside world.

And every day that he continued to longingly watch the town and hope to be among the people, he didn’t develop any sort of resentment towards them or even for Claude Frollo. Through Quasimodo’s eyes, it’s clear that every day is a new day that brings new possibilities. So today, as with all days, is always a good day to try.