Official Mamma Mia 2 move poster with cast
Featured photo via Official Facebook of Mamma Mia 2

“Life is short, the world is wide. I want to make some memories.” Sounds familiar? Donna Sheridan in the movie Mamma Mia Here We Go Again, played by Meryl Streep (adult) and Lily James (young), is the quintessence of being a carefree soul in a world full of trickery and doubts. Donna’s childlike nature, fused with a wide selection of Abba songs, captivated the hearts of many and is now seen as an exemplar of timeless beauty – inside and out. Generally speaking, her story continues to inspire millions of people who are traveling down the uncertain paths of life. Here are seven life lessons we all learned from Mamma Mia’s Donna Sheridan:

Lesson 1: A little smile and a bagful of confidence can go a long way

From arriving late at her college’s commencement exercise, to running after the ferry in Greece, for instance, she seems to have mastered the art of making an entrance. And, for the most part, an exit! Easily embarrassed and hesitant are adjectives that cannot be found in her vocabulary. Why should she fear? She is talented, funny, and most importantly, she has a lot to offer the crowd. Donna believed that she is capable of turning a topsy-turvy situation into one big dance party. You could, too! Nothing like a good ole smile from ear to ear couldn’t fix!

Lesson 2: Jumpers, sparkly boots, patterns, and colors. Wear them all!

Donna is a free-spirited character who boldly expresses herself through her funky and eclectic style of clothing. Boots with wide-leg dungarees in bold patterns are her “go-to”. Not to mention her gigantic teal hat in Paris! A sure “Donna moment” was the time she ripped apart her graduation toga which, in summary, bewildered the audience with her 70’s-inspired jumpsuit. This, in essence, was one of the many other ways the viewers were introduced to her spontaneity. Young Donna braving the world comfortably — clothing-wise. Rock on, sister!

Lesson 3: Good things come in threes

Dynamos! Dynamite! Sleep all day and whoop all night! 

Donna and the Dynamos are a female singing and dancing trio she formed with her best friends, Tanya and Rosie. In short, they were inseparable. Supporting each other’s aspirations came out naturally from them. In the first place, not even Donna’s European solo trip could hinder their connection. Their bond has been tested not only during their low, but also their peak moments. As a result, the three of them enjoy a bond like no other. A support system like Donna, Tanya, and Rosie have, in brief, is a testimony that having the right people around you makes life bearable. To summarize, all we really need is bolstering!

Lesson 4: Don’t hold it back – laugh!

Letting out a loud gag in serious situations is, overall, a major no-no for most. Donna is, again, built differently. She gracefully laughed it all. There was never a moment she held her goofy antics inside, for the most part. Not even in performances. She does it perfectly! With snorts coupled with tiny giggles here and there. That’s how much she values herself. (And her humor) Donna’s laughter, overall, made her more irresistible in the eyes of the three dashing men in her life – Harry, Bill, and Sam. The next time you burst unexpectedly into laughter, rule number one would be to, of course, never hold it back! Have fun!

Lesson 5: Loving is easy, breaking up isn’t

Donna’s post-graduation plan, indeed, opened her to opportunities of meeting the English banker, Harry Bright, world traveler, Bill Anderson, and architect, Sam Carmichael, too. She had a fair share of intimate moments and ventures with them, which, undoubtedly, they all cherished. But Donna knew that it was different with Sam, especially. She was in love and was ready to settle. Donna was, clearly, about to take that chance. However, Sam wasn’t. She found a photograph along with the pages of Sam’s notebook. Hurt and unafraid, Donna made a decision to pursue her dream of lifelong exploration. She knew her worth. After all, Donna is a real dancing queen!

Lesson 6: The best things in life happen unexpectedly

I have a dream a song to sing.

To help me cope with anything.

Donna had a dream, above all. And it was clear as day. She had a vision of turning the old farmhouse in Kalokairi into a hotel. The minor setbacks along the way didn’t let her down. There were paint cracks, wall peeling, and dust everywhere. The staircase was falling apart. Windows? Broken. However, Donna was driven to bring her goal into reality. She was unsure of what was lying around the corner. On the day her miracle came knocking, she knew she was not alone anymore. 

Lesson 7: A mother’s love for her child exceeds a lifetime

But I know I don’t possess you

With all my heart God bless you

You are still my love and my life

You’re my one and only

Donna, as we all know, is a headstrong woman. The young dreamer had zero doubts about herself. She was independent. She was doing just fine. And there came Sophie. All her life she had no clue of what the future holds. Donna has always longed for a companion. Sophie entered her life, suddenly everything became certain. She was Donna’s life. Sophie, in return, loved her mother with all her heart and even finished “Hotel Bella Donna” in her honor. Their mother-daughter relationship is deep-rooted that not even death could separate the two. Moreover, Donna taught us that a mother’s love is the truest and purest kind of love there could ever be.

Donna Sheridan, a woman of character, talent, love, and passion. Firstly, she taught us to brave the storm with a dose of singing, dancing, and a whole lot of laughter. Secondly, her story showed how life really is full of uncertainties and detours. Each one leads us to worthwhile adventures. Thirdly, Donna’s nature reminded us to tread lightly. All else will fall into place. 

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