Self Care and Ghibli – Howl’s Moving Castle

Hi friends, long time no article I know! But I’m back after some much needed self care accompanied by Howl’s Moving Castle. Before this watch, I’d only seen Howl’s Moving Castle one other time in high school, and though I liked it, I was SO confused. Watching it now, with my thinking cap on, made me appreciate the romance of the Ghibli film. But of course, The Self Care and Ghibli series isn’t about romantic love, but self love and self care. Here’s what I learned from the Ghibli film in regards to loving myself, letting others in, and letting go.

You can’t properly love others until you love yourself

What confused me most when I watched in high school was Sophie’s aging. One moment she’s 90, then she appears 70, then she’s back to 18. Howl’s Moving Castle doesn’t give a clear reason as to why this happens. Watching the film now I realize that Sophie’s age is determined by her confidence and self perception. In the beginning, she was self-conscious about her looks, comparing herself to her mother and sister. Sophie let others get in her head, just like many of us. She believes she is unworthy of love, especially from the likes of Howl. But Sophie had a confidence in her that I don’t think she properly recognized at the time. I mean who else would stand up to the Witch of the Waste? 

Her confidence presents itself best when she is speaking to Suliman. She becomes sure of herself, and thus her love for Howl grows. Learn to love yourself as much as you do others, if not more. Sophie is perfectly capable of standing up for others, but when she stands up for herself along with others she truly shines. I could write about the many ways to interpret Sophie’s aging, but this may be my favorite. Stand firm in your truth just as Sophie does.

You don’t have to be healed to welcome in love.

I’ve seen this conversation everywhere recently. I firmly believe that no one can heal without help, the process isn’t linear. Note, there is a difference between entering a relationship, expecting others to heal you, versus entering a relationship while trying to heal. Howl is a perfect example here. 

Sure he expects Sophie to clean around the house, but it’s clear that he doesn’t want Sophie’s help on a deeper level. Howl especially doesn’t want his found family to see him in his worst states. He was going to end it all because his hair wasn’t the right color. He felt ugly and unworthy because of his curse. Mind you, no one cared what he looked like, they only cared that he was okay. This is proven when Sophie discovers him in his bird state as she tries to help.

It wasn’t until Howl realized that his family didn’t care about trivial things that he truly welcomed them into his life. He was no longer a coward. He let love in and it healed him. You may be “broken” or have things you need to work through, but you are not undeserving of love. The important thing is not expecting someone to do all the work.

People that love you will make it clear they want to help, but you can’t drag them down. 

Turnip Head is a fine example as well. No one knew that he was a prince under a curse. Despite this, he let himself become part of the family. He was indeed broken, but he wasn’t scared to let kindness in, and return said kindness. In the end, his found family healed him, though he wasn’t expecting it. It’s especially important to surround yourself with people who want to watch you grow. If there’s one thing Howl’s Moving Castle has taught me it’s to let in people even if you’re hurting.  

Holding on to unrequited love only makes things worse. Learn to let go. 

As much as I hate to say it, I relate to the Witch of the Waste HEAVY. I think we can all recall “the one that got away” and the longing that came with it. (Hopefully we’re all healed from that!) The Witch of the Waste’s desire for Howl led to so much pain and suffering simply because she refused to let go. I’ve done this multiple times in my life romantically and platonically. Sometimes we want a relationship to work out so badly that we end up suffocating ourselves. We end up suffocating others. It is okay to let go. It is okay to stop fighting. Some people can’t be fixed, some don’t need to be, and others don’t want to be. Giving up is not always a bad thing, in fact it can be the best thing you can do.

Now don’t get me wrong, there are times when we shouldn’t give up. Imagine if young Howl gave up the search for Sophie. It’s having the emotional intelligence to know when you are suffocating yourself and others along with accepting something is over. I’ve for sure been in situations where I would be aware but was too afraid to let go. But, letting go was the best thing I ever did. 

I could discuss the lessons Howl’s Moving Castle provides for ages, however we’ll save it for a different article. Let me know in the comments below what this ghibli film taught you about self care, I want to know! 

---

---