The Right Time: Lessons from the Lion King

Yesterday I watched The Lion King, for the first time, at the ripe age of 30. Among other things, I was particularly touched by the message regarding "the right time" being central of Simba's journey.

Below some reflections and practical learnings:

Simba’s story is in fact a profound exploration of timing. When tragedy strikes, he escapes, unsure of who he is and his purpose. During that time, he is lost! He doesn’t return to the Pride Lands immediately, even though others might argue he should. Why? Because it wasn’t yet his time. He needed the space to grow, reflect, and reconnect with his identity.

Time isn’t just a clock ticking—it’s deeply personal. It’s about readiness, alignment, and the courage to act when the moment feels right. We each carry our own rhythm. To compare our journey to someone else’s is to miss the unique beauty of our path.

If you are wondering, therapists will often encourage you to:

• Listen to yourself now: Like Simba confronting his reflection, ask, “Who am I now? What am I ready for?”

• Honor your process: Growth isn’t linear. Trust that your experiences, even the painful ones, are shaping you. Trust the process.

• Courageously step forward: Stay in contact with your temporal process. When the time comes, the leap will still feel scary. But you will be more ready to face up to it.

So, wherever you are on your journey, remember: your time is coming. Trust it. Honor it. And when it calls, answer.

Temporality is central to Existential Psychotherapy. Especially, Daseinanalysis, which has its backbone in Martin Heidegger's Being and Time.