When you wish upon a starWay back in 2010, the Robinson family made our pilgrimage to Florida, and the land of Disney. (Man, that feels weird to type. For me, the words "way back in should be immediately followed by a year before 1980. But I digress...)" For most of us, it wasn't our first trip, but for our three kids, it was their first. After being raised on Disney Channel, Kim Possible, and Hannah Montana, there was more than a few of us that were looking forward to the place "where dreams come true." And, considering that LucasArts and Disney had just started working together, some of the newer Star Wars attractions (especially the Jedi Training Academy, held my interest. One thing that took up more than a little photo space on my iPhone were some of the numerous quotes from Walt Disney that I found particularly enlightening and motivating, such as "If you can dream it, you can do it," and my favorite, "Remember, all of this started with a dream and a mouse."
Makes no difference who you are
Anything your heart desires
Will come to you.
When it comes to Disney, it's a pretty safe bet that it's going to be good entertainment. They've done a great deal of business on telling great stories. The sad thing is that when it comes to actual life lessons, they leave out quite a bit. Yes, "it's kinda fun to do the impossible, but there's not going to be a genie in a bottle or some fairy godmother to help you out. You're not going to receive a visit from a fairy godmother or find a genie in a bottle to grant your wishes. Motivation is one thing -- it helps us get off the launchpad. What keeps us going when adversity comes along is quite another thing entirely.
People with a little experience outside of Orange County, Florida know that there's quite a bit of ground to cover between belief in one's self, and what they've actually done. Waiting around for some wizard or fairy will only result in a life wasted in waiting. After the dream comes the work -- often hard work and in ample quantities. It also requires a plan -- an organized direction in which way to focus your energy. Without that -- all you're left with is stories and fairy tales.
And, of course, Walt Disney knew that, too. Right along all of his oft-cited quotes about the powers of dreams and imagination are ones such as "The way to get started is to quit talking and start doing," and "I like to look at the optimistic side of life, but I am realistic enough to know that life is a complex matter." And then, of course:
"All our dreams can come trueDevelop your dream and passion. But don't sit and wait for magic to happen.
if we have the courage to pursue them."
