I realized that my column would appear on Thanksgiving Day. I felt like that was an opportune time to do something a little different. Thanksgiving is about gratitude, and while I am grateful for many things, many of those things are somewhat linked to my memories and experiences with Disney. So, if you will, allow me to indulge in a few personal thoughts and ideas.
Some of my youngest memories were going to Disneyland as a child. I’m grateful that my parents took the time to spend with their children. While we spent time in many places with them, I especially remember those moments together at the park.
I’m grateful to the Royal Palm school librarian who let me keep a copy of a 1963 National Geographic magazine that had an article I found on The Magic Worlds of Walt Disney. I’m also grateful to my parents who for Christmas purchased me an expensive copy of The Art of Walt Disney by Christopher Finch. It was my only present that year, besides some socks. But those sources inspired me in ways I can never begin to describe.
I’m grateful that my parents didn’t cater to every whim I had in going to Disneyland as I grew older. Instead, they taught me that if I wanted something so much that I had to earn it. So, as a 13 year old, I started a lawn-mowing business, cutting lawns for family and friends. I saved my money and actually paid to take my brother and parents from Phoenix to Disneyland for a couple of years. I look back with a great deal of satisfaction that I could do that at a young age. And I’m even more grateful for the life lessons it taught me.
I’m grateful for the simple life messages about life I learned from Disney:
Be resourceful: Even resourceful people can build a tree house and conquer pirates.
Play the “Glad Game”: Even if you are dismissed as a Pollyanna.
There is an “age of not believing”: And that’s OK, too.
“There’s room for everyone in this world”: So make some room.
“Feed the birds”: And others that need your attention.
When I was a teenager, I wanted to create movies for Disney. I’m grateful that Ron Miller answered my letter by granting me the privilege of touring the Disney Studios. I’m grateful for that inspiring experience. Though I ended up going a different direction career-wise, I’m grateful to Dave Smith at the Disney Archives who gave me access to Disney records as I pursued a thesis on Disney. It gave me the insight that I could tie training and development with my love of Disney.
I’m grateful for the years I eventually worked for Walt Disney World. I’m grateful for people who believed enough in me to hire me. I’m grateful for the countless experiences and the exposure I had to the organization while I was there. I am grateful for the people I worked with. I’m grateful for the lessons I learned, many of which were hard lessons, but made me a better person.
I’m even more grateful that I left Disney when I did. Working for Disney is the best thing you can ever do. Leaving Disney is even better. I’m grateful I still live nearby and I get to spend time with my family. I’m grateful that I get to earn a living sharing insights and experiences from Disney and other organizations. I no longer work for Disney. But I do get to earn a living by bringing the lessons of Disney to others. I’m very grateful for that.
I’m grateful for my wife. When we were young, we didn’t have the money to go on a honeymoon to Walt Disney World, but looking back on it, I didn’t need Disney to enjoy a honeymoon with her. Since then, we’ve been so many times, and she’s been a great sport about it. She is the best E-Ticket to life I’ve ever had. She is “practically perfect in every way” and is the only beauty that could turn a beast like myself into a prince. In this, our 25th year of marriage, I’m grateful that we’re married happily ever after.
I’m grateful for my children. We have enjoyed many a Disney excursion together since they were young. As a former cast member, and as a resident of Central Florida, they grew up in the parks. In my work, the oldest were hired to be in movies we created for training and development at The Disney Institute. They were often asked to try out new programs that were being tested at the time. The younger ones continue to enjoy the parks with me, and I get the see their faces as they try new experiences. Moreover, I’m just grateful for the time together. They keep me young at heart.
So you know, much of life filled with many other things not associated with Disney. I’m grateful for my faith, for friends, for health, for opportunities to serve. I’m very grateful for those things as well as they give me balance and context. But I have a particular fondness for those Disney moments.
All together, It’s been a great life. And best of all, “there’s a great big beautiful tomorrow.” So I’m really grateful for that.
Finally, thanks for reading. Thanks for following. Thanks from the entire gang at MousePlanet. We hope you have a wonderful Thanksgiving.
