I finally figured it out. The answer to Holly's question of more than a year ago about why I'm in love with Walt Disney World. I go there to PLAY.
The answer came to me while I was reading a book by John Hench, one of the original (and greatest) Imagineers. He discusses in his book that one of the reasons they created Disneyland and the other parks was to encourage whole families - not just children - to PLAY. They created a safe, magical, other-worldly experience that all but begs you to relax and enjoy. People take care of you, other guests are as excited as you are...it's something that I don't usually feel with a bunch of strangers, you know? And it's at least as much for the adults as the children.
In other news: Last night we had a youth fireside at the church. Our Bishop showed a DVD of a John Bytheway performance called "What's In Your Backpack?" I thought this might be hokey, but it was hilarious, and the adults enjoyed it as much as the youth. John Bytheway made a great point about time: He gave some statistics regarding television viewing versus reading books, and shared a personal experience about his own most unproductive time of day (10pm and after). Then he said, "What if you took the most unproductive times of your day - the time you're on MySpace or watching TV or whatever - and spent 2 hours instead on your dreams, your talents, your passion?" This really hit me. I'm not much of a television viewer, but I can burn some time on the computer, or reading, that I could be using for my dreams and passions (whatever they are).
This led me to two questions: What are my dreams? and Can I possibly stand to get up any earlier to do this?
I'll keep you posted.
How do I change?
If I feel depressed I will sing.
If I feel sad I will laugh.
If I feel ill I will double my labour.
If I feel fear I will plunge ahead.
If I feel inferior I will wear new garments.
If I feel uncertain I will raise my voice.
If I feel poverty I will think of wealth to come.
If I feel incompetent I will think of past success.
If I feel insignificant I will remember my goals.
Today I will be the master of my emotions.
-Og Mandino, “The Greatest Salesman in the World”
Monday, August 11, 2008
PLAY!
Posted by Beth Soelberg at 1:33 PM
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3 comments:
Great post. I have been realizing lately that I waste a whole lot of time. I would like to do more with my beads but it is just as easy to put it off. Plus I have my continuing education to get done soon. I loved the poem there. It reminds me to not be shy. Not fear the things I do. I mean what is really the worst that can happen to me.
I liked this post, too. I really should start using my spare time for things other than sitting on the computer!
And can you believe this...I've never been to Disneyland (or Disney World)! We're planning to take the kids soon...maybe then I'll finally be able to PLAY!! :)
That is so true about the John Bytheway! I am simply horrible about wasting so much of my day. This is where I think Joel is amazing. I think ALL of his free time goes to goals/dreams/talents. I think I need him to rub more off on me!
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