One of our managers asked the cast to think about what motivates us... Well, let's cross off the fact that I simply love the Disney company...but I also love the inspiration that the company evokes. Allow me to elaborate, this is a globally recognized company that all started with one man's dream and a drawing. That alone is enough to inspire me to never write off my own dreams as trivial. As I write this I can hear that cheesy and "Disney-fied" tone but think about this...those cliché dreaming and believing motifs are associated with Disney because the company has proved anything is possible and continue to on a daily basis. I can remember being 15 sitting in front of Town Square Firehouse lining up for the Parade of Dreams at Disneyland and a woman from Guest Control tell me, "You should audition for the parade". Although I can't remember that Cast Member's name (I wanna say Geri...and she may have been from PhotoPass), it is the feeling that I could one day be good enough to dance down Main Street she left me with that still remains. To put it in Disney terms, "at last I see the light, and it's like the fog has lifted". I realize now that my motivation to perform for the Disney company lies in my desire to instill the hope that everybody's dream is valid and possible to achieve. I give each show my all so other 15 year old boys who love princesses (and everyone else) can watch Disney shows and be inspired to believe that there is no dream too big, even though it seems tough and impossible to achieve. #NoFear You know how people say "I can't imagine where I'd be if it weren't for *fill in the blank*? I've made some of my life's best memories while working at the Disney company and know that this adventure is just the tip of the iceberg. Maybe an iceberg analogy isn't the best to make while onboard...but I'm sailing the Caribbean, I better not see any icebergs.
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So a week has gone by since arriving in Toronto and saying that I'm loving it here would be an understatement. We have spent a lot of time training and in rehearsals and I have shed a tear or two at least once everyday. I am surrounded by such caring, hard-working, fearless people that I cannot believe it's real. I guess you could say it's truly a DREAM. *wakka wakka* Anyways, I put the final touches on a music video I started filming back in Los Angeles. I know the internet is overflowing with Frozen fan videos, and this one is just adding to the mix, but I think there's something about this one that sets it apart from the others. So please, enjoy...comment...share.
Luckily, I made tiny notes everyday on my calendar so remembering things is a breeze! (Which I totally recommend, if not an actual calendar check out the app Day One)
Looking back I'm glad to say that my resolutions of #NoFear2013, #OneSmallStep2013, and #SeizeTheDay2013 lasted throughout the year and motivated me to take more chances and live a happier, fulfilled life. I've gotten to meet some amazing people, try new things, travel to awesome places, realize a few dreams, and gain a better understanding of myself. I wouldn't change a thing about the last 365 days and can only hope that the next 365 will be even better. I have a resolution to add to the mix, #SelfAware2014...This is a promise to not be afraid to be myself (the whole self) at any time. To be aware of moments where I am at risk of dulling my shine for someone else's sake. There have been so many messages appearing in society to be yourself ("Let It Go", "Firework", "Born This Way", etc.),and not that I haven't listened to it before, I'm just willing to take it one step further. And I'm challenging any one reading this as well...Let yourself go...be crazy...be vulnerable...be upset (but don't dwell on it)...Don't do it for others, but do it for yourself! Wishing you a happy and prosperous 2014!
In April of this year I was selected by the Trevor Project (a national suicide prevention program) to help bring their new "Ask For Help" campaign to life (more information can be found here).
We as a society should also embrace people we see going through difficult times instead of just writing them off or labeling them "soft" or "weak" because even though we may not understand the entire situation, sometimes a simple gesture of support/sympathy can make all the difference. This is something I couldn't be more proud to support and think that more people should know that it is okay to reach out for support from loved ones or even the help of lifelines, like Trevor Project, instead of dealing with things by themselves. To view the final shot, check under "Reels" link...
I sat down at my computer today, bored from staring at my Twitter and Facebook feeds, so I looked up videos on TED. After about 3 videos on different subjects, I came across this video (see below) on "The Power of Vulnerability" by Brené Brown. About 5 minutes into the video, I was glued to my computer screen. She was speaking on the topic of humanity's desire to belong and make connections with others, and somehow managed to tie fear into her discourse. So taking a page from her book, I will discuss her video and better explain the overall goal of #NoFear2013. Brown's research revolves around the theme of connection and how connections with others make people happy. But there are some road blocks: SHAME and FEAR. Both of these emotions put the thought into our minds that "we are unworthy of connection" (love, career, family, friends). Shame and fear prevent people from living whole heartedly and their their full potential. She then describes a study she did on a group of "seemingly happy" people and realized that their happiness stemmed from the same sources: Courage, Compassion, Connection (as a result of authenticity), and Vulnerability. COURAGE (from Latin root word 'cor' (heart)) originally meant: to tell the story of who you are with whole heart. Sort of makes you think about the Cowardly Lion from Wizard of Oz right? No, just me...Moving on! Courage is different than being brave, which #NoFear2013 does call upon us to be, but I believe it takes more effort to be courageous. To stand up in front of people and let them know that you are not perfect is both a terrifying and powerful thing. COMPASSION is needed not only for those around you, but for yourself as well. You have the courage to admit your shortcomings, now is not the time to beat yourself up about them either. We have to practice compassion on ourselves if we expect to know how to show it to others. This kind of thinking is what #OneSmallStep2013 reinforces. "I'm not [xyz] but I am where I am today, and that's just as good!" CONNECTION with other people brings along a feeling of belonging and a sense of worth. We all long to connect with others and do so based on so many different aspects of our lives (gender, music preference, jobs, etc.). When we put our true selves on display (discussed in my last blog post), the chances to make meaningful, lasting connections with others greatly increase. VULNERABILITY is a necessary component to happiness. Although it is necessary, it is by no means easy. Our willingness to take a risk, or say "I love you" first, or anything else to put ourselves in an uncomfortable position must be welcomed into our lives. Vulnerability is the root of fear, but only when we face it head on can we banish fear. Facing our vulnerability and its related emotions can be more than some can handle, which leads to the process of numbing. Our society numbs our emotions in various ways, food, shopping, drugs. The immediate goal of blocking the fear or sadness that accompanies a state of vulnerability is achieved but comes at a much bigger cost. We cannot selectively numb just our negative emotions, so we inadvertently numb joy, gratitude, and happiness in the process. Now that we know what it takes to live a happier life,
Remember, feeling vulnerability and all the emotions that accompany it means that you are alive! “Inspiration is what keeps us well.” Within the past couple of weeks, friends have come up to me saying they are embodying #NoFear2013 or #OneSmallStep2013 in their lives in some way. I can't help but feel incredibly honored by this and feel proud of the fact that my little personal resolution is able to resonate with other people. For me, there is nothing as exciting as to knowing that people are taking risks/chances in lives and I wish anyone about to take that leap of faith the utmost success. That being said, I feel that I must let it be known that it is those people, and countless others who may or may not realize it, who continue to inspire me. I used to think that inspiration could only come to me when I'm sitting in a room alone with New Age Pandora in the background. Then, and only then, would a muse descend down and fill my head with thoughts I had never thought before. Yeah, not true at all. It is when I witness one person holding the door open for a flood of people, or someone practicing a newly acquired skill and finally nailing it, or even a silent but friendly smile exchanged between two strangers. These small, seemingly insignificant, acts are what drive me to be a better person. It is during these moments that I am reminded of the large effects that come from small packages. But now I'm asking, WHAT INSPIRES YOU? I am calling anyone who takes the time to read this to take note of places/moments in your life that inspire you. When you find those events do whatever it takes to remember it (write it down, mental snapshot, voice recording, whatever), and allow it to motivate your next move. You never know who you could inspire in return... |
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