Disney: A Magical Place…or can everywhere be?

As the last single and childless of my parent’s three children, joining a family trip to Disneyland and 3 days in Orlando with the entire gang wasn’t necessarily a guaranteed invitation. But as I prepare to board a return flight to Boston to reunite with my four-legged son, who thank God got his genetics from his canine parents not me, I’ll share a couple takeaways…

Pay attention to recurring suggestions

I hope I’ve been pretty strong in my gratitude for the amazing people in my life who have continued to offer love, support, and often advice to me. Fortunately, despite how poor my memory can be, I seem to retain a good amount that these individuals have shared with me. These observations packed with wisdom, which are tactfully offered as suggestions to head off my stubbornness, offered at different times by a number of people often echo previous pearls of wisdom. These instances always signify importance and the value of the information. Just before I left for the trip in a meeting with Dr. Shawn Shapiro we discussed how it would serve me better to worry less about finding my optimal place in the world, but rather to be present and of service in whatever position I find myself. Now, at the time there weren’t any fireworks going off, but in hindsight a common refrain I’ve often heard from my long time mentor and great friend Barry Dyke fits perfectly with Shawn’s observation. As I reentered life following sustaining a TBI it wasn’t uncommon to feel overwhelmed and anxious leading up to any happening out of my normal routine. Experiencing these feelings was puzzling as often the precipitating occasion was social and something to be enjoyed. Unfortunately, my handling of the discomfort would often lead to my cancelling plans or not showing up. After I discovered that when looking for excuses to disengage, my brain injury could serve as a trump card, it was pulled often.

So without further rambling, what was Barry’s suggestion? Simple, when I would call leading with something like: I’m supposed to do/go…but, or I’m really nervous about…, Barry would always “strongly” guide me to think about what I could bring or offer to the engagement rather than worry about my experience or what I’d get. I the case of this Disney trip, my role was to be the Funcle and try to go with the flow, which was more fun than I could’ve imagined!

Ignorance really can be bliss

While I’m not entirely sure of its’ origination, as it surely must have been around prior to those education department PSAs, but the phrase “knowledge is power” seems to not always be relevant when it comes to enjoyment. Now don’t get me wrong, in no way do I intend to minimize the value or importance of knowledge , but watching my niece and nephews wonder and joy in experiencing Disneyworld was an eye opening experience. Whether it’s being jaded by past experiences, a lack of mindful engagement in the moment, a type of skepticism, or unrealistic expectations, I find happiness at times can be dampened for myself and others. Looking at those three adorable little faces beam with joyful amazement experiencing the wonders of the trip was wonderful. Perhaps one ride in particular encapsulates the sentiment best: It’s a Small World.

My father and I found ourselves pulling up the rear in the last car of the Scott/Murray contingent on the ride. Interestingly, while Tron (a new light-cycle simulation ride) was probably the most thrilling, It’s a Small World was possibly the highlight of my trip. While I enjoyed the chance the slow pace of the ride gave my stomach to settle after Thunder Mountain and the boost in self esteem I felt from being taller than average in the ride’s miniature world, observing the kids facial expressions put the ride in first place for me. From our rear position in the last car, seeing one smiling face after another spin around pointing at each new display along the track was a great reminder to take it easy and mindfully enjoy life without the need to understand every detail.

Ego deflation can be a beautiful thing

Multiple moments recounted in previous posts, usually involving kids or dogs (which seems to be a pattern), have highlighted how God appears throughout seemingly mundane and even challenging moments of life. Nora, my adorable almost 4 year old niece seems to be good for a God-wink quite often. Yesterday, while relaxing by the pool to hear Noras’ belly laughs at my silly behavior was incredible. Then suddenly from her completely immersed state of joy, Nora had a concerned look on her face and the laughter stopped. Across the pool and within her range of vision, Andy was sitting in the chair that lowered him into the water. As if shot from a cannon Nora said, “I gotta go help daddy push the button” and marched across the pool deck to assist Andy. Normally going from the center of attention to an afterthought would level my confidence, however, the love evident in her concern for “Daddy” and desire to help was moving. I’ve often heard that God is Love and Love is God and think I saw an example of that just yesterday!

Normally, flight delays trigger quite a bit of annoyance in me not to mention a bit of self-centered frustration because, after all, how could the FAA do this to me! As I sit here trying to capitalize on a little downtime, watching Nora entertain her parents and quite a few other smiling travelers, it seems this 40 year old bachelor isn’t leaving Disney with mouse ears, although if I wasn’t so cheap I may have grabbed a pair. Rather, the takeaway is a needed reminder to be where my feet are and that everything isn’t going to be ok…it already is.