Finding our passion and pursuing our dreams with sheer determination is something we all dream about.
When is the best time to ease off the dreaming and ramp up the doing? It really depends. There’s so much to consider. So much to take into account.
Have you given up?
Eventually, most people give up. I almost did too. Then a small child was born. He changed my life and my purpose. He was and is the catalyst that inspires me to work tirelessly.
Over time, my five daily blogs have slowly, but surely been getting better. It’s funny sometimes, to think that many readers have no idea how hard I work in my professional position with a Fortune 100 company.
All this blogging is extra. Ya with me? Extra. What are you doing that’s extra? That’s hard? That’s difficult? That you love so much you can’t stop?
My blogs are so basic and simple it’s almost embarrassing. When there’s some “spare” time, I’ll be looking to take another step to jazz up the blogs. I’ll be clicking here for more Wordpress Theme tips.
Do you let what you can’t do stop you from what you can?
Here’s a Disneyland You Tube Jungle Cruise Video, reportedly from 1956.
Fast forward to January 1982. Orlando, Florida. Disney’s Magic Kingdom Park. Straw hat, 100% polyester Disney costume, Disney haircut, Disney smile, ten-minute Disney spiel in hand.
Humor was not the focus in 1956, as it was when I was a Disney Jungle Cruise Skipper, “jungle jeff“, at The Walt Disney World Resort’s Magic Kingdom Park in 1982.
Most Jungle Cruise Skippers added a word, like “jungle” in front of their real name, as part Disney tradition and part Disney show. All these years later, it still means something. FUN!
Wait, I’m simply playing around here as I try to write something that takes minimal effort.
I am, after all, on vacation.
On vacation next to the Magic Kingdom, Epcot, Disney’s Hollywood Studios, Disney’s Animal Kingdom, Downtown Disney, Disney Quest, Typhoon Lagoon, Blizzard Beach, Disney’s Grand Floridan Resort and Spa, Disney’s Contemporary Resort….
Wait, stop it. You’re just rubbing it in that you live right next door to all of Disney’s Magic.
And you already know it’s probably very sunny, very warm and nothing but blue skies.
And that we have annual passes and can Park Hop virtually all year long.
It was, and still is, a sad day for many people, December 15, 1966.
For it was on this day in history that Walt Disney died.
Being born in 1959, I was old enough to remember watching Walt Disney on Sunday nights, as he came into the living rooms of Americans across the country.
He made such an impression on me that I eventually found my way to Disneyland as a 12-year old Guest.
And years later, while attending a Pennsylvania College, I spent a winter semester (1982) as a Magic Kingdon Adventureland Jungle Cruise skipper, jungle jeff.
There’s more, much more, about this Disney story, but it’s a tale for another time.
Have a Magical Day everyone. Signing off from Orlando, Florida and living right next to the Walt Disney World Resort, jungle jeff :)
PS. We miss you Walt.
PS. This is a “bonus” post today. Today’s main post is next, please scroll down if you’d like to read it.
jungle jeff Daily Reflections on Excellence. Created the tag line, Daily Reflections on Excellence, a long time ago. It just felt right.
And of course, the term, jungle jeff, goes all the way back to January 1982, when I was a seasonal Walt Disney World Cast Member, and Jungle Cruise Skipper.
Had a college degree and was wearing a straw hat, polyester costume, plus I carried a microphone and a real gun.
And, get this, being able to work for Disney, a world-class organization, founded on excellence, it all seemed to speak to my dual approach to life. Crazy and serious.
So the two seemed a natural fit. And that’s why I use jungle jeff Daily Reflections on Excellence all these years later.
There are milestones in your life, just like everyone else. The question is, it seems, is there significant value in perpetuating their memory?
I’d love to hear your story. Comment here or email jeff.noel@me.com Carpe diem.
My Family and I visited Magic Kingdom a week ago. Then Wednesday we visited Epcot. And this past Saturday, back at Magic Kingdom. Then a LinkedIn Group discussion shared this cool Disney Parks You Tube video:
The cooler weather is bringing out us locals to seek what Disney Guests from all over the World seek. The Disney Magic and the Disney Fantasy – and an escape from a tough reality.
PS. There a bit of a screen size overlap. Oh well. Life goes on. Carpe diem. :)
Happy Birthday Walt Disney World. Disney World opened to the public on October 1, 1971, nearly five years after Walt Disney died from cardiac arrest (brought on from the removal of his cancerous left lung on November 7, 1966).
Walt’s older brother Roy O. Disney, at 73 years old, and enjoying retirement, had a big decision after Walt died on December 15, 1966.
Sell or develop.
Disney had purchased 27,443 acres, or 43 square miles, of alligator, snake and mosquito infested swampland during the mid-1960’s. It is said the purchase price averaged less than $200 an acre.
Bought it cheap, sell it cheap. Or, build? And build Roy did.
Thank you to Walt Disney, Roy O. Disney, and the entire Disney organization for making Walt Disney’s biggest dream come to life.
My Family has enjoyed hundreds of visits to Walt Disney World. Our home is located just a few miles from Cinderella Castle. Every night we see and hear the Magic Kingdom fireworks.
It’s been a dream come true to live so close to the most Magical place on Planet Earth.
Started the day running the Watermelon 5k in Winter Park. Then spent the rest of the day with family and friends . Now it’s 9:00PM and I’m going to postpone today’s post until tomorrow.
Today, by the way, President Barack Obama’s audio-animatronic figure was unveiled at The Walt Disney World Resort, at the Magic Kingdom’s Hall of Presidents.
Few things frustrate me these days. In less than three weeks, I’ll turn 50. Can’t wait. What a milestone.
There are so many frustrating things out there.
It’s pretty common that people complain about aging.
But I want to know, “Why?”
Rather than complain, roll over and let it happen, there is an alternative, I believe.
So what?
Exactly. I figure it’s an easy choice – be a statistic.
Become one of the majority that complains, or become one of the minority that just gets on with staying healthy.
Same with the economy.
Complain about it, or get on with the business of preparing for the upturn.
Historical adversity and embracing change. Everyone you lead is taking their cue from you.
Here’s what they’re observing:
What you say.
What you don’t say.
Your behaviors.
Your attitude.
Your focus.
Adversity doesn’t develop character, it reveals it.
Make it a great day to take look in the mirror and think about those five areas. When you get back to work, be a champion. Your people are expecting this from you now, more than ever.
