Recently I took a family trip to Walt Disney World, which is one of my favorite places on earth! While there, we visited each of the four parks making sure to participate in as many rides and shows as we could. One particular attraction that seems to get overlooked at times is a museum that is dedicated to the life of Walt Disney. As you read the numerous, informative displays, you begin to see how amazing and talented this man called Walt Disney was. Not only did he create one of the most famous cartoon characters of all time, Mickey Mouse, he put his heart, soul, and money into all that he created, because he believed “if you can dream it, you can do it.”

Amidst challenges, failures, and the struggles of everyday life, Walt proved to himself and to those around him that he could be successful drawing and creating. His optimistic nature was quite contagious, and he helped hundreds of people enjoy life in a new way. Families were able to watch and enjoy films together and were able to visit parks where imagination and fun are never overrated. Walt brought new stories to life and old fairy tales became popular, because now they were animated on screen. His creations were new and exciting to the public, and to this day there are few who have not enjoyed or been inspired by a Disney film.

I know I have been inspired by what I have read about Disney and his legacy. His very heartbeat was to bring magic and a bit of pixie dust to everyday life. Disney’s own quotes are very encouraging, and there are several that I refer back to in order to keep myself motivated. One of my favorite quotes is:

“The way to get started is to quit talking and begin doing.”

This is a simple but brilliant statement, because it helps the artist in so many ways. It can be discouraging at times as a writer, artist, or filmmaker. Sometimes ideas are not there, or you feel like you are not getting anywhere. Is there even a point to write that novel? Is it just a waste of time? Well, I am so glad that Disney did not give up.

It is interesting to note that he talks about his creative failures. Failure is not something that any artist wants to experience, but Disney demonstrates how it is an important part of the learning process. Without failure, one cannot edit the story to make it even better. So don’t give up, and don’t sit there doing nothing. Get back to the drawing or writing board and fulfill the dream you have always had for yourself. Disney did. And he was quick to remind us:

“I only hope that we don’t lose sight of one thing – that it was all started by a mouse.”