Wednesday with Walt: Our Family Motto

On the fireplace mantle in my living room sits a white picture frame adorned with gold, ornate Mickey ears on each side. There is no picture in this frame, but rather a very meaningful quote from Walt Disney. The quote is:

“Why do we have to grow up? I know more adults who have the children’s approach to life. They’re people who don’t give a hang what the Joneses do. You see them at Disneyland every time you go there. They are not afraid to be delighted with simple pleasures, and they have a degree of contentment with what life has brought – sometimes it isn’t much, either.”

This is our “family motto” of sorts. We didn’t choose it nor plan to live by it, we just happen to be some of the people to which he referred. One day a few years ago, I was reading about Walt and found it. I was so impressed by how it summed us up, that I made this homemade plaque to display as a reminder that we might not have a lot of material things compared to some people, but we are alright in Walt’s book.

It made me feel good to know that there was someone who got me; someone who understood how important the simple pleasures are to some people. Someone who knew that joy comes from your experiences in life, not from what you own. I mean, I would certainly be happy to be who I am and own a boat, a mansion, and loads of money — but I would not want to give up my annual trips to Walt Disney World with my family in order to attain more material things.

It doesn’t matter to me if people think we are crazy for using our money to visit the same place year after year. I truly wish they could understand this Disney Magic. Our family time in WDW is the very best and most precious ten days of my year, every year. I am so thankful for the love and closeness of my family, and I am so grateful for every second we share together in this magical place.

Finding myself in a community with others who feel the same way I do about Disney, especially all the writers and readers of Chip & Company (and The Affordable Mouse), has added so much more to my life during these last few months. This is what Walt intended for his legacy.  Thank you, Walt! Well done!

Author’s note: I am looking forward to sharing more of Walt’s life with everyone during my new weekly blog, Wednesday with Walt.

Related articles

• First-Time Experiences at Walt Disney World (chipandco.com)
• Oldies But Goodies – What Should We Expect From A Walt Disney World Vacation? (chipandco.com)

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