Perhaps it was the catchy tunes sung by the most lovely voices I had ever heard. Perhaps it was the stunning gowns combined with castles that I could only dream of visiting. Perhaps it was the idea of being able to make a wish, and then have it come true. All I know is that from a very young age I developed my first love affair...with Disney. The obsession began prior to preschool and has carried itself throughout my life ever since. What I couldn't figure out back then was why I on earth I was living anywhere but a magical kingdom in a land far, far away? I mean, I had the Snow White attire down to perfection, thanks to my handy matron mother and her impeccable sewing skills. To say I whistled while I worked would have been an understatement--it was impossible for me to keep quiet during any hour of the day. And, most importantly, I definitely had seven boyfriends who I had met in the preschool schoolyard.
Mini-Me. At the young age of 5 I had already discovered my true inner self.
Eventually it began to sink in that I might not be a Disney princess after all, but I still haven't given up all hope. Even to this day I still have a Snow White costume sitting in my closet. Forget the typical "I'm a Carrie! I'm a Samantha!" conversations that arise amongst girls these days. The conversations between my friends and I regarding the fictional characters we connect with always involve Disney princesses. Belle, Ariel, Jasmine, Cinderella--I know them all. "Ciara, you should just go to Disneyland and be Snow White" stated my mother as we browsed around the Disney store last week. Although I would like to take her advice, a green card to work in the United States isn't as easy as a little "Bibbidy-Bobbity-Boo" and flick of a magic wand. However, my mother used to be a fairy godmother at children's festivals, so perhaps she can pull out her costume and help me out one with one last wish ;).
There's the assumption that Disney is supposed to be for children and that after a certain age the magical characters that our child-like selves believe in are supposed to fade away. I would beg to differ when I state that believing in Disney keeps us young. Disney stories, or whatever fictional characters you connected with as a child, remind us of a time when anything was possible. Stand on top of the monkey bars? No problem! Score the winning goal at the soccer game? You bet! If we could transfer the belief system we had in ourselves back then to the people we are now, then I think we would be able to set bigger goals and have stronger faith in what we are capable of achieving. Running that half marathon doesn't have to seem like such a huge endeavor. Getting promoted to your dream job isn't as challenging as it might seem. Traveling the world one adventure at a time doesn't just have to be a pipe dream. Whatever your dreams are, you have the ability to turn them into a reality, all it takes is a little bit of effort. Dig deep inside your mind and find your inner child, your inner superhero, because he or she is hiding in there waiting to tell you that you CAN do it. The next time you encounter a child, ask them about their dreams and goals. To you, they might seem ridiculous, but to that child they are entirely possible. Those who are able to carry on that strong-minded belief system are those who will eventually make their dreams a reality, no matter how impossible they might seem to the outside world. Still not convinced? Perhaps you just need a little convincing that Disney doesn't just have to be for children. One thing that comes with my Disney obsession is that I am constantly on the look out for anything related to my magical roots. Below is a list I've compiled of some of my favorite Disney discoveries.
Disney for Adults
1. The Disney Princess Half Marathon
Held at the end of February at Disney World in Florida lies what I would call the most exciting Disney event I've heard of to date. I used to run in high school, and although I am no longer in proper running shape, I know that eventually I would like to pick it up again just so I can run this race. They do offer an "Enchanted 10K" as well, but in case you haven't noticed, I like to think big.
2. 8tracks Disney playlists
I came across a couple awesome Disney mashups and decided to go on 8tracks to see if there was any more I had yet to hear. Not only are there endless amounts of playlists containing the classic Disney songs, there are also some wicked remixes like this one (click the link below).
3. Disney Couture Jewellery collection
Whenever I go into Blue Ruby, one of my favorite jewellery stores in Vancouver, the first section I dash to is the Disney section. I unfortunately lost my wish bracelet but I really want to get another one. If you search online (eBay and Amazon have huge collections!) you can be sure to find something youthful, classy, and probably even related to your favorite Disney character.
4. Williams Sonoma baking accessories
While waiting for the clerk to fetch my juicer a few months ago I was browsing around the store and came across a couple utensils that instantly became more exciting than anything else I will ever find in Williams Sonoma. Not only do I love to bake, so they would actually come in handy, but they were on sale! I'm sure you can find them online somewhere with a little online digging. I bought the cookie cutters and the Snow White flipper/spatula.
5. Disney Youtube remakes
If you haven't seen the Disney Mean Girls video then you are in for a treat. This spring when "Spring Breakers" came out I came across something similar. In addition to trailer remakes I've also discovered the SNL clip entitled "The Real Housewives of Disney." Unfortunately I could only find the trailer for the SNL skit, due to Youtube and SNL conflicts, but I posted a link below where you can watch the whole thing! Disney lovers: watch them all, you won't be disappointed.
That's all for now Disney lovers! Keep the wishing strong :)
With love,
Ciara ♥
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