This movie trailer depicts some talented children with learning and emotional disabilities who transcend their limitations through art. I was amazed to see the beautiful work they produced, and inspired by the joy in their simple affirmation: “I am an artist.”
“There is no such thing as a mistake. You can take mistake in art and turn it something beautiful.”
You can do the same in life.
This week I went to Disneyland for the first time ever. While waiting in line for Splash Mountain—part of a tightly planned schedule my boyfriend created to maximize my experience—we had an interesting conversation about the psychology of visiting the happiest place on Earth. He couldn’t remember who conducted this research study, but I found it so fascinating I feel compelled to discuss it here.
Walt Disney, he said, created something brilliant primarily because it gives the illusion of diverse experiences contained under one umbrella brand. In addition to exploring a variety of fantasy lands, a Disney guest can also experience the western frontier, New Orleans Square, Hollywood, and the remote jungles of Africa and Asia. He can ride a steam-powered locomotive, a monorail, a double-decker bus, and a horse-drawn streetcar. One day and $94 later, he feels he’s seen and experienced more life than he’d likely fit in the average year. Perhaps this is why Disney’s parks outperformed the rest of the company in the first quarter of 2009—and despite Disney’s overall decline in net income, park attendance in February was still up over that time in 2008. (more…)
This is actually a Thai commercial for Pantene–but forget about that for a moment. Instead, watch it and remember this:
You can.
Fran and Marlow Cowan have been married for 62 years. Marlow turned 90 last year, and Frances is almost 84. This short video shows an impromptu piano recital they gave at the Mayo Clinic last fall. They’re spry, joyful, and beautiful to watch. According to one commenter on YouTube:
“We have known this wonderful couple from Johnston, IA for over 15years. They have a classic sense of humor; are hard workers as retirees. They both performed on Vaudeville back in the 20’s-30’s. Marlow and Fran are great people who always have smiles on their faces and never know a stranger.”
What a great way to be. I’d say I want to be like them in my golden years, but the truth is I aspire to be like them right now. Here’s to you Frances and Marlow!
Learn more about their story here. If you’re interested, Lee Aase recently explored how this charming video went viral.
Yes, I meant it. I think you are nothing. Sound a little strange following my last blog? Allow me to explain…
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about all the labels we carry around—some from past experiences, and others from our perceptions of ourselves. For example, I frequently say, “I didn’t do it yet; I’m lazy.” But the thing is I’m not inherently lazy. I didn’t pop out of the womb too lethargic to cry. Medical exams have yet to reveal any type of sloth gene. And truthfully, I have many productive days. I just act lazy on occasion. And then justify it with, “I’m lazy.”
People do it all the time, sometimes in a joking way, and other times more seriously. In fact, it’s highly likely you or someone you know said something like this recently:
If you’ve followed my blog semi-regularly, you’ve probably noticed I think a lot things are awesome—dealing with a bad economy, experiencing fear, and being disliked, for example. I’ve spent a lot of time seeing good in situations, but I’ve forgotten to acknowledge the most awesome part of writing this blog: getting the chance to know, appreciate, and learn from you.
You are all amazing. You make a real difference in the world through your blogs, businesses, and causes, and I am forever changed for knowing you. Here are all the ways you impress and inspire me:
