This quote has been tied to some of the most memorable points in my career at Walt Disney World. I still cry when I hear the first few bars of "Little Wonders" by Rob Thomas, because of the moment in "Meet the Robinsons" when we learned the significance of "Keep Moving Forward" to our shared history as Cast Members. It is entwined with my past and now propels me into my future.
So as proud as I am of where I work and the part I play in creating happiness for my guests, how can I leave? For one, I feel that I am at a good place to press "pause" and hopefully come back one day. However, if life sends me in other directions, I am very proud of what I accomplished during my Disney career: Traditions Assistant, Adventure Guide, Facilitator, Trainer, Coordinator, Leader. I have been blessed to work with some of the most amazing teams on property at my Resorts, Disney Institute, Disney University, Downtown Disney and YES Programs.
I also got to do some pretty cool stuff on the side: FAM Cruises (Thanks, Tracy!), Goofy's Mystery Tour, Canoe Races of the World, VoluntEAR events, ENCORE, STAGE, even Neil Patrick Harri's' Backup Singer...I mean Candlelight Professional.
And there was that one time getting up before dawn to clean up Bay Lake...
I would have never thought I could even participate in a distance race if it weren't for my Trad family...now I've completed 2 FULL Marathons and a dozen Halfs.
Yeah, it's going to be really tough to leave this place. But curiosity is leading me down a new path, and while I may not be looking backward, there is still space in my backpack for my memories...and a device that keeps my people with me no matter where I go.
Thank you, WDW. It's been amazing.