In the wake of all the tragedies lately, doing something as normal as watching TV, playing a video game or shopping can seem so trivial -- disrespectful, even. The guilt kicks in: how can I worry about something as silly as which blouse I really want when the world seems to be going crazy?
During my college years, I spent a lot of time considering what I wanted to do in life. I originally wanted to teach because I wanted to do my best to make a difference. As time went on, I discovered -- maybe I wasn't cut out to be a teacher. So I moved to Walt Disney World and became a Cast Member. Cast Members' jobs are to make magic. Over the past few years, I've heard co-workers occasionally confess that they feel as though they don't contribute enough. That their occupation of checking in guests to their resort stays or checking out Mickey ears feels like a pale imitation of meaningfully contributing to society compared to doctors, lawyers, activists, and people who generally change the world. But over the years I've realized something else:
In hard times, particularly when tragedy grips a community, the most important things are solidarity and the ability to stay positive. To remember to laugh. To feel joy. To get lost in the golden moments of life that let us know that overall, the world is still good and still full of good people.
I've seen families suffering with loss purchase theme park tickets and watched the children in those families perk up as they enter the park. I've seen weary, emotionally exhausted parents check into hotels with their child suffering from terminal illness and become overcome with gratitude and joy as they realize their child's wish is coming true. I've seen sad, panic-stricken women walk into a store with national events written on their faces who walk out with a big pink bag and shoulders that have relaxed for the first time in a week.
The little things are important. Never underestimate how much of a difference theme park magic can offer. Never feel ashamed if a pretty new dress makes you feel confident and happy during a crisis. It's these sparks of joy that keep us anchored in a world that threaten to swallow us.
Most of all, never forget to enjoy those moments with loved ones. I don't know very many people in the medical profession, but I know a great many who go to work with the express purpose of making people happy. They do what they do out of love, which is the most important thing we possess.
