What 366 Days at Disney Taught Me

This year I embarked on the most magical journey anyone could ever dream of; I got the opportunity to work at one of the biggest theme parks: Walt Disney World. I got to spend my days off playing in these parks and exploring what magic really is. I made new friends and met old ones that I watched growing up. I met my favourite Princess and a boy who will never grow up.

I rocked with Areosmith, went to the 5th dimension and lived to tell the tale, I found a yeti and survived all 3 mountains in the Kingdom. I became best friends with the dark side, and found a caring Muppet who I don't ever want to say goodbye to. I learned there is nothing funnier than an Australian saying "Aloha" over and over again, and that O'hana doesn't just include blood. I was taught that my imagination is all I need to defeat the evil and that "dreams come true". I joined a castle party and wished upon stars. I traveled all over the world and back in a day.

I learned what real friends are and was reminded that people come into our lives until we learn a lesson and then they leave. I learned that I'm stronger mentally then I was 2 years ago. I was reminded of my past and that it's exactly that - my past. I spent days in bed doing nothing and others trying to do everything. I was reminded of a child's innocence and their beliefs. I was reminded that not everyone is young at heart. I watched 5 year old cry at the sight of a mouse and 85 year olds cry as well. I helped make memories for families and in turn made my own.

I was reminded that even though I was where all the princes are, my Prince Charming was not and it's alright, but that doesn't mean I shouldn't be treated like a princess. I was reminded what it felt like to be wanted and what it should feel like to be someone's princess. I danced with characters and took stupid pictures. I've learned that its okay to be scared, worried and want to be back in my comfort zone. I've learned even though I'm 21, I still have lessons to learn and chances are if I'm smaller than you and we play fight; - I will end up covered in bruises. I learned even though it sucks, 6 weeks with someone is better then none.

This year I drove on the wrong side of the road in my belief, saw the water spin the other way, ask for chips meaning French Fries and be given a bag of chips. I left summer one day and arrived to winter on the exact same day. I've said "Crikey", "A dingo ate my baby", "Put another shrimp on the Barbie" and "That's not a knife, this is a knife" more then ever. I've eaten at a restaurant and been the most authentic Australian thing inside. I grew a weird liking for beer and broke the law. I went to dinners with my best friends and just talked for hours and other times sat in complete silence and it was okay. I learned all I need is a little bit of faith, trust and pixie dust.

I was taught that 16 hours on a plane is exhausting but it's possible to sleep. I was reminded I wasn't the best artist but I could always "Sketch Ya Later". I learned that no one says goodbye rather "See Ya Real Soon" and diamonds are not only a girls best friend but also a certain mouses. I once again learned that buses run late and I should always take the earlier where possible. I learned drinking before a shift and not sleeping may seem tempting but in reality I should've slept instead. I was reminded that 24 hours isn't a long time but it is possibly to squeeze in one more day every 4 years. I learned you will never be too old to go trick or treating and dress up or be too old to watch fireworks. I was reminded that promises made when I was younger were actually followed through unlike the promises that were made at 21.

I learned that distance no matter how small or great still sucks. I was reminded how a smile can light up a room and everyone will notice. I learned no matter how well or ill you may be it is all forgotten in the Kingdom. I learned no one is to old to see a princess and no one is too old to believe. I was reminded that a year is a long time and items can accumulate quickly. I was reminded how much I missed good fruit, veggies  and home cooked meals. I was reminded sleep is an important factor that everyone needs - but a 15 minute nap is almost as good. This year I was reminded that no matter where I was I was surrounded by people who loved me and were proud of me.

In the past 366 days I have spent at Walt Disney World I learned all of those lessons, but the most important one, the big one, the one I will never forget, the whole deal is this:

There are 24 hours in a day; 1440 minutes. That's 1440 reasons to smile, to make magic, to stop and take it all in. To remind yourself if all the beauty around you. That's 1440 reasons to love with all your heart, spend money you don't have, to take silly photographs, to miss someone. It's 1440 stars to wish on, reasons to believe and memories to be made. I was reminded this year that 366 days is a long time but it is also a very short time.

I was reminded to stop and just breathe this year, you can't control your future and you can't predict it, just sit back and enjoy the rollercoaster. When you get off you'll wish you could do it all over again.

Trust me.