Disney Social Media Moms Conference!

"How do you get invited to Disney Social Media Moms Conference?". To answer this in a nutshell, I have no idea but I was given an invitation to this coveted event. When I first saw the email I thought it was reminder to renew my Disney Membership, when I opened it and realized it was for Disney SMMC, I started to cry, my little one asked me if I was "ok"? I explained to him that mamma got invited to a very special event and that afterwards he'll go to Disneyland with me. All his toddler ears heard was “Disneyland” and was ecstatic!

Arriving at Disney's Paradise Pier Hotel was dream like, the signs for Disney SMMC let us to our magical path of checking in to the biggest event ever. The energy in our room was combustible, being surrounded with strong and influential women brings on a sense of, "I can do this", "I've got this". Woman who understand that we rise by lifting others, supporting one another on our journeys, the environment was filled with gratitude and love. Our day was sprinkled with surprises that blew us away. Our first guest speaker was Tiffani Amber Thiessen who I've watched growing up on TV, when she was on Saved By the Bell then 90210.

Tiffany spoke about finding a balance in our lives, it's ok to be nervous when you've never been in a certain situation. Most importantly what her mother instilled in her so she wouldn’t be broken down by disappointment, "you won't get all the projects you set out for and that's ok". This one statement is profound, especially in an era where immediate gratification and praise is handed down and when something isn't received, our immediate reaction leaves us questioning ourselves and feeling insecure. Being let down is part of life, that's what helps us grow, if we got everything we wanted we'd lose appreciation for our progress. Life comes at us, it's important to slow down and enjoy it, be thankful and humble that we've been given this opportunity to flourish. You can find Tiffani on her cooking show, Dinner at Tiffani’s.

Our next guest, my personal favorite, meteorologist from ABC7 Good Morning America Ginger Zee! I remember when she got hired on, I was so proud of her, beautiful, smart and confident. I called it right, she spoke with strength, stamina and passion. When you love what you do, it's not a job it's part of who you are, your identity. As a new mom she spoke of the guilt of leaving her little one behind at home for work. Knowing you have someone at home who supports you, nurtures your soul and loves your family is key! Family is different for everyone, for Ginger it's her husband, knowing her little munchkin is safe at home, she's able to do what she does on a daily basis. Her success isn't measured by her pay check, it's measured by the love and support that is surrounding her. It's perfectly normal for moms to feel guilt when we leave the little ones behind to pursue a career, event, self-care, don't beat yourself up. If we don't take care of what we need to, you won't be happy, guess what, if mom isn't happy nobody's happy. So take the time for you, you are important.

We were all given a sneak peak of Moana that's hitting theaters Thanksgiving weekend. This deserves a whole post on its own, it’s such a lovely story I don’t want it to get lost. Keep an eye out for MOANA!

Our day wrapped up with Mickey Mouse himself sending us off with a cheerful goodbye, hugs and in my case, a stolen a kiss. I'm eternally grateful and humbled that I was invited to such a prestigious event at Disney, I still get emotional thinking about it. Being with all these fabulous woman and most importantly the two women who spearheaded the conference were just remarkable.

My magical day at the Happiest place on earth was not over, quite the opposite, it had just begun. We were given family passes to Disneyland and I was lucky enough to be able to use mine. Went to pick up my little one, my dad and we headed to Disneyland. What an experience to say the least, my dad hasn't been to Disneyland in 35+years, my son has never stayed up past 8pm and that night he stayed up for the Electric parade and Fireworks. I figured summer is wrapping up, he's never seen the parade or fireworks so this is his moment. He was enamored with the lights, blown away by the “big bang” fireworks show as he calls it. To top it all off, I was given tickets for Frozen Live at The Hyperion, this show is spectacular, it was riveting to say the least, even my dad loved the show. Disney we love you and thank you for everything!!!!

~Our heritage and ideals, our code and standards - the things we live by and teach our children - are preserved or diminished by how freely we exchange ideas and feelings. Walt Disney