DL-music/movies/park - is it your comfort food?

[tnicnat]

When I was growing up listening to the Beatles was like my saving grace - it was like my comfort food - no matter what if I popped in a Beatle tape or put on a record (I sure just dated myself! LOL) it would make me feel better.

As I've gotten older my tastes have changed, the Beatles are still a slight comfort -

Now, as my mom fades in and out, she is terminally ill and I just found out last night from my dad that she is fading quickly, that lately cause of the refusal to face my fear I've turned to either work (I have my own business) to crowd my mind with facts/figures and filling orders......

and I've looked at Disney as my comfort food - feeling stressed, being upset, crying constantly (everything makes me cry - the news, tv shows, movies) that I listen to the park music more, I search for pictures of the park for my computer, I watch ride/parade/show videos more, and if I still lived by the park I would probably just go and sit in the hub to escape.

I'm wondering if I'm maybe going a little daft - I feel strange - I listen to disney music to escape, to feel better - I notice lately I started daydreaming a bit - that just started when my Mom started getting sicker.......

I guess I want to know that I'm NOT strange, that there is a group of us that feels that Disney is really magic and can take fears and sadness away.....

[Piglet]

Disney IS the magic that can take us away from all the hard times and stress in our lives. You are not alone in the way you feel. When I get stressed, I watch my home videos of Disneyland or listen to my CD of music from the park, or watch all the awesome ride videos on this site. It helps me cope with the stress and sometimes can minimize it. I am so sorry for what you're going through with your Mom. I cannot imagine anything more painful than losing a parent. My prayers are with you right now.

[Grim Grinning Ghost]

tnicnat,
Your definately not alone. I listen to VF radio on Live365 while I'm at work to try and numb the fact that I'm at work. we're different in the fact that you enjoy working and I would rather be golfing, the thing that we have in common is the need to escape the moment. Listening to D-music and sounds, for me, is a constant reminder that there is a place where happiness is the order of the day. It reminds me of the great times I have when I hear the music and sounds live and in person. To some people this is strange, but these are the same people who usually cannot find inner peace...... the laughs on them. All you have to do is remember the magic and all the stresses and worries will melt away.

[tnicnat]

Not only telling my boss that I might need to go to CA soon - and I start crying, I read replies and I start to cry - geez I'm one big sob fest here!

I agree with you both (I have to call you Piglet - geez I need some names here!! LOL)

It's an escape - actually now I have D-Magic radio on listening to Circle of Life - talk about appropriate - sheesh!

Ghost - I enjoy working MY business (I sell books) it's when I'm AT my other work that sustains my rent and utilities that I need the most umph - and tho I enjoy MY business, I'd rather be out scouting for inventory and the find of the century. (much like golfing - tho I used to go golfing twice a week-when I lived at the beach- and got pretty darn good too!)

[Grim Grinning Ghost]

Ahhh yes. Ya know, your a pretty strong person to realize all you need is a trip to Disneyland during these times. I respect that a lot! I mean, some people turn to other things that can literally kill them. Get yourself over to Disneyland soon! I'm sure the boss will understand. (get youself a round of golf in also .. hehehe talk about an escape!) Disneyland AND Golf ?!? .... ahhhhh the thought alone brings a smile to my face :smile:
-Mike ;)

[Piglet]

tnicnat,
Your definately not alone. I listen to VF radio on Live365 while I'm at work to try and numb the fact that I'm at work. we're different in the fact that you enjoy working and I would rather be golfing, the thing that we have in common is the need to escape the moment. Listening to D-music and sounds, for me, is a constant reminder that there is a place where happiness is the order of the day. It reminds me of the great times I have when I hear the music and sounds live and in person. To some people this is strange, but these are the same people who usually cannot find inner peace...... the laughs on them. All you have to do is remember the magic and all the stresses and worries will melt away.
Boy you are so right about the inner peace. Some people just cannot find it and you can literally see them running from themselves. By the way, on the boards I am Piglet but my real name is Shannon =)

[Lion Sleeps Tonight]

I never really thought about it that way, but yeah I do think it's a comfort food for my mind. When I'm down and out, all it takes is an attraction song to perk me up at least a bit. Even more is when I'm in the park, everything just changes for the better(most times). I guess that's the magic coming through.

Once on my way to Disneyland, my friend and I were in a car crash on I5 just 20 min away from Anaheim. My friend had it worse than I did and had to be taken to the ER. I fortunately walked away from the crash. We spent a total of about 5 1/2 hours in the hospital.

After those 5 1/2hours, my friend and I were standing outside the hospital in the early evening with our luggage basically stranded(the car was totaled). We aren't from So Cal, and it was only us two and we didn't know anyone from there. We didn't even know where in LA county we were.

We had the option of taking a taxi to the airport, purchase tickets and to go home. Or we could take the taxi to the hotel, stay the night and wait for our parents to drive down from SF to pick us up. Being the naive Disney fans we are, we opted to remain in Disneyland for the entire trip, but to take it easy.

So that night, after a horrific car crash, being really tired from waiting and being examined in the hospital and in somewhat a shaken state, we just had time for one thing. We rushed to DCA for the Electrical Parade. When the intro came on -I think for the first time at DLR- I cried.

Blah, I hate telling that story. But I'm glad that we stayed at Disneyland; it had a calming effect for the both of us.

[kates4u]

First of all I'm sorry about your mother...I will pray for you and your family. I feel the same way about Disneyland. Whenever I'm stressed or anxious I envision my "happy place" that literally is the happiest place on earth. I almost always feel better after I think about Disneyland or watch videos or listen to my soundtracks. People might think we are crazy but I think it's what KEEPS me from GETTING crazy!

[sorcerormickey]

First off ll I am very sorry to hear about your mother and my best wishes go out to you. What I am about to say maybe a little strong so just hang with me. Ok here goes

In this time of great mourning it is ok to cry:( it is natural. Just one thing that you need to remeber and keep asking yourself is. What would my Mother want me to do. Would she want me to cry my eyes out for months or would she want me to cry for a short period of time and then get back to a normal routine of work. I know how tough it is to lose a reliative close to you. I had the unfortunate exprience of losing so far 2 realtive:(. I was to young to remember my Aunt very much but my Grandfather death really hit me hard. He died the day before my birthday some odd years ago I think in 2002 or 2003. He had to go in for surgery and unfortunately in the surgery he passed away. None of use were expecting it so it was a huge shock to atleast me and my mom and some of my siblings:p It took a little bit of time to get over but it helped knowing that he did passed away in his sleep and was in no pain. But I couldn't for a week get over the fact that he was gone:( Man that was a hard pharagraph to right. So my advice to you in the time of great sorrow it to be remember the person but to try to move on. Yay I know that it is hard to do. But yah finding your inner peace is really helpfull and Disney Music and friends are a good way to achieve that . Disney Music and Disneyland can be a escape for somepeople from reality

[HiddenMickey]

Disneyland is def. one of my comfort foods. I will say this though: when I'm in the park I'm literally out of reality. It's always a bummer to leave and get back to real life, hence the temporary withdrawal of wanting to go back.

[tnicnat]

Well, Disney has been my comfort food - my mother passed away this past Monday after being in a coma for 5 days - my brothers, Dad and I kept vigil at her bedside during that 5 days, we were there when she passed away. I'm going back this weekend for her memorial

I WILL be going to downtown disney for about an hour, to sit, listen to music, look at stuff - I'll probably cry - but to go look around, will be a comfort food - who knows I might sit in the middle of the two lands and take turns looking (I don't have a pass to go into the parks anymore and to go in for an hour or two buying a ticket wouldn't work for me this time)

Thanks all for posting stuff that makes me smile

[Piglet]

I am so, so sorry about your Mom. I hope all your memories of the good times you had with her are a source of comfort to you right now. Hopefully soon, you and the rest of your family can make a visit to Disneyland together--in her memory. God Bless.

[diznyfreak]

I'm really sorry to hear about your mom, may she rest in peace. Please do not feel as if you are going daft...I posted a thread a couple of weeks ago when we got back from a Disney trip because I could not stop crying, thinking about Disney, and playing my songs (I bought the 50th CD and have the Fantasmic CD). My husband thinks I am loony because he does not share my passion for all things Disney, but it makes me feel better than anything when I am depressed or happy to listen to Disney music, watch the films, and watch the ride and parade videos on VF. Thank goodness for VF, or I would be lost. And raise your Mickey Mouse ears for all us Disney fans out here that know what it is like to have a Disney obsession...I can think of no better comfort food than that!!! :smile:

[wdwnut4life]

I lost someone July 3rd & it was very hard on my family & I, esp my mom & I b/c she helped raise both of us (she was 79). My friend (her granddaughter is having a baby named for her grandfather who passed away in 1994-Max-& it's due November 5th, Ruby (who will rest in peace) & my mom have the same b-day & that will be out 1st holidays w/out Ruby. So Disney music always makes me feel happy, I have lost of memories of WDW/Disneyland, Ruby, my family, friends, & even have a playlist on my iPod dedicated to Ruby.

wdwnut4life
I'm very sorry about your mother & anyone else that we've lost who is lookin' down on us

[wdwnut4life]

Thanks. Good thing we have our memories of a happy time. Now we have enough bad stuff going on in the world today. God bless America & our troops! We're the best country on earth! :)

[CoryTheRaven]

I don't think it's comfort food in the sense of someone dying, but I spend an awful lot of time escape back into music and thoughts of DL.

In fact, with the way my job is, I sometimes get extended periods of time in which I basically just dissociate from myself. A superficial part of me is present enough to do the task, but a deeper part of me is absent.

The last time that happened, I was reliving memories from my last trip in rather vivid detail... pretty sweet.

[behindtheseHAZELeyes]

I defintely think its my comfort food. Cant get enough of it.

[DisneyTinkfan86]

Listening to Disneyland music is my comfort food.:D
But then again Disney itself has always been my confort food since I was 2 and I really needed Disney music and movies when I was at the hospital waiting for my new heart at the age of 4.

[Tigris]

I've never really thought of it that way, but sometimes if I watch those classic disney movies - it makes me happy and put's my sorrow behind , but other than that I would say that Disney is just a great part of my life that I love to have a part of me ;)

[toratorakisa]

Firstly, tnicnat, may God heal your family at this trying time. I truly hope that the pain will heal quickly--not that you'll forget, but that you'll feel better soon. I'll definitely keep you in my prayers right now.

And I think that you should take your Disneyland trip soon. When I was facing my roughest time last year, I turned to God for healing and Disney for entertainment. I hope that you may be able to do the same.

Update us often on how you're doing and let us know if you'll be visiting the park sometime soon. Maybe you can meet up with another VFer and have a good time.

God bless.

[wdwnut4life]

I do the same thing, think of my previous trips 2 WDW & Disneyland, I need 2 find some pictures from both places. Happy TGIF y'all! I'm going out this afternoon & leaving for Minneapolis Monday so I won't be online next week. I hope 2 find a computer to check in w/y'all or I'll wait til I return! :)

[crystaltink]

My heart and blessings go out to you and your family. No, I don't find this odd at all. Actually, my 18 year old brother passed away two years ago unexpectedly. We shared so many years of memories there, that I couldn't trade for any amount of money in the world. Disney, although the experience is now different for me since I can't share it with my brother anymore, it brings me the happiness I want. When I have times that I feel I'm not here and almost in a different zone. That place brings me back to where everything happy that we shared as kids was. My last vacation with him was there for my 23rd birthday. I've been there once since then, and I'll admit it was rough for me, and I did shed some tears walking around the park and remembering. But not all of the tears were in sadness, most of them were tears of joy, remembering all the love and memories and great times we had. So even if she's still around and it provides you that comfort, that's wonderful! and I'm willing to believe it will still be that comfort for you even after she makes her way to heaven. For some people, Disneyland is just more than a theme park, it's a source of inner happiness and peace.

[JayandSara]

I'll go to Disneyland whenever I'm feeling down and it actually helps me forget what's going on outside the gates for a few hours. I wish I knew what it was that makes me feel like that.