Pixie Dust to Paw Prints: Disney, Loss and the Toronto Chapter

Hi friends! As many of you know, I'm Emily, the writer behind this blog. First and most importantly, I want to express my gratitude to my friends and family, who have consistently fueled my creativity and supported me in chasing my dreams. This blog begins my journey in stepping my toes into the Creative Industries, and I will share my experiences with you along the way.

I currently reside in the vibrant city of Toronto, living alone with my Chihuahua, Moose. This blog was inspired by a transformative summer during which I learned to navigate life independently. I aim to inspire other young adult go-getters with big passions and provide insights into how to pursue them. Before sharing my past, which will be discussed in more detail in a future blog post, let's focus on the present and the journey that has brought us here.

Florida Dreams

Confession time: as a Disney fan, I initially feared my move to Florida because of the state I was in at the time. About a month before I was set to leave, doubts crept in, making me question my decision to spend three months in a different country with no one I know. In a moment of fun, my mom, Hilary, suggested, "Ask if you can bring Dug," one of my three rescue dogs that live with my mom. The possibility rekindled my excitement for moving. Two weeks before my departure, I received confirmation that Dug could join me as my emotional support.

The drive to Florida was a mix of nerves and anticipation. Once we crossed the state lines, we decided to pull over on the side of the road on Daytona Beach. A sense of relief washed over me as I felt the warm sand beneath my feet, the sun on my face, and the waves crashing. Little did I know that, at that moment, my life would change for the better. I was going to overcome challenges and the beginning of my journey to becoming the independent woman I aspired to be.

Settling into my new home posed the question, "How do we find friends?" Thankfully, having an adorable Chihuahua made that task much easier. In less than a week, I excitedly texted my mom, "I finally found my people, and I feel this is where I'm supposed to be." The summer unfolded with joy, "Disney Adulting," and meaningful connections are still cherished today, even at long distances.

Loss and Healing

On August 1, 2023, an unexpected and profound loss struck me deeply. I said goodbye to my dearest companion, Dug. The ache in my heart was immeasurable, and the void left by his absence seemed unfixable. Despite the heavy grief that weighed me down, I was at least living at the "Most magical place on earth," Walt Disney World. Surrounded by the allure of Disney's magic and supported by the warmth of compassionate fellow Disney Cast Members, the pain of losing Dug began to feel somewhat bearable. 

Dug, my cherished canine companion, had been more than a pet. He was my hero, especially in the aftermath of a traumatic event that had marked a significant chapter in my life. In a future blog post, I plan to delve deeply into the history of my journey with Dug, exploring his impact on my emotional well-being and personal growth. After Dug's passing, a remarkable amount of support emerged from unexpected followers, fellow Cast members, devoted family members, close friends, and even kind-hearted strangers. It was within this shared grief and empathy that the #HugYourDug movement was born. I used this hashtag to continue posting on Dug’s account, @Disneydugandem, sharing pictures of my friends and family’s pets to keep bringing smiles to people’s faces.

Return to Toronto

As my program concluded, I was returning to Toronto, marking a significant transition. This period was confusing for me, intensified by my mom and I moving out of our home for over ten years. The once-familiar surroundings were replaced by the challenge of adjusting to a new city, and being a further distance from my mom added a layer of complexity to this phase of change. I felt that I had no place to call home. Loneliness started to creep back into my mind, threatening my self-love and losing hope for my independent journey.

However, amidst the uncertainty, a remarkable turn of events unfolded. After Dug's passing, I discovered a silver lining. I connected with a breeder who welcomed me into her home and introduced me to her new litter, born on July 1, 2023, Canada Day. I never expected to be taking home a puppy a couple of months later. Moose, a new canine companion, became a beacon of light in this new period of my life. His arrival not only filled the void left by Dug but also brought a renewed sense of joy and companionship, helping to relieve the loneliness that had started to settle in. Moose's presence became a source of comfort, helping in my ongoing journey of self-discovery and resilience.

Moose's Arrival

Moose's entrance into the city brought immense joy to me and anyone else who has had the opportunity to snuggle him. His energy and playful demeanour have been a joyful distraction for myself and my friends, or Moose’s so-called “aunties.” He has shown love to my friends and has the magical ability to brighten the days of strangers of all demographics. Moose swiftly became a symbol of happiness within our community. His presence and moving into our studio apartment were fresh air. The loneliness I used to feel being in a vast city changed as Moose's boundless enthusiasm became a source of daily compassion.

In a more personal sense, Moose's arrival was a turning point for me. Interacting with him and witnessing the positive impact he has on others became what revitalized my spirit. In the wake of recent challenges and transitions, Moose's companionship relieved me and my friends and family, who observed a noticeable shift in my overall well-being. His presence has emphasized the transformative power of connection and the joy found in a loyal canine companionship, or whatever you find brings you emotional support.

Lessons and Transformations

This year has been a chapter in my life I will always return to, marked by the profound realization that advocating for yourself and fostering self-love are essential to achieving successful independence. Embracing this newfound understanding has empowered me to navigate challenges with resilience and confidence, making baby steps toward personal growth and fulfillment. It has been a journey of self-empowerment, where learning to assert my needs and embracing self-love have become guiding principles in pursuing a fulfilling life.

Meeting individuals who accepted me for who I am has been my primary source of support, allowing me to spread my wings without the weight of societal expectations. The freedom to be authentic and unapologetically myself has been liberating, creating a space where personal growth and exploration thrive. In these discoveries, I found that home is not confined to a physical place but resides within myself and those I love. Surrounded by loved ones in a safe and nurturing environment, I've understood proper security and a sense of belonging from within, offering a foundation from which I can confidently face the world.

Looking Ahead

In the forthcoming blog posts, stay tuned for my experiences, reflections, and the continual lessons learned of self-discovery. Through these posts, I aim to support other young adults to step into personal growth, resilience, and the pursuit of passion. Each post will share my evolving story and invite you to join me in exploring the challenges and victories that shape our lives.

Furthermore, I invite you, friends, to actively engage in this shared exploration. Your thoughts, insights, and experiences contribute to discovering who we are in this transitional stage of our lives as young adults. This blog will focus on becoming a dynamic conversation where we learn from each other, offer support, and find inspiration in the shared journey of life's twists and turns. Together, we can foster a community that uplifts, relates, and inspires, creating a space where our shared wisdom of diverse experiences becomes a guiding light for all.

Closing Remarks

In conclusion, I emphasize my gratitude for the experiences that have shaped my journey, with special acknowledgments to my dear companion, Dug, and the next chapter brought to you by Moose. Each experience, whether marked by success or disappointment, has contributed to my life, and I am deeply thankful for the lessons, resilience, and growth that have come along with them.

As I navigate the twists and turns of my journey and continue to share my ideas with you, I want to express my appreciation for your presence on this adventure. Your engagement, support, and shared reflections make this journey all the more meaningful. Together, let us continue to explore the endless possibilities of self-discovery and embrace the collective wisdom that emerges from our shared experiences.

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South Drive Memories, and Toronto Dreams: A Thank You Letter to Mom