Hey, Chaos Breaker,

Woo! I made it back yesterday evening with my husband and toddler son from an amazing 5-day trip to Orlando. And even though coming back in one piece is a win in itself, I’m super proud of how smoothly everything went.

Everyone says when you come back from Orlando, you "need a vacation from your vacation." Normally, I’d be right there with them, but this time felt different. Thanks to some efficient planning and time management, I actually feel refreshed.

Let me tell you about it…

A little background: I started my career working at Walt Disney World at what was then called MGM Studios (now Hollywood Studios). I was a tour guide on the Backlot Tour, delivering one of the longest scripts in all of Disney property.

Now, if you know me, you know I’m not an actor—although my alter ego loves to perform! Memorizing a 65-page script was no small feat for a college sophomore. I was part of the Disney College Program, and it was nothing short of a magical time in my life.

It was where I really found myself—my ambition, my dream of working for Walt Disney Studios, and some of my best friends for life (many of us are still super close nearly 20 years later). It was also where I found out who I wanted to be.

But that’s another Schweet Story for another time. (I’ll tell you all about my dream of being part of a film that would end up in the parks one day—it’s a full-circle moment, so stay tuned!)

The point is, I loved my time working in the parks. I was bitten by the Disney bug, and I always dreamed of bringing my family there someday.

Well, that dream came true this past weekend, and it was truly special. But it also wasn’t exactly how I thought it would feel, because so much has changed.

The highlights? We weren’t even planning to visit the parks on this trip, but when we found ourselves with a day and a half of free time before our main event, how could I not go to Epcot Food and Wine and Magic Kingdom? Right?

We indulged in the best cheese bread from Brazil, sipped drinks from France, savored beef from Belgium, and enjoyed beer from Germany—so good! We did all the classics: Finding Nemo, The Teacups, and got pictures with Pluto, Ariel, and Chip & Dale.

The cons? It was 90+ degrees, our first time with a stroller, and hardly any water refill stations. Plus, everything is run through the app now, so there was no escaping screen time.

The whole experience felt a bit…different. Not bad, just different. It’s no longer a “show up and go” kind of place—it’s scheduled, programmed, and even robotic at times. My son had a blast, my husband laughed hard at Mike’s Laugh Floor, and it was worth every moment—but it wasn’t quite the same magic I remembered.

So, what’s the takeaway here? Experiences change. The joy I felt working in the parks 18 years ago is still part of me, but the way I experienced Disney this time wasn’t what I’d always envisioned.

And honestly, that’s life. I remember being terrified of this one steep hill in my hometown—absolute terror. But when I visited years later, that same hill was laughably small. How was that even a thing?

Experiences that once seemed monumental, magical, or terrifying often shift when you revisit them. They’re reminders of how much we’ve grown, how our perspectives have evolved, and how our understanding of what matters changes over time.

Things never stay the same, and that’s both bittersweet and beautiful. If you’re in a joyful season, soak it all in—every laugh, every moment, every surprise. If you’re in a challenging one, keep going. Note your struggles, reflect on how far you’ve come, and know that this season won’t last forever. You are growing, and so is your story.

Life moves, evolves, and shapes us in ways we can’t always predict. So wherever you are, embrace the season. It’s all part of the journey.

Now, I want to hear from YOU!

** What’s something you used to love or fear that feels completely different now? How has your perspective on it changed over time?

** Have you revisited a place or moment from your past recently? How did the experience compare to what you remember?

** What is one area of your life where you’ve noticed the biggest shift in priorities or values? What led to that change?

Reply to this email, and perhaps your advice or response could be in next week's newsletter (first name only). I know we all have stories that can resonate with each other, so let's start connecting next week.