“If you can dream it, you can do it.” – Walt Disney
We always read
these motivational quotes and think that they are just “pie in the sky” kind of BS. Or on the flip side, that by repeating mantras and actually believing in these quotes makes something come true. My beliefs usually fall somewhere in the middle.
Walt Disney’s words have always meant so much to me as he is proof that anything is possible. We see so much through the World of Disney – they are this fierce combination of wonderment, impeccable customer service, innovation and business. If Walt
could create this magical universe, certainly we could dream and do whatever large or small goals we set out to achieve. He was just a man with a dream and a man who took action despite the naysayers.
For me personally, that dream became a reality in May 2007 when I finally launched something I had thought about for many years . . . Women Inspiring Women. I had a vision of creating a community for women where they could spread their wings, share their hopes, dreams and aspirations,
receive support, have some fun, be vulnerable and learn a little bit along the way – to realize that when the right people get together, magic happens!
Never did I imagine, however, that what started out as a small gathering in the Lakes Region would bloom into the largest organization of its kind in New Hampshire in a very short period of time. Words cannot express my profound appreciation for all the love and support I have received. My life has been touched in more ways that I can even
begin to express. When reflecting on the journey over the past ten years, I am immediately overcome with strong emotions. Blessed, humbled, honored, grateful, touched, loved – all describe how I am feeling. On a personal level, my life has been turned upside down with unimaginable grief, yet significant growth and transformation. My WIW community got me through it and those friendships will last for a lifetime.
A few things I have learned:
We dream. We take steps. Those steps
become leaps. We trip and fall but we get up and dust ourselves off. We get comfortable with the concept of being uncomfortable. We push ourselves beyond our perceived limits. We second guess our abilities. We get up every day and attempt to kick ass. Some days it is our own ass that gets kicked.
In ten years, WIW is different. I’m different. You are different. But we are in this together. The future is extremely bright for all of us, and I cannot wait to see
what’s in store for each and every one of you. I know with us all side by side, there is nothing that we can’t achieve.
So, girlfriends, if you can dream it, you can do it. If you don’t believe that, let me know and I will grab you by the hand and help you. And there is a whole tribe of fabulous women to be there for you, too. It’s called Women Inspiring Women.
Hugs and gratitude, Leslie Sturgeon, WIW Founder
Please join us for our anniversary celebration on
Thursday, May 25, 2017 at Chase House Inn in Meredith. Head over to our “events” tab for full details.
Leslie Sturgeon is the founder of Women Inspiring Women, and has been described as a reformed shy girl, a serial entrepreneur, a tireless leader of women in New Hampshire, a crazy dog lover and as someone who tackles life’s challenges head on with a positive attitude. She has spent her life learning about herself, taking massive action outside of her comfort zone and lived to talk about it. Leslie has “been there” and continues to transform into the best version of herself right
along side you. She lives life without regret while embracing today and overflowing with excitement about what is yet to come. Leslie also likes girl talk and chocolate and laughing so hard she snorts or pees (sometimes both simultaneously).
You’ve probably heard the quote “If you can dream it, you can do it.” This quote is often credited to Walt Disney. Even the Walt Disney Company has associated the quote to the late Walt Disney, but did he actually say these famous words?
No, Walt Disney does not appear to have said “If you can dream it, you can do it,” during his lifetime. Though it sounds like something he would have said, the quote has been credited
incorrectly over the years.
Late Disney Archivist Dave Smith confirmed that the quote was not said by Walt Disney. In fact, Imagineer Tom Fitzgerald is likely the true originator of the quote in Disney lore. Fitzgerald reportedly wrote the iconic line for Epcot’s former attraction Horizons that opened in 1983.
D23 covered the topic when remembering Smith:
“He researched and responded
to every guest letter or email as soon as he could, and his staff was only honored to help. In the case of his ‘Ask Dave’ questions, Dave’s answers would be compiled and published later (originally in Disney Channel Magazine and eventually into books like Disney Trivia From the Vault and Disney Facts Revealed from Disney Editions). Other puzzling questions included ‘Did Walt Disney actually say, ‘If you can dream it, you can do it’?’ (we found no record of Walt saying this).”
The
Horizons theme song uses a variation of “if you can dream it, you can do it,” multiple times. You can listen to it below.
Unfortunately, the Horizons pavilion was closed to guests in 1999 and demolished. Its legacy lives on
with older Disney fans but has slipped out of the mindset of modern guests. Today, Mission: SPACE sits on the former site of Horizons.
As time moves on from Horizons, the origin of the “If you can dream it, you can do it,” quote gets more convoluted. Almost every online resource cites Walt Disney with the quote despite evidence pointing to the contrary. Maybe it’s just easier to say “Walt Disney” on decals and stickers rather than “Horizons” or “Fitzgerald.”
Walt Disney has numerous
positive and uplifting quotes to his name. Unfortunately, “if you can dream it, you can do it,” does not appear to be one of them.
David has been writing about Disney since 2018. He founded Notes from Neverland as an outlet to express his love for all things Disney, including Walt Disney World, Disneyland and Disney Cruise Line. Join us for news, reviews and more!
Did Walt Disney really say if you can dream it you can do it?
No, Walt Disney does not appear to have said “If you can dream it, you can do it,” during his lifetime. Though it sounds like something he would have said, the quote has been credited incorrectly over the years. Late Disney Archivist Dave Smith confirmed that the quote was not said by Walt Disney.
What is Walt Disney's most famous quote?
Walt Disney quotes.
"All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.".
"It's kind of fun to do the impossible.".
"When you're curious, you find lots of interesting things to do.".
“Laughter is timeless, imagination has no age, dreams are forever.”.
