Usually at this time of the year, I would take the time to reflect and share my major accomplishments, failures, and emotions of the past year. While there have been a fair share of all of those in my life this year, I instead want to do this a little differently this year. I love to reflect back, but I am at a point right now where I am really focused on looking forward. With that, I would like to share with you what is ahead for Curtis in 2012.
As you know, I would be foolish to not throw out a disclaimer that all these plans are subject to change. Things in life don't always follow plan. This is especially true in my life, so keep in mind things could change, but it is going to take some pretty big factors to change the plan.
I believe that each of us is full of potential and it is our responsibility to reach that potential and make positive change in this world. I am not reaching my potential and so I must change my circumstances. I have control.
And so it is with much thought and reflection that I have decided it is time for me to leave Florida and Walt Disney World.
This may come as a pretty big shock to many of you. I have put a lot of energy and effort into building a career here. The years I have spent with this company have been the greatest years of my life. Nothing will ever quite be as magical. I came out here, made my dreams come true, and it changed my life. Now the time has come for me to go chase new dreams. I know I have a lot to offer this world and I can't stop here. I've got big things ahead. I will never say my time with Disney is over forever, however, for the time being, this is it.
So where to?
Well I will be staying around until March. At that time I will be returning to Utah for a few weeks to see family and friends before my next journey. In April, I will be setting off to accomplish a dream I have had for a while. I will be going to Africa on a volunteer trip (with International Volunteer HQ). For two months, I will be teaching in local schools and helping at orphanages in Kenya. This is something I have been passionate about, but have never had the courage to just give up my time to do it. This will be a time for me to put all my selfish desires aside and focus on helping people who have struggles that make mine look like minor bumps in the road. I will be providing a lot more information about this in the coming weeks and months as I prepare to leave so please stay tuned. I may be asking for fundraising help as well. It's certainly not cheap to do this, but I had to just get over my excuses and do it. I can't sit here and claim to want to help the world but do nothing about it. It's time for me to contribute myself to the world.
After returning from Africa in June, I will be moving to California in what may be the riskiest thing I have ever done. I will have no job, no place to live, and no money. I have to follow my heart and mind though. The jobs I want and can excel at are there. It's where I need to be if I want to succeed in my career and make an impact. The ultimate goal will be to end up in the Bay Area, but I may start out somewhere else depending on how jobs and apartments go. From there, we will see.
So there you have it. 2012 is going to bring some big changes. I am terrified, but I am excited. I am unprepared, but I am ready.
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