Life Lessons:
Pilar Clark
Hi, Everyone! With Rene hosting the 2013 Disney Social Media Moms Celebration in Orlando, we wanted to try something a little different. We asked the moms and dads heading down to the conference May 9-12 to answer our Life Lessons questions with a Disney twist, of course. Like the GEMS they are, they took to the task. We will be running their answers in the regular Life Lessons slot. Oh, and don’t worry. You still have a chance to share. Just email Ella and she will get the information to you. Now, we present our Disney Social Media Mom of the day, Pilar.
Are you happy at the moment?
That’s a loaded question. At my core, I’m sunshiney and glittery and puppy wrinkes kind of happy – I have two beautiful children, a lovely home and a husband dedicated to providing for us, but at the same time, I have a tendency to feel wistful from a professional standpoint.
If you could go back and say anything to your 16-year-old self now – what would it be?
Sixteen was a fun and confusing place to be. If I could, I would tell my younger self that sex and love aren’t mutually exclusive. One does not have to go with the other in order for you to feel close to someone. And, while there’s nothing wrong with sex (it’s fantastic!), you have to be mature enough mentally to understand some things that come with it.
What’s the most important thing you’ve learned this year?
The year is young yet, but I’m continuing to learn that there’s something kind of awesome in always believing that something wonderful is about to happen. Also, the world has never fallen apart because the beds aren’t made.
What do you most want to achieve in the next 12 months?
So much.
What’s your secret to happiness?
Traveling. Oh, how I love the travel. Think of me as Chocolat’s Vianne without Roux the sexy sidekick. No offense, husband.
What one ritual or practice keeps you grounded?
Blurring the line between work and play. It’s what reminds me how wonderful my children’s hair smells after they’ve been in the sunshine, and what drives me to achieve professionally, no matter how small the victory.
What’s your biggest regret?
Not studying abroad during college, though my parents encouraged me to do so. I was so focused on my apprenticeships and internships and getting straight A’s, that I lost sight of one of the things I love most in this world: travel.
What’s the most important lesson you’ve taught your kid(s)?
When you give, you truly live. And, while good things come to those who wait, good things also come to those who do.
What bad habit would you most like to change about yourself?
Letting myself get so overwhelmed by work and home that instead of tacking it all head on, I just don’t do anything at all.
Aside from motherhood and marriage what are you most proud of in your life?
Some of the amazing photographic opportunities I’ve had, including capturing the Duke and Duchess of Cambridge in Prince Edward Island (and meeting them!), photographing Skywalker Ranch and Lucasfilm’s Presidio Campus, being among the first to explore New Fantasyland, and photographing the cast of Twilight. Yes, yes, I like Twilight.
Who is your favorite Disney princess and what has she taught you about parenting?
Ariel, mainly because she taught me one very important thing I’ve held on to since I was a little girl: If you want something you’ve never had, then you have to do something you’ve never done.
What ten words best describe you?
Snarky, artsy, bohemian, nerd, driven, funny, wanderlust, Disneyfied, passionate, wordsmith.
Pilar Clark is a Chicago-based writer, social media strategist, and mother of two. She’s been quoted on Martha Stewart and BBC America’s websites regarding her love of coffee and 18th century wooden legs, and has a rather strong affinity for the Dowager Countess of Grantham; mainly her hats. You can find her on Twitter at @daspilar and @DisneySMMagic.
