I have a thing for fairy tales. I'm sure it started when I was little. In fact, I couldn't tell you when it started because I have no memory of NOT loving the Disney princesses, not wanting my Prince Charming to fight off a dragon that was actually a witch, and not wanting to wear a crown at all times. I can sing you every song from just about every Princess movie (except Princess and the Frog. That movie sucked.). I can literally quote all of Beauty and the Beast (no joke, all of it. Line for line along with the movie...it's probably my most marketable skill). I even dyed my hair Ariel red about 6 months ago because it's something I've always wanted to do.
As I've gotten older, my taste in fairy tales have shifted just a little to the darker side of the stories. What were the original stories not the watered-down Disney versions? Like did you know that in the original story of Cinderella, her stepsisters cut off parts of their feet to get them to fit in the glass slipper? Yikes. And in the Little Mermaid, Ariel doesn't lose her voice, Ursula cuts out her tongue. Awesome right? Oh and she doesn't get to marry Prince Eric...he marries someone else. And she, as a human, watches him get married and then is so distraught, she jumps into the sea and drowns herself. Not exactly family friendly... And how about Sleeping Beauty...now THAT is disturbing. While she is sleeping from a prophesy, not a curse, she is raped and gives birth to twins. One of the babies sucks on her finger and it removes the flax keeping her asleep...not exactly the glorious awakening Disney gave her is it? I could go on for days about other stories, but you can google original versions of fairy tales if it interests you.
Now, I'm not here to tell you to stop watching Disney movies, or to stop reading fairy tales or anything like that. I love fairy tales. I have countless books on fairy tales and there is nothing I don't like about them. I love the original versions, the classics we all know, and new modern twists. (Once Upon a Time on ABC anyone?!)
Here's the point: I grew up (and I'm willing to bet that YOU grew up) being fed a healthy diet of fairy tales. Your prince will come, dreams do come true, whistle while you work, hakkuna matata and all that jazz. But the truth is that life isn't like a fairy tale. And that is a good thing. (Especially considering the original stories are gruesome and horrific!!) There is no fairy godmother, there are no magical mice and birds to clean your room (bummer), and there won't be a rich, handsome prince who fights fire and evil on his valiant steed to save your sorry butt after he sees you once from across the room. Let's be honest--that would be creepy. Dude, you don't know me. Who told you my name? Where did you get that horse? How did you know where I live? Why do you have a sword? What do you mean you killed a witch for me? No, I don't want to get on your horse actually, horses are terrifying. Why are you wearing a cape? Should be you wearing tights in this type of weather? I could go on, but you get the idea. Creepy.
Fairy tales are awesome. But that's just it. They are just fairy tales. If you live your life expecting to find yourself in a princess world, you are going to be disappointed. Our happily ever after doesn't come in this world. We are called to live here now and wait for the reward. Our path is not easy, but the reward is great. More on that later. And this time, I won't wait a month to post again! :-)
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