Fairy tales seem to be the buzz this television season with two new shows aimed at adults airing this week. I have to admit, I really enjoyed watching "Once Upon a Time" at 8pm on ABC Sunday night and I'm really looking forward to "Grimm" on NBC at 9pm Friday night. Both combine fantasy and reality using popular fairy tale characters.
Interesting that fairy tales were invented as a way to teach a lesson and warn children about poor behavior (if you don't stay on the path and go straight to Grandma's, something bad will happen to you) and originally were very graphic and dark. Even many of Disney's stories are relatively unsettling (think of how many parental figures die in their movies - "The Lion King", "Bambi", "Finding Nemo", etc). As an adult, I watch these films and shudder - I was horrified at what happened to poor Nemo's mother! But kids don't seem to notice too much because resilience and self-reliance is the main theme. If only life were that easy. The important thing is that many of these tales give us hope, something to hold onto in our darkest hour.
Empowering kids and ourselves makes a difference. There are many days that I have to be reminded, "You can do this!" because everything can be so overwhelming. I wish I had a magical fairy buzzing in my ear giving me hints on how to succeed, words of encouragement, and maybe make me a fabulous outfit or two. Instead, we rely on family, friends, and even therapists for reassurance.
Our fast-paced world can gobble you up and spit you out in five seconds - if you let it. The key is to view your life as a tale - know when your being pursued by the Big Bad Wolf (for example, your boss) and figure out how to outsmart him/her or move on, just like you learned when you were younger. I make it a habit to read childrens' books as an adult, especially when I need a little inspiration, and I often recommend them to my clients. We all have time for a five-minute story. Viewing your life from a different perspective and knowing when you need to journey to the next new chapter is a smart way to stay sane.
Situations may not always end as we may have wanted - but consider these the end to a chapter in your life and begin the next part of your story. Don't give up hope -- Prince or Princess Charming may be right around the corner (and may even have a familiar face). May your Ever After be happy yet and full of possibilities.
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