A Happy Ever After

We’ve all heard the stories, often beginning with “Once upon a time” and ending with “happily ever after”, stories that are often a part of every child’s life, including mine.  Yet one must not forget the middle, without the middle there is no “Once upon a time” or “happily ever after”, the lessons of the middle are more than just words on paper or a simple child’s fairy tale, they contain lessons that we can all learn from if put into practice in our lives.

Beware the evil queen and her huntsman, she can’t handle the truth and often uses her huntsman to do her evil deeds. She’ll never put others first yet will do whatever it takes to put herself first, on a pedestal she does not deserve.  The only bright spot is that at times some of the huntsmen may see the light and despite the cost, despite the danger, their good shines through.

Surround yourself with people who love you, who will protect you, as the seven dwarves surrounded Snow White. Keep in mind we are all different and each of us will bring a different quality to the table. Remember happiness is not measured by where you dwell, the smallest cottage may contain more love and warmth than the grandest castle.

Remember if something is too good to be true, the price in the long run may be too costly, the consequences of making a deal with Rumpelstiltskin is no deal at all.

No matter how badly the wicked stepmother and step-sisters treat us it does not justify our behavior imitating theirs. Treat people how you want to be treated, with kindness and respect (when earned).

At times there may be more than just a pea keeping you awake at night. The choices you make, the consequences you accept, will set you free as long as your choices are made with no what if’s and you let honesty be your biggest motivator. Nothing is ever gained from lying.

Following the Pied Piper blindly can have devastating consequences, there are always two sides to a story and accepting anything at face value without all the facts may lead you away from what you truly love and believe in.  Consider the collateral damage; your actions may not just impact you but the ones you love.

What’s on the outside isn’t always an accurate measure of what’s on the inside, as demonstrated by the Emperor. Listen to the voice of innocence because it will not tell you what you want to hear but what is true because a lie will always be a lie and has no value.

The Frog-Prince taught us the value of keeping one’s word, promises should never be broken and once again what one sees on the outside isn’t always what’s on the inside. Beauty is more than skin deep; let your inner beauty shine.

Greed (a selfish and excessive desire for more of something than is needed) never results in good, Ali Baba’s brother and the forty thieves paid the ultimate price for their greed. When your purpose is not pure, when selfishness and a since of entitlement outweigh what you’ve earned, or deserve, there may not be a happily ever after.

Just like the boy who cried wolf lying has its consequences, if you always lie, when you tell the truth nobody will listen.

You don’t always need someone else to rescue you; you don’t need to be a damsel in distress waiting for Prince Charming or a fairy godmother to make everything right.  For the most part you will be able to rescue yourself simply by the choices you make.

Think of others first, in doing so you may reap more than you desire. Pay it forward as the Elves and the Shoemaker did, one good deed does deserve another.

And most importantly, realize that “happily ever after” doesn’t just happen, every day we make choices that have an impact on our happily ever after. Keep an open mind, realize that my happily ever after may not be the same as your happily ever after. It’s critical that one does not lose sight of what they do have over what they desire to have, as they say, “A bird in the hand is worth two in the bush.” Make the choices that will add more than just monetary value to your life, and when it’s all said and done become a hero, not a villain.