"When I was a little girl I used to read fairy tales. In fairy tales you meet prince charming and he's everything you ever wanted. In fairy tales the bad guy is always wearing a black cape so you always know who he is." - Taylor Swift
In fairy tales, the Princess doesn't have to worry about making the right decisions or choosing the right career path and she certainly doesn't question her direction in life. In fairy tales the story line is simple - Meet man of your dreams, fall madly in love and occassionally break into song whilst dancing through a forest.. (There's always a forest in a fairy tale).
Now, I realise that it would be terribly naive of me to believe that real life is as perfect as a fairy tale, but I must admit that it has been difficult to accept that life does not magically become 'happily ever after' the moment you say 'I Do'.
In fact lately I have found myself analysing the possibilities in my life since my story took a swift turn following a very sudden 'I Don't'.
The 'D-Word' doesn't exist in fairy tales. Princesses don't have to divide up the furniture and sell their castle. And admittedly, these are two things I never would have imagined myself doing, which gets me thinking about where I thought I would be in my life in my mid-20's. (Here's a hint : Separated from my husband was never on the list).
Many of my friends have reached their mid-20's and decided it's time to settle down. Some are engaged to be married and others have started their own families. And here I am writing my own fairy tale, which starts well after most stories end.
The question now is what will happen in the next chapter? Where will the next scene be set? The Princesses in traditional fairy tales didn't have to worry about their careers or their life decisions, but the uncertainty is what makes life exciting. I'm living my own 'Choose Your Own Adventure'.
And, I guess I need to remind myself that not all fairy tales are perfect.. I mean, Snow White lived in a house with seven men and Sleeping Beauty married a perfect stranger just because he kissed her while she was asleep.
But Taylor Swift is right - It would be really helpful if the bad guys in real life wore a cape, so you knew to stay away from them...
xx
oh so true. Don't be hung up on what your fairytale SHOULD be - make your own, seems as though your having much more fun making up your own anyway xx
ReplyDeleteWhat a beautiful & thoughtful post Andie! Lets be honest - None of us thought that you would be living your own Choose Your Own Adventure - But How Exciting!!!!!!!
ReplyDeleteNo matter where your next chapter takes you, just know that you will, as always, be fabulous!! Do what makes you Happy babe <3 xox