Fairy Tales, Happy Endings & Princesses

"If a child is to keep his inborn sense of wonder, he needs the companionship of at least one adult who can share it, rediscovering with him the joy, excitement, and mystery of the world we live in.”

 - Rachel Carson

I found that quote yesterday and it really resonated with me - it's so true.

I can't imagine anything more exciting than watching a child's face light up as they open their presents from Santa, or after they lose their first tooth and the Tooth Fairy makes an appearance, or even when they meet their favorite Disney princess!

Several  years ago, I told my favorite 4-year old, Emma, that I had a magic bottle and if you open it and sniff inside, it makes you happy. So one afternoon when she and her dad had a disagreement, she stormed upstairs to my apartment, opened the bottle, sniffed it and said "yeah, you're right, that stuff makes me happy again" hahaha.  See, there's no harm in using a little imagination now and then!

I've always loved children, as far back as I can remember.  I wanted to set up a "Babysitters Club" with my friends - it was really just me and my sister, Hilary though. We made up "Kid Kits" to take with us babysitting - they were old 5 gallon plastic ice cream tubs full of chalk, crayons, paper, scissors, string, etc. We brought the fun!

I appreciate all the innocent questions that kids ask, too. Or when my cousin, Ben was learning opposites, and he happened to mention "skinny" (and point to a man) and "fat" (then point to a woman) in front of us at the grocery store.  Those awkward, filterless moments always bring a smile to my face. Once the awkwardness has passed, of course.

I'd like to think that part of my reason here on earth is to help kids keep their childlike innocence and fun.  I've always been able to really relate to kids - and I hope that continues for the rest of my life. Maybe it's because I choose to live my life with that same joy, excitement and mystery that they have?

Whatever the reasoning, I choose to live my life with some young qualities:

• I believe that people are innately good
• I believe in Santa, the Tooth Fairy, etc
• I believe in love and miracles
• I believe that if you work hard enough, anything is possible
• And dreams do come true

My family calls it my "princess world" - I just think that those things help me stay positive and happy.

How could I NOT use this picture with Cinderalla's carriage?!

Today when I was at the Wedding Clickers Bridal Show, I walked around handing out Koda Bridal postcards to help generate some business for the gorgeous gowns.  As I was walking, I overheard a little girl say "look Mom, it's a real life princess"!

I know I'm not really one obviously, but in that moment, I was - TO HER!
I crouched down and waved hello. She walked over to me while still holding her mom's hand and said "Hello, are you a princess"?  I asked her if she wanted to try my tiara crown on - she feverishly nodded yes. I took it off and put it on her head and she said "Wow, I'm so pretty"!

It was such a cute moment and one that put the crazy/hectic day in perspective for me.  In the midst of everything bridal and beauty, here was this little girl who believed in fairy tales, happy endings and princesses. 

Today, I helped her still believe in that.

After all, isn't that what we're all really after (even if we don't admit it)?! 

Okay, I admit it - I believe in fairy tales, happy endings and princesses.  There, that didn't hurt at all.
Whether it's a "happy bottle", a Santa story, a toothless wonder, or your favorite princess - help another child believe in themselves and their dreams.  It just takes a moment of your time to change someone's life forever. 

I wonder if Emma still remembers the happy bottle 8 years later?