a fairytale

once upon a time, there was a girl who always dreamt of bright lights and bigger and better things. "she has a bright future" everyone would say. "she's different. she really is going to BE something". the little girl didn't think much about it. and like every other little girl, she didn't want to be different. she just wanted to be like everyone else.

as time went on, the little girl realized that being different could actually be a good thing. but this realization didn't come easy. the little girl, with the love and support of her family and friends, learned not to take everything so seriously, and to do what your heart tells you. take all criticism like a grain of salt. and the little girl grew stronger and stronger into a confident young lady. this young lady was ready to take on the world on her own. she was ready for those dreams of bright lights and bigger and better things.

the young lady went off on her own. she found herself able to take care of herself for the first time, and to evaluate any bumps that came her way. she formed her own little family away from home, and pushed herself to do well while still allowing time for fun. but the dreams of the bright lights never faded, and she made a promise to herself to never give up no matter what.

the young lady finished that phase of her life, but can not seem to reach for the bright lights, no matter how hard she tries. sometimes she is so close that she can touch the flame. and other times the lights are so dim that she can't see what is ahead of her. for the first time, the young lady is having a hard time pushing forward because she has nothing to fall back on. she is stuck with so many choices, many of which just take her away from the bright lights. recently, there has been a block in the road, and the young lady has decided to take a detour. but no matter how long the detour takes, no matter what road this detour takes her, the young lady hopes that soon enough the detour will lead again to the bright lights and big dreams. after all, years ago she promised the little girl that she would never give up...

~annalisa