Once Upon a Time: A Truth About Happily Ever After

 I  admit that when I watch an episode of "Once Upon a Time" and a character mentions that they want their happily ever after by finding their "true love," I cringe.  Why, because I am realistic. I'm not saying that there can not be happiness involved in finding love. I am saying that life does not suddenly stop when you find that someone that you love. What fairy tale endings do not reflect is that being in a relationship does not suddenly solve all of life's problems or fulfill all our hopes and dreams.  Being with your "true love"  or "soulmate" does not mean that our struggles suddenly stop or we will no longer face challenges because lets face it, that's a part of life.  

What I do think is that if you find that special person they can enhance the quality of your existence and help you find strength and support on your life's journey.  As the quote above notes real life is about both tears and laughter.  Hopefully, more laughter than tears, but still essentially living bestows us both.  Also, if you think about it many fairy tales do not end with a happy ending because the characters make poor choices that irreparably damages their lives and they have to except the reality of their choices.

Now to return to the show "Once Upon a Time."   I have noticed in this sixth season that they seem to be expanding on their previous short version of find "true love = happy ending."  For instance Snow White and Prince Charming have found one another over and over.. so now what?  Snow thinks perhaps she wants to teach again.(I realize if you do not watch Once Upon a Time you probably have no idea what I am referring to, but just go with it..)  The point is that it's nice to see some growth on the show.  If you are going to go on for six seasons I say give the audience more. Why? Because while it is nice to believe that we will all meet someone and be happy forever and ever..it just is not reality.  I like a show with some depth.

I truly believe that life is more than just getting to a destination.  It is the journey we travel as we gain experiences that helps us develop and grow as individuals.  I also believe that we continue these journeys as long as we are alive and open to new experiences.  That's what makes living an adventure.....

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