I used to wish madly for a magic pill that would solve all my problems. I used to think that one day I would wake up as an Adult – with a capital “A” – and everything would make sense. I used to think that life came with a very detailed instruction booklet which somehow I’d just misplaced. I’ve grown up a bit since then. Now I believe that my problems are only as big as the room I give them to fill. I believe that adulthood isn’t a proper noun, and very little makes sense. I believe that if there is a very detailed instruction booklet out there, I don’t want to find it. Don’t worry. I’m far from being any sort of Pollyanna. I have my share of challenges and moments of cynicism. I see the world’s burden of conflicts. But I’ve spent enough of my life wanting to escape, preferably into a Happily Ever After with a rockin’ soundtrack. I now choose to embrace the insanity of life on life’s terms. I’m no longer looking for the balloons to carry me away. I’ll just stay here, rooted to the ground, and let go – to watch with pleasure as they float toward the clouds on their own.
By Katie Lee/Flickr
Are you still looking for a fairytale ending?
smidge
/ February 26, 2009To be honest, i just wish to be happy the majority of the time. I guess being an adult is dealing with your responsibilities, not hiding from them. One of those must be to taking control of your own destiny and going all out to get the happy ending that you want.
smidge’s last blog post..As you ruminate the hopeless sands of time, did you wander out your days lost and resigned?
verybadcat
/ February 26, 2009See, that’s the thing. I have my happy ending. I’m married, I’m a homeowner, career, college, the whole enchilada. What they don’t tell you?
That happy ending? Just the beginning! And of course, not all of it is happy… but I try to do what I can to make my own happiness.
verybadcat’s last blog post..The Waxing Moon
justjp
/ February 26, 2009I am still looking for the fairytale ending, but I want big ass fireworks in mine.
justjp’s last blog post..Oh, it’s like that
Kat
/ February 26, 2009I gave up on the fairy tale ending long ago. I strongly believe in creating the life you want and desire and changing the hand that you were dealt. It’s all about responsibility in my book. But I will say that adulthood is NOTHING like I ever thought it would be.
Kat’s last blog post..I’m Too Ashamed to Admit It…
calimama
/ February 26, 2009I remember seeing a movie when I was a kid, The Red Balloon (originally Le Ballon rouge, 1956). For some reason it always stuck with me as the perfect simplicity of childhood. Now I think of it as the perfect simplicity of life. There is less separation between child and adult if our goal is to enjoy life and make the most of our time with friends.
calimama’s last blog post..firing off
emmajames
/ February 27, 2009Smidge: Yes. The question is, where does one gather the courage and stamina to grab for what you want? Welcome to Pleasure Notes, by the way! Glad you’re here.
VBCat: I completely agree. There’s a vast difference between Disney’s version and life’s version of a happy ending.
JP: Can’t wait to see the display!
Kat: What did you think adulthood would be like? People want to know.
Calimama: I agree. If only it was, actually, simple.
Note to all: I’m going to follow up this post at some point soon, because I was actually surprised by your comments – so much less cynical than mine would have been, which is very illuminating for me. I love you guys, I love your comments, and I’m so glad you come visit me! xo