The Royal Family

In honor of being officially one year older, I thought I might give you a glimpse of the Royal Family this Princess came from.

As I am sure you are aware, Princesses are very special people and have been raised by people even more special. This princess’s family can certainly qualify as “special” in more ways than one and are certainly not your garden variety royalty. Life in their far off magical kingdom is… unconventional. Yes, we’ll go with “unconventional.” Some might even say “weird,” but, that is not necessarily a bad thing.

I was brought up in a family with unconventional values. Those qualities that are not normally encouraged in well behaved and rational children were instead cultivated and nurtured. The royal family placed high value on independent thinking, vivid imaginations, and creativity.

Many afternoon car rides and kitchen table conversations from my childhood were spent playing “What if…” or weaving tales from unlikely perspectives. Sunday afternoons were filled with grand adventures without leaving the backyard. Conversations spanning generations (and sometimes species via dramatic interpretation) creating new and amazing ways to see life and discovering ways to turn the world on its head, at least in theory. All the while, knowing I was loved regardless of the success or failure of any of the crazy ideas I had, just so long as I tried.

Life from this perspective can only be an adventure. Each day is an opportunity to find wonder and excitement. Every conversation has the potential to create and to laugh. Every person met is another chance to change the world as we know it.

The chance to truly live… that is the best birthday present any Princess can be given!

You’re amazing just the way you are.

Those who interact with me on a regular basis hear, see, and (I hope) believe that I think the world of them. I strive to make sure every person I come into contact with knows that they are loved and worthy of being loved simply because they exist. I truly believe that every person has the potential to change the world and has the power to contribute daily to the beauty of the world we live in. Exactly the way they are. Right this moment. No qualifiers in sight.

However, for some reason, I have refused to accept this about myself. How can a self proclaimed princess not believe she is wonderful??? Well, I am a walking contradiction, I’ve said that many times. Princesses can be a bit stubborn and obtuse. I humbly admit that I, routinely, contribute to the validity of that statement. You see, while I wholeheartedly believe these wonderful things about others, it is REALLY hard to convince myself that these statements also apply to me. Completely irrational and asinine; I know, I know.

But… I have also said that growth and change is essential to life. Seeing as how it is virtually impossible to move forward while digging my heels in the ground, today, I will relent. I am going to, at least for today, believe about myself what I believe about others. With grace, a little help from my Fairy Grandmother, and a light sprinkling of stardust; today I accept that I am fearfully and wonderfully made which makes me so much more than “enough.”

                   I praise you because I am fearfully and wonderfully made;
                   your works are wonderful,
                  I know that full well.
                              ~Psalm 139:14