Fairy Tale Endings
by Karen Beth Pike, Columnist

"Taking Care"

February 18, 2009

After a long hiatus from this writing venue, I've returned with some fresh insights that might bear sharing with the gentle readers.

It seems that as time goes on, we become less in tune with the things that truly make us who we are, and more worn down by what we've become by living in this stark, and sometimes cruel world. I can't help but wonder what has become of the shining eyes and the heartfelt belief that magic happens and that dreams do come true that most of us had as children. I know that I was probably one of the last ones to lose my grasp on the ragged threads of that image in my own heart. I remember one boyfriend, many years ago now, that remarked to me in his parting letter that he hoped that one day I would find my fairytale ending someday. It stung then, and it stings now...

Much has changed in the 20 years since that long-lost love interest penned those words. Some things have improved - partly because of conscious decisions that I've made and study I've undertaken to improve myself. Also, I've returned to spirituality in ways I never would have envisioned 20 years ago. Choices were made and promises kept to myself - many of which, I'm delighted to say, have made many of my dreams come true.

Know yourself. Probably the best advice, and some of the most ancient. As children, we know what we love about ourselves. Think back to those things - what did you want to be when you grew up? Did you do it? Why (or why not)? What did you love to do as a child, sing, dance, play music, roll in the grass…? How long has it been since you did any of those things that you loved so much?

Here's an exercise… turn off the television, radio, cell phone and the computer. Sit quietly by yourself for five minutes. Let the thoughts that come into your head drift on back out. If you have a pet, stroke it, and just this once - feel the softness of the fur on your hands, notice the way it leans into your touch. Notice the warmth of its skin, its breath and feel the heart beating inside. Then notice these things about your own body, the rhythm of your pulse, the feel of your skin, your hair and your own breath. This is life… the primeval surge of blood through tissue that has supported and sustained you without you even noticing. Take a moment and be truly present… say a prayer of gratitude for the fabulous gift of a body and a mind.

Sometimes I think we get so busy just being busy, that we forget the essence of who we are. A small exercise like the one above reminds me to reach into the living part of me with the love of a child, and to remember, if only for a moment, that I am a child of God and that I am here on earth to fulfill a purpose. I know what it is, and so does He. Reminding myself to put my feet back on His path and start moving forward toward the things that really matter in this mortal existence. Not the bigger car, the better job, the fancier house or all the other trappings that society would convince us are more important.

As I've worked through these things in my own life, I find myself drawn again to the things of my youth. The art, the music and the horses are again a large part of my current place in the world. The talents we are given should not be squandered or sacrificed on the altar of the world. They are precious gifts from the One who will call us to account for our deeds at the final judgment bar.

There is still much work to do, but I find that I'm enjoying it more when my focus is where it should be. I've made a lot of choices that have helped me become a better person. No television for over 25 years now, very little radio and carefully screened choices in media has helped me greatly in keeping my world pure and clean. The world wearies, and society leaves me unfulfilled, but when I turn to my personal path of life - the one I alone can see marked out for me - I can truly say that I am living happily ever after. ***

© 2009 Karen Beth Pike

• Photo of Karen Beth Pike courtesy of the author

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