“A slipper made of glass is just a shoe, and dreamers never make dreams come true”
~ Whitney Houston as Cinderella’s Fairy God Mother
I was sitting here watching Cinderella; the remake with Whitney Houston and Brandy Norwood, and I began to think about all of the Disney movies I watched as a little girl. My cousins and I had an uncle who would buy us Disney movies for every holiday. I had my own Disney collection: Cinderella, The Little Mermaid, The Lion King, The Fox and the Hound, Sleeping Beauty, Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, 101 Dalmatians, Pinocchio, Aladdin, Beauty and the Beast… The list goes on. I also had non-Disney movies like Thumbelina, All Dogs go to Heaven, and Charlotte’s Web.
I enjoyed watching these movies as a child. I was captivated by the characters, and I became intertwined in their animated lives. They had dreams, and their dreams came true. The impossible became possible. The movies made you believe in something more than what was right in front of you when you turned off the TV. I wanted to live happily ever after – like Cinderella and the Mermaid. I wanted my dreams to come true like Pinocchio. I wanted “hakuna matata” like on the Lion King – no worries for the rest of my days. Those were the days…
The thing is I didn’t realize the struggles that the characters went through in order to get to their “happily ever after”. I didn’t realize the struggles I would have to go through to get to my happily ever after. Bad grades. Lost friendships. Broken heart. Unemployment. Family problems. These are just a few of the many struggles I’ve endured over the past 27 years. Hakuna matata hasn’t been so true for me. I found myself getting emotional when watching Cinderella [I know, I know] because now I understand what she was talking about. Impossible – sometimes things seem impossible. You have dreams, but somewhere down the road you start to feel like they’ll never happen; like they’re impossible. Like Cinderella, there may come a time when you just want to run away from it all – give up. Not so quick though…
Look at this conversation between Cinderella (Brandy) and her fairy god mother (Whitney Houston)…
Cinderella: If impossible things are happening every day, then why shouldn’t I have impossible hopes and dreams – even something as impossible as going to the ball?
Fairy God Mother: Then go to the ball Cinderella. Go. No one’s stopping you, but you.
Cinderella: But, I have no way to get there.
Fairy God Mother: Hmm, you have a point there.
Cinderella: God mother, I’ve been wishing as hard as I can.
Fairy God Mother: I know you have Cinderella. Go on, stand over there…
** She does her magic. Last, but not least, she turns to Cinderella who’s looking at herself dressed in rags**
Fairy God Mother: Spin around. Don’t make me do all of the work.
Impossible – Brandy and Whitney Houston
Looking back over my life, I can really relate to this scene. We all go through hard times where we wonder if our dreams will ever come true, or if they’re just impossible. I know I did, especially after being laid off. When you open your eyes – and I mean really take a look around you – there are people who will help you. The thing is you have to be willing to help yourself first. Have a dream. Wish upon a star. But, don’t let that be all you do.
I had no idea what I wanted to do after being laid off. I was lost. All I knew was I wanted to help people. When teaching didn’t work out, I chose counseling. I applied for the program and went from there. Since then, I’ve sought help from family, friends, professors, etc. I’m open and honest about where I stand and I’m not afraid to ask for help. I try and help myself first though, and I believe that’s why others are so willing to give me a helping hand.
I know at times [we think] we don’t know how to help ourselves; how to get started. Don’t give up and get discouraged though. Write out your dream and seek out ways to make it happen. You can start by researching how others in your area of interest got started, set goals, research educational programs, etc. that will enhance your knowledge in that area. Ask for help. Be open to receiving help. Sometimes, the only person stopping you is you…
I can’t remember where I heard this, but I wanted to share. If you look at the word impossible you’ll see that it spells out “I’m Possible” just the same. So, never stop believing in your happily ever after. After all, impossible things are happening every day. It all starts with you!
There is Music in You – Whitney Houston
“You know the trouble with most people is they sit upon wishing for something to happen instead of just doing something about it” ~ Brandy as Cinderella talking to the Prince
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