Fairytales

Once upon a time there was a handsome Prince who ruled over the land with kindness and compassion. He was adored by all who met him, his face brimmed with joy and kindness and his heart poured with love. The people were happy and content, life was good. 

Now you are probably expecting the story to change to the bit something bad happens; monsters, evil demons and wicked witches coming to cause destruction, cast spells that turn the light to dark...before the handsome Prince swoops in, saves the day and we all live happily ever after. 

I often wonder if I am weird because I don't want my happiness to depend on someone swooping in to save me, fight my demons or break any bad spells in my life. Neither do I want to spend precious now's worrying something bad is about to happen ahead, when here in the now, things are good!

Being single is not always easy living in a society geared up for couples, fairytale Princes and happy ever afters. I often feel surrounded by societal messages telling me the key to being happy is to be successful, be in a relationship, have a great job, be beautiful, have a banging body. - Whooah, no pressure! 

A single status brings with it expectations and 'must be' assumptions. I am 50 and single, therefore - I must be lonely, must be looking, must be lacking,  must miss out on intimacy, must miss out on companionship, must be damaged, must be desperate, must be broken, must be a lesbian, must be weird. I've heard them all!  

Note to self: I must not get concerned about opinions, expectations or assumptions of others. I'm not searching for something or someone, or looking to fill a void.

There is a lot to be said for living life in the moment and appreciating where me and my life are right now... I am happy, healthy, feel both loved and love, I have friends, fun and laughter, food, clothes, shelter, warmth, adventure.  I am not judging the way others live their lives, I am far to busy concentrating on living and loving mine!

As for my future I am always open to new experiences, new people, new relationships, new places and new things happening in my life. I'm not sacrificing a happy now for a happily ever after. I have no set plan, agenda or picture of how my life should be, I am winging it as I go and doing my best to be grateful for everything that makes me happy. 

By Maggie Martin