Is there a 'Happily Ever After'

Some Quotes:

“Fairy Tales always have a happy ending.' That depends... on whether you are Rumpelstiltskin or the Queen.”
― Jane Yolen, Briar Rose

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“It is only possible to live happily ever after on a daily basis.”
― Margaret Wander Bonanno

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“The same as real life, there is no happily ever after.”
― Chuck Palahniuk, Choke

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“Happily-ever-afters don't come in happily-every-days. They are found at the end of challenges-ever-met, promises-ever-kept, and tears-ever-wept.”
― Richelle E. Goodrich, Smile Anyway

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Samuel is celebrating his thirteenth birthday and is ecstatic at the thought of entering his teen years. It feels like freedom is calling him, and he is confident that he can fully embrace life now, letting his spirit soar in any direction he chooses. He beams with joy, certain that the days ahead will be bright and enjoyable as he navigates life with minimal parental guidance.

On the other hand, his parents sense the changes that are coming. While they wear smiles, they are contemplative and concerned beneath the surface.

Years pass, filled with mostly lows and some highs, and the parents remain calm throughout.

Samuel is in high spirits on graduation day from high school, celebrating a significant milestone in his life. He recalls staying up late to finish assignments while juggling the excitement of teenage parties and breaking the rules. This exhilarating lifestyle kept him awake until dawn, fueling him with adrenaline to maintain an exemplary academic record alongside fun and boisterous outings with friends. When asked, "How was high school life?" he fondly remembers all the fun and magical moments, but quickly acknowledges the hard work required to graduate. Holding a plate with a slice of cake to celebrate, he remarks, "It wasn't easy; amidst all the fun, I had to work hard to be here." He smiles and adds, "However, I am confident the journey ahead will be blissful." His dad crosses his fingers while his mom says, "Amen."

As the years continue, Samuel enjoys a pleasant evening surrounded by friends and family, with a special friend at his side, proudly holding his diploma. While he appears content, only he knows the effort it took to reach this point. His youth enabled him to enjoy life while balancing a part-time job to cover his expenses. The endorphins released amid all this chaos propelled him toward his goals.

Noticing the tolerant smiles on his parents' faces makes him curious. Once the celebrations settle, he approaches them, saying, "I have my degree in hand, along with a job offer, and Maria is by my side." He continues confidently, "I'm sure things will be smooth sailing from here on out."

Dad touched Samuel's shoulder and replied, "It depends on how you define a smooth sail, son."

Samuel lost his cool. "What do you mean, Dad? It's common sense! We all want to have a happy life."

Mom stared at his attitude, and Samuel blushed, quickly reiterating humbly, "Of course, you could have a smooth sail of events going forward, but the question is," Dad paused for a moment, "Will you be happy?"

"What do you mean?" Samuel squinted his eyebrows and continued, "I will have a job that provides the daily comforts I need, and a relationship to rely on when I'm in doubt. What else do I need?"

Dad smirked, "The comforts you work for will be temporary, son. There's much more to life than money, success, and relationships."

"What is that, Dad?" Samuel asked quickly.

"Excitement!" Dad grinned as he said the word.

Samuel shook his head as if trying to control his emotions. "I will have enough enthusiasm to work hard and enjoy the rewards my paycheck can afford," he said confidently.

Mom interjected, "Samuel, we agree that you have all the pieces that, when put together, can give you a happily ever after. We wish that for you. But don't get overwhelmed if you encounter hurdles, dilemmas, or complications that could disrupt your life or relationships or halt your progress."

With moist eyes, she continued, "As long as you embrace all kinds of problems that come your way and face them head-on, you will achieve your happily ever after!"

Samuel absorbed all the wisdom from their words and embraced his parents.

Is there a happily ever after?

The meaning of the term can vary based on individual interpretation, as being in one emotional state can become monotonous. Humans need excitement to cope with the weight of their responsibilities. Constantly experiencing joy, often derived from material possessions, can lead to a stagnation in life, represented by a horizontal line parallel to the X-axis. In the context of a heart monitor, such a line would indicate a lack of life.

Challenges are inevitable as long as relationships exist, and people must learn to navigate them to achieve a happy ending!

First off, hard work! Without that, nothing below shall work. 

Three Steps to Live a Happily Ever After Life!

• Embrace the full spectrum of life's experiences, from joys to sorrows. This balanced approach will help you build resilience and navigate life's challenges with a steady mind.
• Give Attention to the crisis: Shutting oneself out of the problem will make it insignificant. Man is an intelligent soul that ponders ways to come out of it. If there is a will, there is a way!
• Share your problem with friends or family you trust. Their perspective and support can be invaluable in finding solutions and navigating life's challenges.

Strive to take control of your life and shape it into a 'happily ever after' story!