Thinking Out Loud
A Little Dirt Never Hurt Anybody

December 10, 2013
By: Diane Szczepanski

"Which is more real, when you face reality or when reality faces you?" ~ Anthony Liccione

I'm no Princess.

My morning chores before going off to work all day remind me that my princess dresses and tiaras shall remain in storage indefinitely. There are no glass slippers that will magically don my feet with the help of a handsome Prince. My life most days seem to pretty much resemble Cinderella's without the sparkles and the wicked Stepmother.

I'm not opposed to hard work or a little sweat and elbow grease to get thru my life. It has built character and a strong sense of "I can do it" attitude.

I believe I've faced a multitude of tasks that a spoiled, immature woman who thinks she's a 'Princess', would never have been able to maneuver.

Things that involved dirt, odors, slime and an inordinate amount of time trying to get the gunk out from under my nails. Very un-Princess like, yet also very satisfying to accomplish a job I not only didn't WANT to do, but didn't think I COULD do.

As well all have been, I too have been thru emotional situations which took every ounce of fortitude, perseverance and strength I could muster to get thru.

Days that involved grueling hours, putting myself second (sometimes third or fourth) and sacrificing the things I would've liked, for the sake of others. Despite this, I thoroughly realize that sitting on a pedestal, being afraid to get dirty and expecting the world given to me on a platter, would definitely not be my style.

Hard work, good ethics, being willing to help others, not expecting to be waited on hand and foot. These are things I find truly regal.

So, I guess in that respect, I believe I do live in the perfect kingdom after all.

Now about that Prince...