I am a Princess

          At some point or another growing up all little girls dream of being a princess. We dream of meeting our Prince Charming, being swept off our feet, getting married and moving into a castle. We picture ourselves in pretty dresses, with beautiful jewelry and a crown on our head, I could probably go on an on. As a young girl, I had the whole story pictured perfectly in my head. To my little girl self, being a princess was the ultimate dream, the perfect ending. I won't deny that these thoughts still pop into my head, even though they are completely unrealistic, like what if I did meet some royal and fall in love and become a princess. In fact, to this day I do still dream of being a Princess, however, my view of what a princess is has changed. You don't need a to wear a crown or to live in a castle to be a Princess. Many of our ideas about what it mean to be a Princess growing up we got from Disney movies, my favorite growing up was Sleeping Beauty. Although, I must say, I really do love Tangled now. One of the things that I love about Disney is that they do have all those Princesses for little girls to fall in love with and look up to, but at the same time they help girls realize that Cinderella, Aurora, Belle, and Sleeping Beauty aren't the only princesses out there. They teach girls that they are princesses regardless of whether or not they wear a crown on their head. The message is quite simple, being a princess isn't having a title, it is a way of life.

          Last year, I had the amazing opportunity to run the Disney Princess Half-Marathon in Disney World with my best friend and my sister. It was such an amazing experience and a great girls weekend. Although men can run in the half-marathon (there were many men running in tutus), the event is really designed specifically for women, of all ages. It is inspired by the Disney Princesses and they focus on attributes that all princesses possess: commitment, determination, courage, perseverance and strength. It was amazing! There were close to 20,000 runners! I am so glad that I got to experience that. I can know say that 1) I ran a Half-Marathon 2) through Disney World 3) got to run through Cinderella's castle 4) with my best friend and sister 5) while wearing a tiara. And I must say that Disney completed their goal, with me at least, because that weekend was probably the time where I felt the most determined, persevering, strong and courageous. I am hoping to run it again someday because I loved it that much. I highly recommend that everyone should run the Princess Half-Marathon at least once in their life. Trust me, you won't regret it. Here is a video from last year's Half Marathon when I ran!

          Recently Disney released a new campaign/video about what it means to be a Princess.  I may not have a tiara, live in castle, or be married to a prince, but I am a Princess. I know you may think I'm crazy. I mean, I am a 20 year old who is calling herself a princess, but that is exactly what I am :) So, why is it that I am a Princess? Well, let me tell you. I am Princess. I am scared sometimes, and I am courageous sometimes. However, I don't let them fact that I am scared keep be from being courageous. I know I am strong. I believe in honesty and trust and loyalty. I believe that loyalty depends on being trusting and being honest. I believe that honesty is the base of all healthy relationships. I am kind and compassionate. I don't let what other say or do stop me from being kind and generous. I love to put others before myself, in fact I am usually the last person I tend to take care of. I believe that it is not only important to stand up for what I believe in but it is also important to stand up for others. I believe that you can accomplish anything you set you heart to as long as you believe in yourself. I know the value and the importance of friendship, and won't let anything take that away from me. Kindness is power. I believe in keeping promises, but also owning up to what you did wrong. I believe that showing weakness and asking for help makes you stronger. I believe that you should never stop caring for those you love, no matter how far you grow apart. I believe in having dreams. It has taken me a long time to realize this, but I believe I am beautiful and I believe I am important, and no one can tell me otherwise. I don't need a crown. I am a princess. You are a princess. Long may we reign.