So it begins...

I love fairy tales. I grew up listening to them on records, reading them in books and watching them on TV. Sleeping Beauty is my all-time favorite.

Fairy tales negative reputation is some circles comes from the premise that happily-ever-after is found in romantic love - your very own Prince Charming. I have not found a prince as of yet. And I have seen and experienced enough real life to know that happily-ever-after is not a direct result of being "in love." I'm still drawn to fairy tales.

What I love about fairy tales is the story: overcoming life circumstances and hoping for a better future. Dreams and action. I see the longing to be found beautiful and wanted - to be chosen. To belong to someone. And of course, to live happily ever after. Who doesn't want that?

A dear friend challenged me last week to do something new - something a little scary. To be brave in even the smallest way. As I thought about this challenge over the last week, I immediately thought of beginning a blog. I've considered starting a blog several times over the last few years. But each time, I would let fear stop me. After all, what would I write about? And more importantly, would it matter?

I do believe my story matters. My life has been changed by Who I belong to. Who I identify with. I am living happily. What has come before and "ever-after" will be what I write about in the months to come.