Facing the Future

         When I was younger, I remember constantly watching princess Disney films and loved when the protagonist would always seem to act as the "Damsel in Distress." I loved it because the dashing prince would rush to the rescue, fight the monsters in the way and finish with a kiss to win over the heart of the princess. They would look at each other with desire to be together, as if they had no other significant person in their lives that could fulfill the needs that this person met. I could sense they were in love as the prince swept the beautiful princess off her feet, and expressed in magnitude how much he adored her. She seemed extremely happy with everything and left the past behind, looking highly on their future of living happily ever after. From a young age, I longed for that dream to become reality in my life.
         I started to have high expectations for the future, searching for that one person that could be my everything. I dreamed of my high school life consisting of that one boy that would stare me down with his dark eyes and pull a confident smile that would catch my breath. I wanted to find someone who could share his secrets with me, and keep mine hidden from his friends, who support my dreams and goals, and keep me together when I was lost. I wanted prince charming to sweep me off my feet, so I could forget the past and live happily ever after. I could dream so much that I began to get easily disappointed. I tried to connect with people, but no matter how hard I tried, I couldn't find someone who clicked with me. My self-esteem dropped to a low and I had the addiction of trying to become the princess I've always wanted to be. I thought that if no one wanted every part of me, I couldn't survive living alone. Pretty depressing, huh?
          Well, I know now that that dream could possibly happen in real life, but I couldn't make it my main priority. I realized that I depended way too much on something that will eventually deteriorate me, and I needed to gain independence for the sake of myself. I can't rely on someone to save me from every situation, but rather face the future with my head held high and know that it's okay to be alone at times. I have also realized that I am not entirely alone. I have a great group of friends and a supportive family, and in the end I'm in control of whether or not I lead a happy life. So, as Buddha says, "I'll walk the pathway myself," and know that things will look up eventually.