Happily ever after
Just another day at Cinderella’s castle, Disneyland in Anaheim California, 2003
“It is only possible to live happily ever after on a day-to-day basis.”
— Margaret Bonanno
Did you ever wonder why the fairy tales end when the happiness starts? When the character slays the dragon or the enemy, saving the loved one or rescuing the world at large, the story usually ends (or at least stops for awhile until the sequel appears with a new problem at hand). The details of living happily ever after are never given, and if they were, we would probably be bored. In other words, living happily does not usually entail nonstop excitement. I think that’s one reason for learning to savor the details we might normally miss in the rush of life. When it comes to what we pay attention to, the squeaky wheel may command more than its fair share of our focus. How much happier to notice the wheels that spin quietly, smoothly, efficiently — functioning so well we take them for granted.
- Posted in: Uncategorized
- Tagged: appreciation, contentment, fairly tales, gratitude, happiness, happy endings
Defeat Despair 
How true! Great post! xo
Thank you! 🙂
This is one of the best quotes I have read at this site, and I have read them all. They represent a poignant anthology!
Thanks, Eric! I’m so happy you enjoy the blog.
So true. Never looked at it that way. Thanks!
You’re welcome, Barb. I appreciate your visits here.
Julia,I love your phrase “savor the details”! I think so often life goes on and we enjoy it, but it takes getting out of sequence for us to really appreciate “smooth sailing” I hope you”ve enjoyed your day with Jeff and Matt. Sheila
Hi Sheila, thanks for your visit and your comments. We’ve had a nice, fairly “smooth sailing” kind of day. Jeff finished up his two-day “drip” today and typically that’s the day when he feels lousiest, but he was OK today and even ate some dinner. Each week seems to get a bit easier. I did savor the sunny weather and being able to walk the dog without even getting chilled; most all of the snow had melted today. Hope you and Bill had a lovely day as well. I have had you in my thoughts and prayers. YES we appreciate the smooth sailing! Or as I told a friend awhile back, “Boring is good!” 🙂
Thoughts of you as well, many times during our busy day. I was just watching ” Under the Tuscan Sun”…… can’t believe it’s ten years old. Goodnight!
Isn’t amazing how quickly the time passes? I wouldn’t have thought it was 10 years, either.
Julia, I reread your comment and I so think the many prayers and so much support for Jeff is a huge part of his strength. I so believe that! Restful night for you both.
Thanks so much for your prayers and your support. Your faith helps me keep believing! I appreciate your visits here.
It is like that TV add for the couple on their first day of retirement, driving off in their big RV to see the sights. This add has never worked for me– and it looks so boring. “They rode off into the sunset.” There is a lot to ponder in that quote.
I never thought about the implications of “riding off into the sunset,” but I think you are right! Since I don’t watch TV, I’m out of touch with the commercials, but I must say the constant and ever-expanding commercial time is a primary reason why I quit watching.
Honestly, non-stop excitement is highly over-rated. I can enjoy the simplicity of reading the paper together with a pot of coffee just as much as a fancy date out on the town. It’s usually the simple things that bring more joy to my memories. Like breakfast with dad, he’d scramble the eggs and we’d talk and talk. Great quote Julia.
I agree totally! I tell Jeff often that we are so comfy at home, it takes a really special place to lure me away now. I used to travel almost restlessly, but one gift that has come with aging is the love of staying home. I always loved being at home, but now it beats being almost anyplace else! That’s one great thing about being able to visit online. Thanks for being here!
😀 I couldn’t agree more.
I love the Bonnano quote, but I especially love your insight about the happily-ever-after BEGINNING at the end of all the “action” that gets us to that point! Most likely it is the very reason “fairy tales” are so loved and important to us. Very helpful to remember.
Yes, it’s almost like the subtext to “…and they lived happily ever after” is “WHEW! I’m glad THAT’S over!”