111 Day Artistic Spirit Pledge: Spiritual Growth Through Creative Expression
Day 24: How Fairy Tales Inspired Me
I admit without hesitation or reservation that I love fairy tales – especially the animated movie kind.
However, while some may deem them as a step backward in the journey toward female empowerment, I suggest a different perspective: Not only are these princesses beautiful, kind-hearted, and musically gifted (I had to include that one) but they exhibit personality traits worthy of admiration and adoration.
When I read the stories as a child I didn’t think, “Okay, so I need a prince to ride up and save me.” I loved reading them because they featured young women who were kind, generous, forgiving, brave, adventure-seeking, and able to both love and be loved. These were qualities I admired and were infused into the woman I am today.
There’s a reason the classic animated princess films are still my favorite – because they combine romance, a search for self, and a message that dreams can indeed come true.
**I am an Artistic Spirit! For most of my life I’ve used the creative arts as a source of spiritual exploration and healing, even though I didn’t always do so consciously. Sometimes I was the instrument creating the art and other times I was on the receiving end. The connection between art and spirituality is so significant in my life that it’s infused into everything I do. I love music, theatre, television drama series (daytime and primetime), and creative writing and find fulfillment in artistic expression of various sorts: singing, acting, and jewelry design. Throughout the next 87 days, I’ll delve into how all of the above strengthens my spirit and has saved my life on more than one occasion.**
Kelly Deeny 