I want life to be like the fairy tales I grew up reading. We start out with various struggles like a fire-breathing dragon, a mean step-mother, or a fight to extend our car warranty. Eventually, a magical being shows up, our problems disappear, and we live happily ever after. For some reason, that's not what happens in real life. I have challenges that I eventually overcome, but then new obstacles appear. When will the perfect shoe fit? When will the pumpkin turn into a golden coach? When will I have my happily ever after? For that matter, I want everyone I know to live pain-free and be content all the time. This is why I do my best to help my friends extend their car warranty with as little hassle as possible.
I did try to be everyone's fairy god-mother for years. I wanted to "fix" any and all of their problems. I would feel guilty about any success I had if a loved one was struggling. It took a long time to understand that my "help" was not what they needed. I kept them from having breakthroughs and a sense of accomplishment by solving their issues on their own. We're on this plane of existence to learn and grow, and we can only do that by being allowed to fail. We don't need saving as much as we need encouragement to continue on our path.
A few years ago, I spoke to a couple of new parents. They were concerned that their two-year-old was not talking or trying to make sounds. I said that their little boy is quite observant. He understands everything you're saying. When he wants something, all he has to do is point, and you go run and get it for him. Why should he speak? Try not to be so accommodating and see what happens. Sure enough, their son started to talk in complete sentences. Sometimes, we need to step back and trust that there is a process in place. By constantly coming to the rescue, we don't allow others to find their voice and purpose.
I still daydream of winning the lottery and gifting everyone I know enough money to make their lives easier. The reality is I would be robbing them of finding their pot of gold. There's nothing more rewarding than creating our unique talents and being successful. Stories of overcoming and beating the odds are more interesting than "I was handed a pile of money that I didn't work for." (Already, I know you're shaking your head and saying, "I'm fine with someone handing me a pile of money. I can always make up a good story about it.") Trust me, creating your wealth is a fantastic feeling that no one can take from you. You'll inspire others to do the same.
I've learned that to have my happily ever after is to be in the present. When I take a breath and take stock of where I'm at, I realize I'm healthy, and my family and friends are safe. It gives me a sense of contentment. I want to always be there for support and encouragement for everyone, but I try to be careful not to overstep boundaries. Of course, I'm available if you want to talk about extending your car's warranty, including golden coaches that used to be pumpkins.