Every girl's "once upon a time" started on the day she was born. Looking up to a fairy tale princess such as Belle, Aurora, and Snow White not only provides a world of imagination, but it can teach children essential qualities and characteristics.
What we often don't see is how these princesses develop the most fundamental qualities - what life is like between the "once upon a time" and "happily ever after." Fairy tales are not always happy, perfect, or easy. Sometimes a little princess needs encouragement as she makes her way toward her own happily ever after.
Here are ten princesses young girls can emulate:
Jasmine
is known for her confidence. She knows who she is,and she knows what is right. She isn't afraid to stand up to her father or even the feared Jafar. It's vital to know who you are so that you can stand up for what's right when things are hard. Confidence shows your unique personality in the best light.
Aurora
is always kind and friendly to every living thing. Whether it's the animals in the forest or the fairies who raised her, she treats them with respect and kindness. Finding that quality is rare. When you are truly kind you are different in a powerful and uplifting way.
Pocahontas
displays compassion when she tries to create peace between her tribe and the settlers of Jamestown. She saves John Smith's life by throwing herself between him and the war club wielded by her father. Compassion is the desire to alleviate another's suffering. Compassion will change your heart and the lives of those around you.
Belle
is a wonderful example of knowledge. She reads all the time and tries to learn about the world around her. She makes education a priority. As an educated woman, you can take the world in which you live and change it for the better.
Mulan
I don't think that there is a better example of honor than Mulan. She puts her life on the line time and again for the reputation of her family. When difficult decisions arise, she already knows what she will do: the honorable thing.
Snow White
has integrity, which also makes her trustworthy. Through many trials, she remains honest and is able to get the help that she needs. When you are truthful, people will respect you and be there when you really need their help.
Ariel
displays courage as she stands up for herself and her friends. She never gives up and shows courage time after time. Even as she loses her voice, she faces a new world that is spacious and constantly changing. She teaches us to have courage and face the challenges of life with excitement and determination.
Cinderella
Hard work is most displayed in Cinderella. She works hard to realize her dream, and it shapes her into a woman who understands if you have a dream, work toward it. With enough work, dreams can be achieved.
Tiana
is an independent woman. She has a dream to own a restaurant. She knows in order to accomplish her dream she will have to earn money. Independence teaches you to stand on your own. Learn to be independent and develop confidence in yourself and your abilities.
Rapunzel
Fun is a necessity in life and Rapunzel is an outstanding example. Whether cleaning, baking, running in grass, or exploring, she always has fun. There is magic in every day. Make sure you find it and enjoy the small moments that turn your life into a fairy tale.
Life gives us trials and mountains to climb, which will help teach us these qualities, if we let them. After all, we are all just living between our "once upon a time" and "happily ever after."
