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Living the Dream.

Happily ever after. Live the dream

Happily ever after. Live the dream


One of my favorite movies of all times is Titanic. First, because I love history, and have always been fascinated by the plight of the Titanic. As a kid, I read tons of books on the topic and when the movie came out, it added flesh to an incredible story.  But I also love the movie, because it is a great love story. Poor boy meets rich girl; steals her from her rich fiancée, and but for the sinking of the Titanic, would have lived happily ever after—or not.
The first time I saw the movie, I was just taken away by the monumental beauty of the love story. Every time thereafter, a piece of reality sunk in.  First the fact that Rose was so unhappy with her life she was willing to run off with the first guy who promised her nothing—that’s right, absolutely nothing.  How could he promise her anything when he had nothing to give—not even a jacket that was his own.   Second, how Rose was willing to, not only give up everything, but was willing to sacrifice her life (sink with the ship), while trying to save a guy she met just days before.  Some see that as so romantic.  I think it a bit crazy.

Happily Ever After.

What I realized in watching the movie today is that, every day, too many girls get sucked into believing the fairy tale.  The fairy tale of boy (or girl) meets rich girl (or boy) and lives happily ever after.  No wonder we don’t see the rest of the story, because if we did, movies would not make money and women would never get married and have kids.
Had the story not ended abruptly with the sinking of the Titanic, and aside from the ending Titanic suggests, I’d like to propose a more realistic ending:
Rose, a rich well-bred girl marries Jack, a boy who has nothing, wants nothing, and likely will be nothing.  Blinded by love, she gets pregnant, once, twice, four times, six times, and, they cannot afford to pay the bills.  He drinks to take away the pain and has a mistress; Rose cannot understand what happened since she gave up her life for him, so she starts overeating and taking prescription drugs. They live happily ever after?

Healthy Choices.

I’m not suggesting that money brings happiness, that if you start poor in life you end up there, nor that you should not marry for love.  Love is a beautiful thing, but oftentimes it takes more than “being in love” to create a wonderful and sustaining life.  Love doesn’t pay the bills.  I’m suggesting that whatever your choice, let it be one you came to—after, much thought.
I’m Francine Ward stirring the pot and I welcome your comments, thoughts, and opinions.  Join my conversation on my Esteemable Acts Facebook Fan Page, Esteemable Acts Twitter, or in one of my LinkedIn Groups.

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