photo by Hamed Masoumi
This Princess Lesson is not so much about a virtue or noble trait, but about a way of looking at the world and living that encompasses many of the ideals we associate with being a Princess. Its also a concept worth considering and embracing, something I try to apply to every aspect of my life, not always successfully but with great rewards!
Living Openly means not closing yourself off to anything. We can be true to ourselves and stand by our principles but still be flexible. It is not an easy way to exist, and in fact it can be a bit of a roller coaster because by living this way you tend to experience a lot more, the good and the bad, and grow a lot faster! Above all else, Living Openly means being receptive of change, in all aspects of your life.
- Having an Open Heart. We meet so many people in our lives, every day we see new faces, make acquaintances, deepen bonds with existing friends. Sometimes, if we live in big cities, we are so surrounded by people we no longer see them as individuals, they’re just crowds. The truth is that every one of us is unique and beautiful in our own way, with flaws and strengths that make us whole. Everyone you meet is worth knowing, has a story to tell and something to teach you. Being Open Hearted means not filtering out the masses, but being open and receptive of others. It means listening and caring, making an effort even if you’re not getting anything out of it. To have an open heart is to accept people as they are, to accept their kindness and attention and to give something back. No one is beneath your notice, no one is insignificant. Every one is worth your time, attention and love.
- Being Open to Experiences. Have you ever done something that you previously believed you couldn’t or wouldn’t do? Breaking down the walls we put up about what we’re capable of and what we’re ready for can be exhilarating. Sometimes its the very experiences we avoid that become life changing and so very important in forming who we are. Stop saying ‘I’d never do that’ or ‘I can’t do that’ and try! Go skiing, bake your own bread, run a marathon, make friends with a stranger, learn ballroom dancing, challenge yourself and be open to the new experiences and opportunities that present themselves to you. Some you will discover aren’t for you after all, but you will learn so much more in the process than by staying within your own comfort zone.
- Having an Open Mind. Having strong ideals and opinions is great, it gives us grounding and strength of character, however its important to also be open to new ideas and to changing our minds when we learn and experience things that challenge our current perception of the world. Part of this is being open to criticism, and also open to debate and discussion. If you are true to your ideals then you shouldn’t feel threatened by those that disagree, but rather be open to learning and adapting and changing those ideas so that they are like a tree, rooted in firm ground but always putting out new branches and leaves.
- Being Open with Yourself. I think this is the toughest part of being Open. Sometimes its harder to be open and honest with yourself than with other people. There are many things we don’t like to admit to ourselves, our real wants and motivations, our flaws, our mistakes. The crazy thing is that we spend so much effort hiding things or glossing them over to protect our egos and in the process we’re only hurting ourselves and making it harder to discover and be who we really are. Make time to spend on your own, and really think about some of the things you’re not admitting or repressing. Chances are if you’re open to these thoughts and feelings you will be able to understand and work through them rather than brushing them under the rug.
The world is a pretty amazing place, its a bit of a mess but its still full of beautiful people and fascinating ideas and thrilling experiences and at the centre of that world is You. An incredible person living out their own fairy tale and learning a little bit about who they are each and every day. Be Open to all of this, you’ll get hurt, you’ll create your own happiness and you’ll know what its like to really be alive.
Related posts:
this is a really great princess lesson. ♥ ♥
Thanks Natalie ♥
awww this post is nice =)
((I have a feeling my asking you about if you are still a lolita caused this, I’m sorry if it bothered you at all))
Thank you Rosebud, but no! Its not related and that question didn’t bother me at all. I still plan to write more on fashion and personal style, hopefully I will get some posts up about that next week.
Oh, thank God!
I could imagine you as a stern teacher, wagging your finger throughout the whole lesson at the time. =P =D
Haha, I hope you don’t think of me as stern all the time! Please don’t feel afraid to ask me questions, I’m quite open on most subjects and these lessons are meant to inspire rather than instruct, or at least thats the idea!
I think I tend to this a little too much, and then not enough. Just recently I met someone and told them rather quickly that I was a complete geek and as close to a vegetarian as you can get without being one. I really value honesty and so try to exemplify it in my life, putting aside those times when I am kidding around with somebody. Even then I often give them clues that I am pulling their leg, although they don’t always get it.
But the moments when I am not open enough is actually with myself. Not so much about my faults as I am well aware of those and often make fun of them with others. I am most adept at hiding from myself what I really think and feel. But I think we can feel safer by doing so. At least I do.
Haha but the point of this post is to influence others to leave their comfort zones and be Open with themselves as much as with others, now isn’t it? Ah… There’s a time for everything and sometimes we need to grow in other directions before we have the stength to grow in the ones that really matter. But honesty is the only key that opens the door!
~John
There’s definitely such a thing as being too open, especially with other people. There are times and things that are innapropriate to share. On the whole I think its a matter of finding a balance that works for you.
And works for others :p
Thank you for sharing this!
Open-mindedness is something that I value quite close.
It’s something that often gets me into heated debates (which I actually try to avoid most the time) because though I share the same faith/religion as some of my other peers (I’m a Christian) we have different viewpoints and many times they are very unnaccepting and extremely judgemental of others that don’t think the same, and I usually make friends with those people that they tend to avoid. (strange isn’t it? Ah well, I think they are pleasant people still)
I think its great that you are able to debate your views and beliefs and still respect the people’s differences, its a pity your friends are less open but maybe with time they will be inspired by your example.
I’ve had struggles with this in the past as well! I wish there was an easy answer but, for a lot of the bigger things, there rarely is -.-
Keep your chin up! Hopefully they’ll become as mature and open-hearted as you are, even if it takes a little more time
This lesson was really refreshing to hear.
This is also the way I like to live yet I sometimes have trouble sometimes with the last one “Being open with yourself”.
I’ve been getting better though!
As of today, I feel really good about myself and my ability to listen and trust and be true to myself.
It feels good!!! ^_^
Being aware of it is definitely one of the first steps. Thats great that you are making progress with being Open to Yourself, its something we’re all working on day by day!