Looking again at the virtues we associate with being a Princess, I must address one that is often left out. Its not so much on the fun side, but it is integral to our dignity, self respect and sense of nobility. A Princess always has duty to fulfill, it is these obligations that set her place in the world and also give her meaning. We each have different duties that life has bestowed on us, whether it is caring for an elderly relative, protecting and helping those weaker than us or simply staying true to our own beliefs and morals.

When we fail to fulfill our duties, we take a blow to our own pride and find it harder to value ourselves. Sometimes following duty means sacrificing some of our own free time and pleasure, sometimes it means doing what is right even if thats not what we want right now and very often it requires us to take the uphill path rather than the easy way out. However, having a sense of duty and fulfilling it is a very rewarding way to spend your life, just make sure you have a clear idea of where that duty lies.

Our first duty, which comes before all others, is to ourselves. This doesn’t mean being selfish and doing what you want all the time, it means having a deep understanding and respect for who you are as a person and strong idea of what is right for you. It means staying true to yourself in all situations, listening to your conscience and your heart and making choices that meet the demands of both.

A duty all Princesses share is to treat others, whether they are friends, family or strangers with equal respect and kindness. Noone is beneath your notice and everyone you meet deserves a kind word and a smile. Make it your personal duty to bring a little happiness and hope to every life you touch.

One of the toughest duties we have is self control. We all get angry, sad and stressed, but being able to control these feelings and express them in a positive focused way is so important. No matter how bad a day you are having, you owe it to yourself and others to control those feelings. That means being as patient, as considerate and polite as you would any other day. You have a right to feel your emotions, but a duty to contain them when its not appropriate to give in.

A Princess keeps her word. If she says she is going to do something, she does it, even if she doesn’t really feel like it. If you offer to help someone, do the best job you can. If you promise to do something, fulfill that promise without complaint. This also goes for your own goals and ambitions, if you set out to do something, a job or course or project, put 100% of yourself in it. Once you’ve started something, see it through to the end.

Look for opportunities to be of service to others, don’t just lend a hand when it is asked for. If you see a chance to help someone, then offer. The most beautiful acts of kindness are those done spontaneously, silently, and without asking for thanks or acknowledgement.

I believe that Duty is not something we are very aware of in our current, western society. Perhaps because we focus so much now on doing what is wanted and not what is needed. I think those things we do out of duty, though, are the ones that build our character and give us a sense of purpose that many of us feel missing in our lives.

Think of it this way, if you are a Princess then the whole world is your kingdom. You have a duty to every living thing in it, to offer kindness and beauty and love, protection and guidance and aid. What the world owes you is not important, think instead about what you have to offer the world and do it, with all your heart.