What Can You Learn from a Fairy Tale?

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I’ve become somewhat obsessed with “Once Upon A Time.” I don’t watch much television at all, actually, but I have a few favorites. “Once Upon A Time,” “American Idol,” “Downton Abbey,” and the new Ricky Gervais sitcom on HBO called “Life’s Too Short” top my list. I watch them all for different reasons. Each has its own entertainment factor, for sure.

However, “Once Upon A Time’s” cleverness works. It intertwines the fairy tale and present time, and offers many poignant moments each week that make you wonder and reflect on your own life. Some of the dialogue can be downright magical. Two examples of those lines came from last night’s episode.

The first thought-provoking comment came from Grumpy, one of the Seven Dwarfs, when he spoke these words: “Isn’t that what life’s all about? Holding on to your good memories?” It’s rewarding when a show can make you stop and reflect. We do tend to hold on to good memories, and after a while we let go of the bad ones. Just think about giving birth, for example. I’ve tried to forget that pain, and it works; the good memories of holding the baby and the euphoria that came afterward is what I remember most. Additionally, think about a former relationship that was, at one time, an important part of your life—after a while you remember only the good that it once was, as opposed to a big barrel of negativity that it became.

The second thought-provoking comment came when Nova the fairy said to Grumpy, “You control what changes in your life.” I love this line because it’s so true. You can control certain things in your life, and it’s up to you to do so. There are so many choices you have to make, and you have the power to direct your own destiny. No more excuse making. Listen to the fairy. She knows best.

When a show connects with me in the way that “Once Upon A Time” has, you can bet I’ll continue as a faithful viewer. The creative content paired with life’s lessons makes me want to stay put. It also teaches me about good writing. Week after week, the show teases us with what’s to come, and the writers rarely disappoint.