Happy my story isn't a "Cinderella Story"

My college is in the NCAA playoffs.  We're being referred to as the "Cinderella Story."  While it would be great if they win, and I love a good "Cinderella Story" when it comes to sports, for real life I am not such a fan.Today in yoga I was able to (after months of trying) do the pose called Urdvha Dhanurasana.  Or as I call it an upside down bridge pose thingy......I left the yoga studio feeling invincible.  I had to work for it.  It wasn't in doing it so much that mattered because there are plenty of other poses I can do without effort, but this one I had to work for, and this one made me feel proud.I'm perplexed why we instill the messages of princess and fairy tales in our children, as if being "given" things is a more desirable way to achieve things in our life."Only those who dare to fail greatly can achieve greatly."    Robert F. KennedyWhen I think back on my life, it isn't the "things" in my life that I have, but the  achievements in my life that I've had to work really hard for that I'm the most proud.  Graduating from college with honors.  Going to and getting my master's degree (while I was pregnant and then had an infant son, and my Dad was having "2" bone marrow transplants).  Finishing 4 full marathons (to date). The birth of my 2 sons (with little and no pain meds.)  None of these accomplishments were given to me without sacrifice on my part, some physical, some emotional, but all required sacrifice.Would I appreciate my degrees if someone just handed them to me? I'm sure my clients wouldn't as I like to think I learned a few things in my many years in college.Would I appreciate the efforts of people who train for a marathon, for months, if I just crossed the finish line without running the race?  Would my medals mean as much to me if I didn't remember the struggles (and yes, there have been many in both training and race day) from each and every race?And would I appreciate the fragility of life in the same way if I hadn't had to make some sacrifices along the way in carrying my two sons to birth, giving birth and caring for them in the way I hope I do throughout their lives? When their living their adult lives, I would hope my efforts mattered.So today when I left the yoga studio, albeit a simple accomplishment of finally being able to do this bridge pose thingy, I felt a sense of pride knowing I don't need to be a Princess (even though my Dad did refer to me as his Polish Princess growing up) or live in a castle to have "fairy tale" life.  In my life, I can create a "fairy tale" (still in progress) rather than waiting for someone to give it to me.One last thought for today....a quote that caused me to pause and think...."I may not have gone where I intended to go, but I think I ended up where I needed to be." Douglas AdamsPeace.....