
I grew up with Disney characters. I've always been a fan of Mickey Mouse & Friends and of course, the Disney Princesses. Goofy, Donald Duck, Cinderella, Princess Aurora---I know them so well as a kid. Disney tales started my love for books. But as I grew older, never did I think that my life could actually be like one of my favorite princesses. Yes, thinking it over, I am like ARIEL. My life's like hers. And my song? PART OF YOUR WORLD.
"Look at this stuff, isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you think my collection's complete?
Wouldn't you think I'm that girl---girl who has everything?..."
Most people say, I am so lucky I am able to get what I need and even what I want. I have everything, that's what they tell me. Intact family, good education, travels abroad, great friends, latest gadgets, pennies in my wallet, car...yes, I do have all these. Who wouldn't think I am happy? Who would think I want more? Shouldn't I be extremely elated? Partly, yes. I do appreciate that I was able to get the best possible education for me. I am so thankful I've got loyal and true friends. I am grateful that I get caprices once in a while.
"You want thingamabobs? I got twenty.
But who cares? No big deal. I want more...
I wanna be where the people are
I wanna see, wanna see them dancing
Walking around on those---what do you call them? Oh, feet..."
All these things could never be enough to make one truly happy. A complete set of Barbie dolls could not make its owner a fashion guru nor can a complete Disney Princess collection make someone a real princess. In the same way, material things could never suffice my inner longing. They may be able to patch up the hole, but they cannot hide torn clothes. I want to be free. I want to be where people my age are. I want to experience what ladies my age normally do. I want to walk on my own feet. I want to be independent or even just a taste of independence. I also want to walk around, with myself deciding for what I want and consequently learn from the decisions I make.
"Flipping your fins, you don't get too far
Legs are required for jumping, dancing
Strolling down a---what's that word again? Street.
Up where they walk, up where they run
Up where they stay all day in the sun
Wandering free, wish I could be
Part of that world..."
Living just within your comfort zones would not get you anywhere. Instead of a thousand miles you can reach, you can only go for a few steps. Being so afraid to try something new would just limit the variety of activities you could have experienced and enjoyed. Legs are required for jumping and dancing...taking risk and standing up for it are required to enjoy life's pleasures. How I wish I could be courageous enough to take a step forward and wander free. I wish I could also be given the chance to prove my skills, to try things on my own and to be free to do things I want. I wish I could be part of that world...where my comrades enjoy life to the fullest and without regrets.
"When's it my turn?
Wouldn't I love, love to explore that shore up above?
Out of the sea, wish I could be
Part of that world."
I am twenty-one but I feel my family treats me as a fourteen year old girl. When is it my turn to act my age? When's it my turn to show them they have done a great job raising me? When's it my turn to assure myself I am not a waste in this world? When's it my turn to be trusted by my family? I got the trust of almost all the people around me, except my family. What else do I need to prove? What else do they want to see to be convinced that I can be trusted? Have I not done enough? Wouldn't I be enough? What's that world up above mine? I wish I could be able to see that. I hope it's not yet too late. I wish I could be part of YOUR WORLD.
