Things I Learned from Alice in Wonderland

The original Alice books were my favorites as a child.  I read and reread them hundreds of times until I had everything memorized - then I read them again.  I never found the rabbit hole, but that didn't stop me from searching, and every time I saw a mirror, I touched it, just to see if this time it would lead me to an exciting adventure.  All the greatest adventures were in the stories, at least until the newest film version was released.  Last week my husband and I saw the 3-D version in a theater for the third, and probably, the last time. Fortunately for me, he is really into special effects and computer stuff, so I didn't even have to drag him. If the local I Max theater decides to run it, we will see it there, and of course we will buy the DVD, but it won't be the same.  Nothing can compare the feeling of having a teacup thrown at you, dodging a sword, or reaching out to touch a butterfly.  And I have learned so much, each time I have seen it there has been something new

Things I Learned from Alice in Wonderland

The 2010 Version

1. Until you know who you are, you can't fulfill your destiny

2. The Jabberwocky (dragon) must be slain, and only you can do it.

3. You must use the proper sword.

4. The sword knows what it wants to do, all you have to do is hold on. You are the insignificant bearer.

5.  It is better to be loved than to be feared, but it is better to love than to be loved.

6.  Don't ever lose your "muchness."

Now you can look at all  of this anyway you want, but please don't jump to the conclusion that either Alice or I am a violent person. Alice kept telling everyone who would listen, "I DON'T slay, I just want to wake up."  We all have our own personal dragons and for most of us, they are figurative, not literal.  For Alice in this story, it had to do with the expectations of society and family, and the putting aside of her own dreams to please everyone else.  I have read a biography of Alice Liddell, the real Alice who inspired the original Lewis Carroll stories, and I believe she may have encountered a similar Jabnerwocky in her life.  She was a strong, accomplished woman who lived during a time when women were meant to know their place and stay there. I have learned a lot from her, and from this tale which was not part of Alice's original adventures, but it certainly follows the theme.

My dragons are different from yours, and certainly different from Alice's. We are all responsible for our own dragons, and I wish you well in your struggle, whatever it may be.  It won't be easy, but it will be worth it.