Movies and storytelling are effective tools for change as they provide you with a mirror to help you reflect and gain insights into your own life. Like any captivating movie, it can help you escape the stress of everyday reality as well as broaden your horizons and explore your issues.
One of my favourite movies is the Wizard of Oz, the classic musical adaptation of the book by Frank L. Baum, which was released over 80 years ago. It still provides timeless, powerful messages that remain relevant in today’s world. The most memorable movies inspire us, encourage us, make us think, and put things in a different perspective.
The Wizard of Oz opens your eyes and reminds you of what is important in our lives.
After a terrible tornado in Kansas transports Dorothy and her dog, Toto, to the world of Oz, we follow Dorothy as she embarks on her journey to find her way back home. Along the way, she encounters many friends that end up helping out each other as they make their way to the Emerald City; the Scarecrow, who wishes for a brain; the TinMan, who longs for a heart; and the Cowardly Lion, who is seeking courage.
Lesson 1: Life is a journey, not a destination.
The journey through life is filled with obstacles. Setbacks are part of everyday life and are unavoidable. What will make a difference is how we choose to deal with them.
Lesson 2: Turn obstacles into stepping stones.
While each of the characters thought they lacked what they were looking for, they already had it, and as they followed the yellow brick road, the obstacles they encountered helped them tap into their true potential. Without resistance, one cannot develop their strength. Stay on your path despite the difficulties you may encounter.
Lesson 3: Everything you need is already within you.
There is no magic pill or person that will make you smarter or stronger. The wizard behind the curtain was a great example of this. He was exposed as a fraud. There is no need for others to validate your self-worth. You already have the qualities you think you are missing. They are like diamonds in the rough; you need to look within and pull these qualities out of you.
Lesson 4: We are what we think and believe we are.
The only person you need to convince is yourself. Believe in yourself and have confidence.
Along their way down the yellow brick road, each of the characters had to overcome many trials that put them to the test.
- The Scarecrow didn’t believe he was smart, yet he had the capacity to come up with a strategic plan to get to the Emerald City. He proved he already had a brain and was more intelligent than he thought he was.
- The Tin Man thought he didn’t have a heart, yet he clearly had feelings and was able to express them. He proved that he was human and showed his emotions, kindness, and compassion.
- The Cowardly Lion, despite claiming he was not brave, rose to the occasion. Courage means acting in the face of fears, which is what he did, with determination, decisiveness, pride, bravery, and the willingness to press forward and take a risk.
Lesson 5: Follow your own yellow brick road.
Allow yourself to dream in color. Reach as far as your imagination can. If you restrict yourself, you’ll end up selling yourself short. You need to get out of your comfort zone and face your fears. Fears prevents you from getting to where you want to go by sabotaging your goals and self-confidence. Follow your true heart’s desire and walk your own path to success and happiness.
Lesson 6: Treasure your friends.
Your true friends are the ones who are loyal, caring, and will always be there for you. However, be open to meeting new people along the way who may be different from what you expect in a friend. You may end up being surprised at how they may help you achieve your goals. At the very least, they will make your journey more interesting and fun.
Lesson 7: Never give up and never lose hope.
If one way doesn’t work, find another way. Stay focused and positive. Lower the volume on your inner critic’s voice and pump up the volume on your true voice. Don’t listen to others’ negativity as they may pressure you to stray off your path. It’s your path, and you decide. If you listen more attentively, you’ll hear your intuitive voice, which is always there to guide and protect you, just like Glinda, the Good Witch of the North.
Lesson 8: There’s no place like home.
Find the way back to your true self and live your truth. Stop being the person everyone thinks you should be. Let go of those expectations and simply be who you are. Pull back the curtain on all those false beliefs you keep telling yourself and embrace all your parts. You are special and unique. On your journey through life, you discover that everything you need is waiting for you at home. Just like Dorothy, who, after she woke up, realized it was all a dream and that she never really left her home. She needed to become aware of this in order to find out that it was there all the time and appreciate what we already have.
You have the power of love (heart), bravery (courage), and wisdom (brain). You’ve had it all along. Don’t underestimate this power and don’t look for others to give it to you. Look within, and allow yourself to step into your power and become who you really are.
“Home is a place we all must find, child. It’s not just a place where you eat or sleep. Home is knowing. Knowing your mind, knowing your heart, knowing your courage. If we know ourselves, we’re always home, anywhere.”
Sometimes, you simply have to close your eyes, click your heels together three times, and repeat to yourself, “There’s no place like home.”
Antoinette Giacobbe
