Words. They trigger pictures and bring about emotion. Positive or negative. If they come from a source we trust and believe, they can predict and perpetuate the future.
Do you remember watching the classic film with Judy Garland, The Wizard of Oz? The book, written by L. Frank Baum, was published in 1900 by the George M. Hill Company in Chicago when Frank was 44 years old. It changed his life. Up to that point he struggled to make ends meet. The story and its component parts were compiled from events in his life spanning over 30 years. Like a jigsaw puzzle, the pieces finally came together to form an extraordinary picture.
The protagonist was a young girl and her dog who simply wanted to find a way to get home. A charming and heartwarming goal. Along the way she assembled a team of likeminded misanthropes who also doubted whether they had what it took to achieve their objectives. A Scarecrow, a Tin Man, a Lion and of course, her little dog, Toto. Each character doubted their abilities but somehow believed in the mission. If they followed the Yellow Brick Road, they could solicit the help of an all-powerful being who would have the answers they sought.
Along the way, they faced adversity (led by a Wicked Witch, the personification of evil) and her army of Flying Monkeys. When they finally reach the Wizard, they find out he is a fake, a charlatan. It was all smoke and mirrors. He does however give them a great gift, the gift of BELIEF. You see, every new belief has the word LIE right in the middle! Knowing this, the Wizard provides symbols of the new belief. The Scarecrow receives a diploma to prove he is smart. The Tin Man receives a ticking heart-shaped clock to symbolize that he has a heart. The Lion receives a medal that proves he is brave. Once received, they begin to ACT in those ways and Dorothy finally gets home. The irony in this fable is, “They had what they needed all along!”
Each of us has the power within us to “Get Home!” We need only to trust and believe that we can be our own Wizard. What symbols can you use with your team? What if you engaged in the following actions?
I have worked hard on my writing gifts over the years, and like Frank Baum, my children have provided the inspiration to stay on my own “Yellow Brick Road.” I have become my own Wizard and you can too. It turns out, each of already possesses the necessary tools needed to get home. After all, “There is no place like home!” Now what did I do with those ruby slippers?
Make it a great 2020, unless you have other plans!