People wonder why I named this blog Life Is a Yellow Brick Road. Was it because of my Kansas roots? Am I a fan of the movie The Wizard of Oz with its iconic characters Dorothy, Toto, Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, flying monkeys (creepy things!), and ruby red slippers props?
Though the answer to both questions is yes, it's not the purpose behind the blog's name. In the movie, the Great Oz is believed to have answers to life's big questions and the authority to make wishes come true. Dorothy's intense journey to find the Great Oz, so that she may ask him to send her home after being lost in a tornado, is full of self-discovery. In a topsy-turvy world, she grapples with malicious characters like the Wicked Witch and makes friends with a group of characters who are searching for something to make them complete.
If you haven't watched the movie, now is a good time to do so.
When Dorothy and her friends reach the Great Oz, they find he is a fraud. Just a guy behind the curtain who struggles with his own identity. He has no answers to life. He has no power to grant their wishes. The Great Oz is hiding his true self from others, suffering from severe imposter syndrome, and living in fear of being discovered for who he is/is not.
In the end, Dorothy and friends find they have always had within themselves that for which they so earnestly searched. Dorothy returns home under her own power, emboldened by the journey of self-discovery, finding her sense of belonging. She became confident with her own abilities while helping others find that courage, smarts, and compassion existed within them all along.
There are many analogies in the 1939 movie, adapted from L. Frank Baum's novel, The Wonderful Wizard of Oz. Here's why the two analogies described above inspired me to name this blog, "Life Is a Yellow Brick Road". First, when seeking wisdom and advice consider the source with careful caution. Chasing input from someone who hides behind a curtain is a waste of your time.
That said, understand imposter syndrome is real. Most people have felt it from time to time, especially in times of transition, while others struggle with imposter syndrome continually. If you find yourself in an imposter syndrome spiral, seek advice and counsel. Try asking yourself and your teammates, “What characteristics/knowledge/skills do I possess that make me shine at my job?” Or “What talent could I develop to be more impactful?” It is equally important to seek professional counseling when imposter syndrome is more than a brief occurrence or causes self-sabotaging behavior. Talking about imposter syndrome with a professional is healthy.
Second, you are enough. Like Dorothy, everything you need to bring your life’s vision to reality is within you. You already have the power to be who you want and need to be. Will it take work and fortitude, yep. Do you need permission from the Great Oz, or anyone else, to make it happen, nope. Nor do you need ruby-red slippers to make life’s magic happen. However, if you simply want a pair of fancy shoes to highlight your brilliance, go for it! Be patient with yourself, Life is a Yellow Brick Road. A journey to discover your strengths time, and time, and time again.
Until Next Time,
Dana
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