Everything I Learned in Life I Learned from the Wizard of Oz

I read the greatest article online today and had to share it….and of course tweak it a bit. The original article was written by Dena Ross is the Entertainment Editor at Beliefnet. It is the life lessons learned from the Wizard of Oz. One of our senior mother’s used some of it on Sunday at the Senior Recognition service and I thought it was so profound that I asked her for a copy of her message and she said, “I just googled it”….so did I. “It's hard to believe, but "The Wizard of Oz," one of the most beloved movies of all time, celebrates its 70th birthday this year. Not only has the classic story of Dorothy and her funny friends entertained generations of moviegoers, it has also taught us some unforgettable lessons about life. Here are 10 life lessons you can learn from "The Wizard of Oz ."

1. Accept Your Friends for who they are: A true friend will help you on your life's journey and get you through all the problems—big and small—that may arise. So accept your friends, quirks and all, and recognize when they need a little help too. Because you never know when you'll need them around to rescue you from some flying monkeys.  I don't know about you, but when I was a child the monkey's gave me nightmares.  I was terrified of those rascally flying creatures.  The Wicked Witch was another hangup I had...her green face was scary.  Come on...admit it...she scared you too.
2. Follow Your Own Yellow Brick Road: Although Glinda the Good Witch directs Dorothy to the yellow brick road, explaining that it will lead her to the one person who can get her back home to Kansas, let's face it: Dorothy probably could have found the road on her own. It was right there in front of her. Discover your own path in life—what you want to be, where you want to go, how you want to live--and be sure to sing and skip throughout the journey.” Life is so much more fun with friends singing and skipping….don’t you think?
3. Don't Hide Your True Self Behind a Screen: “One of the most memorable scenes in the film is when we discover the Wizard is just a man. He has no magical powers. He doesn't even have a booming voice. The lesson? Don't try to be something you're not, because the people who matter in this life will love you no matter what.”
4. There's No Place Like Home (Wherever Home Is): Although it should go without saying, home means more than just your house or apartment. It's wherever the people you love—and who love you—are found. You can have many different "homes," and even if you haven't visited in a while, you can always go back.” You just have to click your heals together and say, “There’s No Place Like Home.”
5. Look Within for Your Power: We all remember the scene where Dorothy misses her balloon flight home, starts to cry, and is subsequently notified by Glinda that with those fancy red shiny slippers , she had the power to return home the whole time; she just needed to discover it for herself. When in doubt, look within for the answer. You're more powerful than you think.
6. Allow Yourself to Dream: It is ok to dream actually. Whether you want a better home, a more exciting job, budding singing career, or an extreme makeover, allow yourself to take a moment from your busy life to look over the rainbow and visualize future possibilities. This could really inspire you to start turning the dream into reality. That quaint little book store with coffees, couches and books looks pretty good after a long day in the classroom….so does a travel agent, Ireland, a house in the hills of Tennessee, a condo at the beach…dreams DO sometimes come true. I had always wanted to sing on the stage of the River Center in Columbus, GA…..and got to. We opened for Cowboy Crush and it was awesome….we had our own dressing room….and food brought just for us. I also wanted to open for someone really famous…and VOILA…last year on my birthday we opened at the Columbus Civic Center for George Jones…yep…the Ole ‘Possum himself. He is a Country Music Hall of Famer and legend…and yep…I opened for him….so dream…and make it big ones.
7. Running Away Is Never the Answer : I am notorious for running. That is what I do best. When I broke up with who I thought was the love of my life…I ran. I came to live in Alabama….to take care of my grandmother…when I had enough in my first marriage (of course it took nearly 25 years to get there)…I ran again. I will stick my head in the sand so quick your head will spin. I am non-confrontational…so when it gets to hot…I get out…..but I have learned in my 56 years that it really is NOT the answer. Even Dorothy had a choice to make when that mean Miss Gultch threatened to take Toto away after he snapped at her. But if Dorothy had not run away, she probably wouldn't have gotten caught up in that tornado mess. Confronting your problems and figuring out a solution (with a little help from your friends or family) will help you feel better about yourself and allow you to sleep at night. You won't even need a poppy field.
8. Don't Give Up Your Principles (or Your Ruby Slippers) : Dorothy knew giving her ruby slippers to the Wicked Witch would only lead to trouble. (The sparks that flew when the Witch tried to take them from her might have been an indication.) So when someone tries to make you do something you know in your heart isn't right, stand firm and stay true to yourself. I bought myself a red slipper pin as a reminder of this. Nobody can MAKE you do anything you don’t want to do.
9. Believe in Good and Good Things Will Happen: Have you ever wondered what would have happened had Dorothy chosen to follow the Wicked Witch instead of Glinda? Well duh…it certainly would not have been anything good.. Dorothy chose to follow the Good Witch and was helped along her journey. Being positive and believing in good will make it easier for good things to happen in your life. You could almost take this a step further and say…Believe in God…and good things will happen.
10. The Solution Might Be Right Under Your Nose : Isn't it usually?  I mean come on....the answer to Dorothy's problem getting home was literally under her nose the entire time--on her feet to be precise. When you've racked your brain for a fix to your own problem (big or small) and still don't have a solution, try stepping away from it for a minute to clear your mind. Tackling your troubles with a clear head may help you find the simple answers that are right in front of you. Personally, I disagree here. The solution is right under your nose…but…when your up against a struggle that is more than you can handle…it is time for some knee action….pray....pray....and pray some more. Thank you Dena Ross for this commentary on life and the Wizard....and if I have learned anything in my many bible studies over the years...I have learned that you have got to Let Go and Let God. God Bless You all today really good….and remember…”There’s no place like home….there’s no place like home….there’s no place like home.”