The Wizard of Oz is my all time favorite movie. Released in 1939, it’s an adaptation of the 1900 children’s novel The Wonderful Wizard of Oz by L. Frank Baum. A classic film and innovative cinematic production for its time, at the cutting edge of visual effects and creative costume design. It was also an early pioneer in the use of technicolor, as Dorothy enters the Land of Oz. A shift from black & white to full vibrant color. From the safety, security and familiarity of home into an unknown world of magic and mystery. The ultimate heroine’s journey, it’s a helpful guidebook for living a brave and authentic life.

A tornado comes to where we are planted, our home. A shake up. We try to gain control, scream for help and seek shelter. Pulled from our roots, we are swept up into a disorienting and dangerous vortex, everything swirling around us. The void. A storm like no other. We are scared, close our eyes and cover our ears. Everything is changing and we know it. We hold on to anything that comforts and grounds us. For Dorothy, it’s her loyal dog Toto. Her trusty companion. Where are we going? When will we land? What will it feel like?

And then it suddenly stops. All is quiet and still. We open our senses and prepare to step out with courage into the new, the now. Trust and surrender. Here we go! We open the door and see what is waiting for us. We’ve never been here before and everything has led us to this place, like it or not. The path is clear. We are as ready as we will ever be. Our old life is over and our new life begins. We get our first glimpse into the colorful new world that awaits us. Our crystal ball. Awake, we move forward. The first step on the Yellow Brick Road.

If you press play on Pink Floyd’s classic album Dark Side of the Moon (volume turned up) at the exact moment the Metro-Goldwyn-Mayer lion roars at the beginning of the film (volume turned down), you are in for a surprise, a wild ride! The two sync up in perfect alignment, an experience like no other. Two masterpieces, sound and visual, in a flowing dance together. Inspiration. Timing is everything.

The Good Witch of the North arrives to greet and guide Dorothy. A sorceress with a crown, magic wand and a special gift- powerful red shoes for Dorothy’s feet, to help her walk with confidence and steadiness. Protection. A reminder to stand strong and keep moving in the direction of her dreams. Those famous ruby red slippers are always top of my list when I visit the Smithsonian in Washington, D.C. A national treasure in a city that has experienced its fair share of twisters, fires and storms of all kinds. Still standing the test of time.

Like Dorothy, we meet friends and helpers along the way. Sometimes they are in disguise and hard to recognize. We may get confused. Don’t judge a book by its cover. We ask good questions and learn to trust. We encounter obstacles, big and small. We are tasked and tested. Our mind. Our heart. Our courage. Our adaptability. Darkness shows up to teach us important lessons. The magic dark, the origin of all life and creation. We are careful. We face the fear, learn and grow. We walk through enchanted forests, defended castles and poppy fields. We know where we are going…the green Emerald City! The symbol of beauty and love. Venus. Which direction? Our heart will tell us, if we listen. Pay attention. When the student is ready, the teacher appears. When the student is truly ready, the teacher disappears. The great and powerful Oz. And so it is.

As she clicks her heels 3 times, Dorothy is surrounded by love and support. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. There’s no place like home. She is on her way and has a new appreciation for life, a fresh perspective. More love to give and receive. Home is where the heart is.

“You’ve always had the power my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.”

Follow the yellow brick road,

Gretchen