FOLLOW THE YELLOW BRICK ROAD?

While in NYC during the WGA strike I started thinking about the affect it was having on many in the industry, but especially those further down on the totem pole, as they say. It may have caused some to see it as a sign to give up and move on to something else, which brings me to this week’s blog.

I suppose, if we were to turn to the popular 1939 film entitled “The Wizard of Oz” staring Miss Judy Garland, for any advice in life, we might start to think that following the yellow brick road, while wearing a pair of ruby slippers, would bring us exactly where we want to go.

Except, what exactly is the yellow brick road, and where might one find it?

In this case, I believe the yellow brick road simply represents the road of life, something we are all on during our lifetime and can relate to in some form. While the ruby slippers are perhaps just a sparkling reminder that there is light at the end of the tunnel when things look dim, and we can in fact get there. Let’s face it we all like pretty things from time to time.

For some, life might be about becoming an award winning writer, life saving doctor, loving mother, ambitious secretary, adventurous flight attendant, loyal husband, attentive waiter, well respected employee or even a successful actor among countless other jobs out there for us to momentarily grasp or ultimately capture.

My personal yellow brick road towards becoming an actor has been filled with expected disappointments, incredible highs, pesky frustrations, ongoing questions, useful lessons and certain uncertainties to name a few. I’m only a fraction of the way there, but again, it’s all about baby steps. So, even if I “make it,” I’m going to keep taking those “baby steps” because we never stop learning and should continue becoming the best person we can.

No matter the dream, striving for it exists in each of us, and can quite possibly be found along the yellow brick road, symbolizing life. Like the attractive pot of gold at the end of a colorful rainbow, remember, “somewhere over the rainbow dreams come true.” Regardless, if we keep moving forward and don’t give up we can and will get there, in time. I truly believe that persistence is the key to unlocking your dreams.

This film analogy may also remind us that just as Dorothy encountered bumps along the way and faced obstacles, if we stay true to ourselves while following our hearts, we will end up exactly where we’re supposed to be. Just as morning awakens us from dreams, these obstacles might rightfully wake us up to reality. Learn from them and allow each to make you stronger. We all get knocked down, if we didn’t, we wouldn’t know how wonderful it feels when we finally reach our dream at the end of the road. As I’ve said before, it is what makes the make in “making it” that much sweeter!

Especially in times when the destination is somewhat colorless during our unpredictable adventure, it is important to at least have a dream to pursue. While realizing that the dream may change, just as dreams do when we’re sleeping, don’t let a few upsets cause you to give up on your ultimate desire forever.

I recently went through a phase where I began questioning things in my life, as did many of my friends. Our mid 20’s tend to be a time when we naturally try to figure out where we’re going, what we want, and if what we thought we wanted is still true or has evolved; just as we do growing up. This I am sure happens throughout our lifetime, but might be more prevalent during this particular time, because we’re bridging the gap between being a carefree young adult and being a true adult, planning more seriously for the future.

That said, I have come to realize that where I am in my life and career is indeed the place I’m supposed to be. Now that the WGA strike, which was in the grand scheme of things just a tiny pebble in the road, is happily over, I’m heading back to LA. I am ready to hit the ground running, in ruby red heels, of course, and continue exploring what life has in store for me as I follow the yellow brick road.

“Sometimes you have to get off the path to see you were on the right one to begin with.” – John Ehardt III (My Extraordinary Dad)