In 2003, the world changed forever. This was the year where we learned the real story of Dorothy's Red Slippers, why the Cowardly Lion is so "cowardly", but most importantly- how to Defy Gravity. For 12 years now, Elphaba and Glinda have taken the world by storm by telling us the true story of Oz, the wizard, unlikely friendship and how the witch became "wicked"...(also, for the past 12 years Defying Gravity has been playing on my repeat). This story not only entertained us with it's comedic quirks but with its ability to tell us that being "green" doesn't define who you are, and you can be whatever you want to be. Hilarious and life changing, I advise everyone to go see this amazing story come to life. While I do not wish to cause any spoilers, there are a few life lessons that we have learned from this amazing story...
1. Sometimes You Are Going To Have It Easier Than Others.
In this musical, Glinda is popular and seems to have everything handed to her. In the meantime, Elphaba is struggling to even have her own family's support. This goes to show that, though sometimes you don't realize it, you may have it easier than you think.
2. Sometimes People Will Judge You When They Know Nothing About You, Just Because Someone Told Them To.
Elphaba was by no means wicked, but she didn't do the "popular" thing like the wizard wanted, after realizing it was wrong. Sometimes we go with the "popular" thing, and we are too quick to judge the person.
3. Sometimes "That Girl" Doesn't Get The Guy.
In a rare twist, the "Green Girl" gets the guy and the "Popular" girl doesn't. This story contains a great love story that is not expected and that teaches us a few things about listening to your heart.
4) Sometimes You Just Have To "Toss, Toss" And Move Along.
Glinda teaches us a magical (see what I did there?!) life lesson about letting some stuff go. Sometimes you have to roll with the punches, even if the guy you love is sort of in love with your best friend, gets turned into a scarecrow and leaves you. Yikes.
5. Your Future Is Unlimited.
One of the most important lessons I learned from this story is that you can do anything you set your mind to. There is no limit for where you can go in your life, you just have to dance through life (sorry, I love the musical puns).
6. The People Who Love You The Most Will Always Encourage You To Be Yourself.
At first, Glinda tried to change Elphaba into a "popular" girl, but they both soon realized that that is not what Elphie wanted and that she was made for greater things.
7. Some People Change You... For Good.
Glinda didn't care about anyone but herself. Elphaba had no confidence in herself and spent her whole life taking care of someone else. At first they did not like each other, but later we found out that opposites really do attract. They gained a friendship that changed their whole lives. They questioned each other's actions, but also supported each other's happiness. They taught us so much about how a relationship can change a person,perhaps not for the better, but for good.
8. Everyone Deserves A Chance To FLY.
A main part of this musical was Elphaba finding herself, and her ability to fly. It proves that you have the ability to do great things, you just need to push yourself sometimes and have a little courage/faith in yourself.
9. Sometimes You Just Have To Dance It Out.
Sometimes you just need to dance your way through your hard time. You might not do the most popular thing, but in the end you will always do what was best for you.
10. NOBODY Can Ever Bring You Down.
Nobody in all of Oz, No wizard there is, or was, is ever gonna bring her down. I think this is the most important point of the whole story. If you love what you do, and believe in yourself then no one can ever bring you down. Keep on flying high.
11. Finding Your "Person" Is Super Exciting.
Whether you are twins, or complete opposites, there is always that one person who changes your life forever. You begin to have dreams with that person, and you both know that this relationship will last forever.
Whether you see yourself:
traveling my broom, or bubble,
taking care of the munchkins in munchkin land, or of the flying monkeys,
being POPULAR or not that girl,
you must always remember to stay wicked.
