For the past ten weeks I have played the part of 13-year-old Dorothy in the stage play “The Wiz”. Dorothy’s only desire was to escape the crazy land of Oz and return back home to Kansas. She meets interesting characters on her journey, but finds out more about herself than she ever imagined. I, too, have learned lessons on my journey and so to culminate the ending of the extended run of the show here are the top ten lessons I learned:
1. Never underestimate the power of water and sleep. There is no secret remedy to good vocal health. Drink half your body weight of water a day* and GO TO BED! (I have the hardest time with the second part.)
2. Don’t pray and worry. Either pray or worry, but not both. They each take the same amount of energy, but one is manifested by faith and the other by fear. Choose.
3. God wants to bless you and see you prosper (II Chronicles 16:9). He’s looking for ways to show himself strong on your behalf. Just let Him!
4. You have more lovers than you have haters. When you focus solely on those who support you, you have no energy to give to those who don’t.
5. Do what you can and God will do what you cannot. You can only be you, but be the best you at all times and watch God make-up for the lack.
6. Believe in yourself! Everyone has something uniquely their own, commit to perfecting it and everyone around you reaps the benefits!
7. All you need is right at your disposal. Stop looking for the “secret” and realize you have what it takes to realize any vision or God-given dream.
8. No one "makes it" alone. Everyone that has encouraged you along they way, whether it be in word or in deed, is just as much responsible for your success as you are. No one has ever done anything worth while without the help of someone along the way. (thx Ameer)
9. A rested BODY is a rested MIND. Enough said.
10. Home is a state of mind. It’s the place where you are centered with the Creator and therefore centered with everything else. It is the freedom to make mistakes, cry, apologize, start over, and fall again; all without forgetting that His love ensures that you are right where you are supposed to be.
Thanks Dorothy,
B. Landi
*adding lemon, honey and apple cidar vinegar to your water can relieve you of sinus issues. Warm it up, drink it, and then go to bed! :)
p.s. All those not pictured are in my hearts, including: the extended cast, Ms. Harris and Ms. Rain (my Middle School English and Science teachers), Ms. Cheryl Walker (my Elementary and Middle School music teacher), Mr. Erwin (my high school theater teacher), Cydney Perkins (the inspiration behind my version of “Dorothy”), my parents (real and adopted), my church family (TCOC, BTC, and MDC), and of course new and old friends who took out time to support me. I love you ALL!
p.s.s A special shout out to my mom, Sissy, God's Chosen, and my Bio who held me up in prayer and encouraged me the whole way.
Supplementary Scriptures:
Psalm 1:1-3
Matthew 9:23
