3 Life Lessons From the Movie ‘Wicked’

Michelle:

After the Thanksgiving dishes were cleaned and put away, my family and I headed to the movie theater to see the cinematic experience that is Wicked! And, while the film offers an impressive cast, beloved songs and amazing scenes, it was also a treasure chest full of life lessons that were laced throughout the magical world of Oz. If you are unfamiliar with the premise, allow us to briefly set the stage.  Wicked is a musical told from the perspective of two witches, Elphaba and Galinda, before and after Dorthy’s arrival in Oz. The movie version of Wicked Part 1, which is essentially a prequel to the Wizard of Oz, explores the friendship between Elphaba (who later becomes the Wicked Witch of the West) and Galinda (who later becomes Glinda the Good) before Dorthy’s arrival.

Here are three stand-out lessons that we discovered.

1. Being Different is Okay.

Elphaba’s green skin and unique talents make her stand out. Her journey serves as a reminder that our differences are what make us extraordinary.

Chris and I have a collection of matching shirts that we will wear to different events. When we first met a couple that we now include as the best of friends, we were wearing matching shirts. They later told us once that our matching shirts was the first thing they had agreed on in years. Their agreement, “Look at these dummies with their matching shirts. They’re ridiculous!” They said that they later realized their disgust for our shirts was jealously for the connection we had together.

2. Personal Connections are Important.

Chris:

Elphaba and Glinda’s unexpected friendship is a great example that accepting each other’s oddities and learning from them help us grow into better versions of ourselves.

Michelle and I have written about our friends who are more like family. And while our friendship seemed inevitable, the fact that I will drive to Las Vegas (what I have always called my Disneyland) and not go to the strip just to spend time with them, is beyond unexpected.

3. Take a Chance and Fly.

One of the most iconic song from the movie is “Defying Gravity”.

With lines like, “It’s time to trust my instincts- Close my eyes and leap-It’s time to try defying gravity,” speaks to our ability to rise above limitations, fears and doubts, and follow our dreams. When I told my “Arizona parents” I wanted to start my own woodworking business, they couldn’t get in my corner fast enough. Their belief in me continues to fuel my belief in myself and propels me to defy the difficulties of being a small business owner.

In the final number, “For Good”, Glinda sings, “I’ve heard it said that people come into our lives for a reason, bringing something we must learn…” In all three of our life lessons, we have learned something from these three amazing couples and our lives are changed, for good!