"Oz Never Did Give Nothing to the Tinman"
It's a line in a song from the group America, back in the 70's. I was listening to the radio the other day when it came on. I really enjoyed both the group and the song when it came out.
As I listened to the song today, however, I heard it in a different light. The Tin Man, Cowardly Lion, Scarecrow, even Dorothy, each had everything they needed already. It wasn't the Great and Powerful Oz that bestowed their respective gifts to each of them. They already possessed what they needed. The Cowardly Lion already had his courage. The Scare Crow already had a brain. Dorothy already had the means to get home in the ruby slippers. And the Tin Man already had a heart.
What they didn't have was belief. Some days I'm right there with them. Some days it's hard to believe. I believe in WA. These guys have created something truly amazing. Extraordinarily powerful, robust, life-changing for so many of us. The crew Oz didn't believe in themselves. They were in their own way. And by the end of the song, I came to realize that I've been in my way as well.
As much as I believe in WA, I'm not always sure I believe in myself. I have to keep talking to myself. I have to keep working on believing in myself. I can do this. I can figure it out. One step at a time. One skill at a time. One lesson at a time. I CAN do this. I WILL do this. Others have. I'm sure I can figure it out as well.
The trick is to believe in my heart that I deserve the kind of success that WA can provide. This is something I simply must overcome. I have made mistakes in my past - big ones, costly ones. Things I can't correct. I can only learn from them, use the lessons and start afresh. Look forward. It's why the rear view mirror in your car is so much smaller than your windshield. Don't look back. It's not where you're going. It's not where I'm going!
So here's to forgiving myself for past mistakes. Here's to believing in the future. A future I have always wanted but never either knew how to achieve or believed that I deserved. Now I know it is possible. I think working on believing that I deserve it will be a process. But I am, and have always been, a work in progress.
Here's to finding the gifts we each have and to believing in ourselves enough to achieve them.
Christine
Recent Comments
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Hi Christine, when I saw this on Mark's post I had to actually go to YouTube to have a listen to the song...again. I used to love the music from America, without realizing who I was listening to in the past. My mom always had the radio on back in the day and I remember lots of their songs.
I was a child when I first started hearing their music. They always have a message in their songs. Much in the same way that I listen to Contemporary Christian Music today. That genre hits hard with the message in the music. Groups like MercyMe, Casting Crowns, Sidewalk Prophets, and Crowder are some of my favorites today.
They take everyday life and place value in the human condition and lift you up. Thanks for reminding me of the value of believing in myself and giving me the boost I needed to get to work.
I wish you the best!
Bob M
Hi, Bob!
I listened to their music as a kid as well. There's a whole lot of music that is so meaningful, but this one just resonated with me that morning. I'm glad this one spoke to you. Thanks for taking time to drop a note. Look forward to connecting with you as we progress on our journeys!
Christine
Self-belief is what decides how successful, or not we are Christine. I believe and I will win!
Derek
Wow! Wow! Bookmarked!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I am going to give this to every single one of my starter referrals!
If you don't believe in yourself, why would anyone else believe in you? This a pure gold bar of analogy, synonymous with the WA objective.
I will read this again in the morning and even use it on my website and training materials. One of the top blogs I have ever read hear at WA, or anywhere.
Making a living, making a difference.
Mark
Wow, Mark! Those are kind words indeed. Thank you so much for making my day! Have a wonderful evening!
Christine
I am still stoked and fired up after reading it. I was going to try and get some sleep. Now, about to take Cheyenne The Wonder Dog for a midnite run.
Possums, raccoons, and foxes all around my hood are out at this time of nite and the dog goes bat-shit crazy chasing them up the trees.
Powerful stuff in those words.
Mark
Enjoy the run, just beware of the wandering skunk! Have a great evening. Thanks again. You truly did make my day!
Christine
We got them too! Saw one 2 nites ago. He was crossing the street going one way, me the other. Missed him by maybe 20 yards. If Cheyenne was there if would have a stinky 115 lb girl sleeping outside that night. lol
Mark
Nothing quite like fresh skunk to let you know you are alive! I have a great de-skunk recipe, if you ever need it!
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Good post, thank you, Christine.
I always remember America for the words "I've been through the desert on a horse with no name" I think that was the title of the song too. The tune is running through my head now as are the lyrics. I never considered what the hidden meaning of that song was. Staying on the same theme, perhaps the horse's name was or should have been "Belief"?
I may be wrong but I have always considered that "I can" is more important than IQ. That is where belief comes in, of course, a high IQ is very helpful too, so they say :-)
Regards
Rob
Ooooh, I like that song too but they are not the same songs. Same group though!
Absolutely love the thought that I can is more than IQ. You are sooo very right. Thanks for sharing!
Christine