Everyone Deserves A Chance To Fly-- Elphaba in Wicked

One of my favorite plays of all time is Wicked and it is coming back to the Fabulous Fox theater this fall.  I've already seen it four times and I plan to be back again; laughing at the clever lines, humming the inspiring music and anticipating the absolute best part of the play when Elphaba the wicked witch sings Defying Gravity and levitates in the air, wind blowing, lights dramatically flashing.  It gets me excited just thinking about it. 

What is it about this play that brings me back time after time?  The message of the play is so inspiring and timeless.  There are three key lyrics that to me sum up the passionate revelations of Wicked.

1. People come into our lives for a reason, something we need to learn--Glenda the Good Witch  This is a hard lesson for Glenda or "Galinda" as she calls herself in the play to learn.  In the beginning of the play she is all about changing Elphaba into a Galinda clone.  By the end of the play she recognizes the qualities and gifts of Elphaba that she can learn from.  We all can learn from her example;  can you see life through another's eyes and learn from their perspective?  Can you put aside your world view and learn from another's experience?
2. I'm through accepting limits, because others say they're true--Elphaba the Wicked Witch  This is another inspiring message, this time from the character that we all initially accept as "wicked".  In truth, she is misunderstood and she accepts other's perception of herself as wicked until she has an awakening and realizes that she like all of us are allowing others to limit our abilities and consequently our lives.  How are you allowing others to limit your goals and aspirations?  How is you perception of your abilities influenced by others rather than a realistic assessment of what you can really do?
3. Everyone Deserves A Chance To Fly--Elphaba the Wicked Witch  Finally, Elphaba gives herself permission to be all that she can be.  Permission to love, permission to express her opinions and convictions honestly, permission to stand up for the truth.  What about you?  Have you allowed yourself to fly?  Are you challenging yourself to use your gifts and talents?  Are you defying gravity?