It’s been an unusually long time since my last blog post. Around the time I was planning to write again, the U.S. election happened, and I’ve been processing everything since. I thought my next post would be solely about the election, but as time passed, I realized I couldn’t quite put my experience into words—at least not in a formal or public way. Instead, I’ve been unpacking it in personal conversations and texts over the past month.
In the midst of this writer’s block, I decided to see the movie Wicked. I’ve loved the musical ever since I first saw it in Chicago almost two decades ago, and the movie has been getting great reviews. Still, I wasn’t fully prepared for how deeply it would resonate with me—or just how relevant it felt to everything happening right now, despite the heads up I was getting from my friends and social media.
I’m still processing it all: the movie, the election, and life over the past month. There’s so much to say, so many layers to unpack—it often feels like there aren’t enough words. But one theme stands out to me: the journey of being yourself, finding belonging, and fighting to exist authentically in the face of opposition.
This theme is deeply personal to me. In my work, I help others turn their “otherness” into a superpower—a reflection of my own life’s journey. Watching Elphaba’s story unfold on screen felt like watching a mirror of some of my own experiences. Her story embodies the pain of feeling different and excluded, the longing for acceptance, and the resilience that comes with embracing your true self. It’s about turning vulnerability into strength and learning to love the parts of yourself that the world has taught you to hide.
Living authentically has its costs—it can make you stand out in ways that feel uncomfortable or even unsafe. But it also brings rewards: deep self-love, a clearer sense of who you are, and the liberating feeling of being true to yourself. Authenticity is also magnetic. It can challenge those who long for freedom but feel trapped, and it can also draw people in, showing them what’s possible.
The Ozdust ballroom scene in Wicked perfectly captured this dynamic. For those who’ve seen it, you know the moment I mean. Watching Elphaba and Glinda mirror each other’s movements felt like witnessing a profound act of connection. Glinda recognizes Elphaba’s authenticity, allowing it to touch her own humanity. In that moment, it's like she's saying, “I see you, and I accept you as you are.” It’s a powerful reminder that belonging doesn’t come from fitting in—it begins with loving and accepting yourself, which creates an opening for others who will truly accept you to find you.
Another moment that hit me was hearing Defying Gravity again, this time, with the weight of everything I’ve been feeling post-election. These words stood out:
Something has changed within me, something is not the same
I’m through with playing by the rules of someone else’s game
Too late for second-guessing, too late to go back to sleep
It’s time to trust my instincts, close my eyes, and leap
That song captures a shift I’ve felt within myself. While I’ve already been on a journey of embracing who I am—facing fears, standing in my truth, and making myself visible—something changed after the election. It solidified my resolve. I’m no longer going to hide; I’m going to keep showing up as my authentic self, no matter the cost. And I'm going to continue to fight for others to be allowed to be themselves, and continue to create spaces for people to explore who they truly are.
As I reflect on Wicked and the events of the past month, I’m reminded that the journey to authenticity isn’t always easy, but it’s worth it. Embracing who we are, even in the face of challenges, brings freedom, connection, and belonging—the kind that starts within and radiates outward.
The election and Elphaba’s story both remind me of the power of standing in our truth, even when it feels hard. It’s a lesson I carry with me as I guide others in transforming their own “otherness” into superpowers. This work is deeply personal to me because I’ve lived it—I’ve felt the pain of not belonging, but also the profound joy of finding my place by being unapologetically myself.
If this resonates with you, I invite you to reflect: Where in your life can you lean into your authenticity a little more? What parts of yourself are longing to be seen, loved, and celebrated?
You don’t have to navigate this journey alone. Whether you’re just beginning to explore these questions or have already been on your path to authenticity, I’d love to support you. Feel free to reach out, or simply take this as a reminder that being yourself is always enough.
Small steps toward authenticity can create ripple effects, inspiring others to do the same. You might be surprised how powerful and freeing it feels—not just for you, but for those around you.
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