There is no place like home. ~ L. Frank Baum, author of The Wonderful Wizard of Oz
Like many, I have fond memories of the story, The Wizard of Oz.
My husband and I visited the Smithsonian in Washington DC a few years ago. There they were – the ruby slippers. My childhood memories of “The Wonderful Wizard of Oz” all came back to me.
When I was about eight years old, I was in a small production of the story. Somehow I was chosen to play the good witch, Glinda. Not sure how I managed to secure that role, but fun nonetheless. For me, like many others, the story has always stayed with me.
Dorothy is a popular Halloween character. My daughter, on one of our many Halloween adventures dressed up as Dorothy. We had a Cairn terrier, who for that evening became Toto. You never really know if dogs really appreciate being part of the Halloween costume.
When we have our brain, our heart and our courage, we know we can find our way home.
Self-reliance is the theme of the story, and the wonderful book and beautiful movie with Dorothy and her friends gave us that message. But when you are suffering from substance abuse issues, home is often lost to you. It is difficult to find your way home. You have lost your brain, your heart, and your courage.
When We Have Lost Our Brain
The scarecrow says, “Oh, I’m a failure, because I haven’t got a brain!”
All logical thinking would tell us that continuing to abuse drugs or alcohol is not healthy. How could we not know that? Who would choose to spend their days living on the streets, digging through garbage for food, stealing to get money for their next fix, spending time in jail, and basically ruining their lives?
Ask any 12-year-old if this is the life they envisioned for themselves? I’m sure we all know the answer.
The brain is not functioning properly when in the midst of addiction.
According to NIDA, The National Institute of Drug Abuse, “When drugs enter the brain, they can interrupt the work and actually change how the brain performs it’s jobs. These changes are what lead to compulsive drug use, the hallmark of addiction.”
When addicted, we may feel like we are left with a head made of tin, but healing the brain is the first step in becoming a healthy functioning adult with a new perspective on life.
When We Have Lost Our Heart
“When a man’s an empty kettle, He should be on his mettle, And yet I’m torn apart. Just because I’m presumin’ , That I could be kind-a human. If I only had a heart,” sings the Tin Woodman.
For families, the addicted heart feels cold. They seem self-absorbed, because their addiction comes first. Family and friends are a distant second place. Addicts cannot be responsible for themselves, be there for their family, take care of their children, or manage their money, as the addiction has a strangle hold on the addict and their life.
The physical effects of drug use is not any better. From the American Heart Association, “…cocaine deprives the heart of oxygen by constricting the blood vessels and making the blood more likely to clot and cause a heart attack. The chest pain, called angina, is a symptom of the heart being starved for oxygen.”
The heart can begin to heal physically and emotionally if we can reconnect with our inner self, let down our walls, and ask for help.
When We Have Lost Our Courage
And from the Lion, “Read what my medal says: ‘Courage’. Ain’t it the truth? Ain’t it the truth?”
It takes courage to seek help, whether it is the person who has substance abuse issues or the family member. Addicts may feel more frightened of trying a new way of living, even though it is healthier. It probably seems easier to stay with their old and comfortable habits, even if it is destroying their lives. There are many examples of people who have overcome their past addictions, and have become powerful examples of courage. They can lead us forward into a more positive lifestyle, when we shine the light on recovery.
The Scarecrow, Tin Woodman, and Cowardly Lion all follow the yellow brick road to seek The Wizard’s magic, and they like many of us fail to realize that they already have the qualities that they are seeking. We follow the yellow brick road, hoping to find a cure, hoping to find a way out of our struggles. We may be the one addicted, or the one watching the addiction from the sidelines.
And yet, is there really a Wonderful Wizard for any of us, someone who will magically solve all our problems?
Dorothy and her friends finally learn the answer from Glinda, the good witch.
“You don’t need to be helped any longer. You’ve always had the power to go back to Kansas.”We have all have the power to recover and to find our way back home.
It was fun being in the play as a child. It is the magic of the story that captivates us.
We don’t need the Wizard, the glowing lights, or the yellow brick road, as inviting as it all sounds. It’s there inside each of us. If we reach down deep, we will find it. We all can find our power, our recovery and our life.
We can find our way back home.
What helped you find your way to home whether you are someone who struggled with substance abuse or a family member?
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Thanks for this post Cathy. Sometimes, we’re waiting for the calling to go home. And sometimes we need to find a map to get us back there. Or someone to help us lead the way maybe.
Hi Vishnu,
Maybe all of the above. A road map helps lead us to where we need to be and someone with the guiding light doesn’t hurt either. People in long term recovery have so much to share and I love to learn from them. Thanks for your comment.
What a great analogy Cathy. Taking the steps you speak of to help heal shattered lives might not be the easiest thing in the world for addicts or their families, but one tiny step at a time might be as good as clicking those red heels together to take us home.
Hi Elle,
Baby steps is truly the answer for anyone seeking change. That is why one day at a time makes so much sense to me. We can’t comprehend a lifetime of change, it needs to be in steps. Thanks Elle for stopping by!
Nice story Cathy … well scripted.Terrific memories.
Be good to yourself
David
Thanks David!
Cathy – How beautiful that you were able to use the characters and the theme of the Wizard of Oz in relationship to recovery. It is true, isn’t it- that we always have a way home – we just have to find it, want it, and persist at all costs! Thanks for another beauty~with gratitude – Fran
Hi Fran,
When we get caught up in substance abuse, we do lose our way. Coming home and coming back to true selves is what is needed to find recovery. It can happen for anyone – there is always hope! Thank you for stopping by and leaving your wonderful comment!
And now you’re “making me” cry, Cathy…May have shared this with you before, but I’m gonna again…Oz…My favorite childhood story. My grandfather shot himself in the brain, my dad shot himself in the heart. I lost the courage to live and found addiction to cope.
Your touching story, way with words and this work reminded me how my grandpa was really saying, “Son, develop your intellect, take care of your brain.” My dad “says” to me every day, “Son, live true to your heart.”
Stepping into the courage a recovering lifestyle provides, I know now the Wizard has been with me every day, every step of the way.
Oh, these cleansing, healing tears you made for me, dear Cathy.
Thank you.
Wow, Herby. Now you are making Me cry. I am so sorry for your loss and the family legacy. That is never easy. You are a wonderful example of someone who has walked through their fear, and I’m glad you are hearing your grandfather and father’s messages to you. Living takes courage when things aren’t going well, but when we surround ourselves with a strong support system, love and are able to dig deep to find our determination to carry on, we can get through it. You have been a shining example of that. You have lived through these tragedies, and have gone on to live your life to help others with an enthusiasm about life that inspires others. Your comment has really just left me speechless. Thank you for stopping by and sharing your story. The Wizard of Oz now has a whole new meaning for me.
Cathy, you always write beautifully but I do so love this one especially. Not sure why, maybe because my youngest daughter watched The Wizard of Oz probably 100 times, even though she was afraid of the Wicked Witch of the West. 🙂
Beautiful analogy, I love it. I will be sharing it right now. Thanks again.
Thanks Leslie for your kind words. The story is such a life lesson when we peel back the layers, and applies to our struggles with substance abuse as well as many other aspects of life. Appreciate your stopping by and leaving a comment.
Cathy – this is FANTASTIC!! It makes so, so much sense the way you’ve interwoven the family disease with the stories of the Wizard of Oz characters. I can’t wait to share this.
Thank you Lisa! So often these ideas just come out of the blue, but I liked the connection between the story and the idea that we all do have the strength we need inside of us. Take care.
Man, Cathy, what a great way to bring your point to us. Just perfect! And, hey, if you had to be a witch, at least you got to be a good one. This concept of not being able to find the way home is incredibly powerful – moving. It hits me right between the eyes. Yes, it is about self-reliance; however, how hard it is to acquire when all is silly upstairs. Still, the way home will always be there – it’s just coming by the will, directions, and strength to complete the journey. ‘Course, that assumes one has a “home.” Guess that’s a huge part of the equation.
Thank you, Cathy…
Bill
You beautifully connect the power of strength, courage and intellect in recovery and the quest for finding our way home and yes, you did bring me to tears as well. Thank you for the lovely and stirring power of your writing and thoughts. I used to believe that because I was afraid that it meant I was less than the warrior I was seeking to be in my particular battle. Then a wise person reminded me that there were no warriors who entered the fray without fear, because that indicated there was intellect involved and that heart was propelling me into the battle. I might not understand it all yet, but if I trusted and learned to feel, I could find my way home.
Hi Patricia,
I’m happy to hear that you resonated with the post. When we find our courage to continue our journey and overcome whatever challenges come our way, life can change for the better. I know my journey has been a process and there many times when I need to reach out and find my strength so that I could carry on. I feel certain that we all can do what it takes to find our way home and find our inner peace. All the best to you.
Thanks for the great article, I hope you do not mind, but I am going to share this with my recovery group. Very clever!
Thanks so much Melanie. I appreciate it!
WILL SHARE WITH PEERS
Thank you, Vickie.