Follow Your Own Yellow Brick Road
When I was kid, my favorite movie was the Wizard of Oz. I loved Judy Garland’s bright red shoes and I even dressed as Dorothy a couple of times for Halloween. (That movie is also a possible reason as to why flying in a hot air balloon is very high on my bucket list). Looking back at the story now as an adult, it’s hard to not notice the predominant theme: self-sufficiency. Scarecrow, Tinman, and Cowardly Lion all seek external magic to give them qualities they already possess but fail to recognize. I believe every one of us walks along our own yellow brick road towards whatever we classify as our Oz (success, fulfillment, happiness, whatever it may be).
It seemed like almost immediately after I graduated college, all my peers were jumping right into their professional fields. They earned their diploma and then very quickly started their careers. My story is a little different. I left school still not entirely sure of what I wanted to do in life (ha, still don’t). One thing was for certain: I needed to travel more. I decided to take a “gap year” - a little break to see more of the world before I rushed into anything. Gap years are actually encouraged in other countries but the idea of taking time off from “real life” kinda contradicts the American way. What I didn’t know was that a gap “year” would turn into four years. During this time, I spent a month in Hawaii, lived in Oregon, backpacked Southeast Asia twice, moved to Florida & visited several European countries. I followed my own yellow brick road.
When I look at my friends, the ones that are doing what they went to school for, I somewhat feel like I’m behind on this made up timeline of life events. They’re all living their happy lives in their city apartments, and even though I was out crossing things off my own bucket list, it still didn’t sit right with me. I have barely any money saved for my future. I’ve dug myself out of a couple holes due to maxed out credit cards. Some would think my decisions are irresponsible. I mean, I have a college degree yet I’m working as a waitress asking people how they like their eggs cooked. (To all my industry friends: I am not throwing shade at what we do or belittling our livelihood). It’s just I do not find my job rewarding in any way but it pays the bills and, quite frankly, grants me the flexibility so I can go anywhere at anytime!
But that one year off turned into four and I guess now I feel like I’m scrambling to get my shit together for some reason. A psychic actually told me back in October that she could sense I was being pulled in different directions.. Do I continue to book one way flights and check things off my bucket list? Live for the moment, truly LIVE, because tomorrow isn’t promised? Or, do I finally “grow up” and find a job that will provide me with benefits and a 401k so I can feel like I have more of a purpose? I tried a job within the tourism field and thought “this is great! My parents will be proud I’m finally ‘getting it together’”. That proved to be a bust — that 9-5 office life had me running for the hills. Between the commute and the job itself - I was so unhappy! I also think I’ve avoided the big girl job for so long because there’s so many things I could see myself doing & then I over analyze the options. “Well how do I know that’s the right fit for me? Am I making the right decision?”. I feel so unsure about the whole thing that I just turn back to what I know (& what feeds my soul): stacking up money for my next plane ticket.
Peter Pan Syndrome - someone’s inability to believe they are of an older age and/or inability to engage in behavior usually associated with adulthood. It’s totally a thing! Do I have Peter Pan Syndrome? Eh, depends how you look at it. I guess MY question is why does “adulthood” have to mean that I throw myself into a redundant day to day routine? I guess I’m in search for that perfect balance of work and play. I want to be proud of my job title while also continuing to uncover all the places that are still unknown to me. I just have to remember that IS possible. It doesn’t have to be one or the other..
This quarantine has provided me enough time to do some thinking and I’ve decided to go with just one of the ideas I have up my sleeve. I’m throwing everyone a curve ball and am taking the steps to pursue a career in dental hygiene. Never thought I’d be back in school but, here we are.. hittin’ the books! This will provide me a pretty solid setup for my future and the best part is - I can do that anywhere in the world! The plan is to dive into this health profession, establish some sort of foundation and then travel to third world countries to volunteer. Teach kids in a small village all about oral health and it’s importance. Pass out toothbrushes and show them how to properly brush their teeth. A job in dental hygiene has been in the back of mind for a while & if I add in the travel component, I think it’s something I can get behind!
On my continuing journey along my yellow brick road, I’ve gained all things that Dorthy’s friends did: a brain, a heart & courage. Just like them, I had all these things before, but they only grew as I continued down the road. I attained better street smarts and became more knowledgeable about the places I’ve been. I developed more compassion towards people that were unlike me. And lastly, like the lion, I proved to be more fearless. After all, I’m glad I chose the route I did! This route suits me best & I’m just gunna ride the wave. My yellow brick road consists of cobblestones streets, ancient ruins, white sands, volcanic ash & soon, a dentist office? It may look different than yours.. There can’t be just one road to Oz.
