Wicked Lessons to Remember

Last night as a birthday treat for my wife, I took her to see the hit musical Wicked in London.

Needless to say, I loved the whole story and the interconnection it has from the original story 'Wizard of Oz' especially as it tries to provide some insight into the origins of some of the main and original characters. However, what I really loved about it was the 10 lessons of life that I gleaned from the production (in no particular order as such):

Lesson 1 - There are two sides to every story. Someone whom you perceive to be bad might have an explanation as to why they have arrived at where they are especially as circumstances might have pushed them there. So never judge a book by its cover. Also seek to first understand.

Lesson 2 - Society has a part to play in condemning someone as a 'radical' or an 'extremist' simply because they choose to buck the status quo. Someone who thinks differently to us or simply outside the box should not be feared.

Lesson 3 - Just because the powers that be classify someone as as extremist, doesn't make it so. The truth is often what people want to believe and not what it is. So we should see the world as it is and not as we think it should be.

Lesson 4 - what is given as 'fact' for public consumption may be farther than the truth. Always choose to look beneath the surface before making a judgement

Lesson 5 - do not judge someone who dresses differently, looks different, talks different and thinks different. Difference is not bad. Diversity is the hall mark of humanity and should be embraced.

Lesson 6 - never under estimate the power of sibling love or even friendship. This is what will get you through the darkest periods of your life.

Lesson 7 - be cautious of people who 'claim' to have your interests at heart, especially people that you work with. It is often that they have something to gain from you as well

Lesson 8 - never discriminate between your children despite the many differences that may arise with them. Each one of them is special in their own way and will eventually excel in their own uniqueness.

Lesson 9 - people come into your life for a reason. always value and learn from your encounters with them

Lesson 10 - opportunities come across your path every day; your life is determined by how you respond to them. never regret the choices made

So there you have it. 10 lessons for life from the musical on how we can be better at doing things.

Worse come to worse, just go to enjoy some good music and a good laugh.


Amjad Saleem