There's No Place Like Home

            I absolutely love The Wizard of Oz.  Even though I know exactly what’s going to happen at every turn in the movie, I still get anxious when the Wicked Witch is trying to get Dorothy.  Oh, and the songs- I know those things by heart!  It’s such a universal reminder that truly, there is no place like home.          

          Recently I visited my great aunt and uncle in Los Angeles while I was in town on business.  It was my first visit to their home and I was so happy to see them.  After we played catch up for a while, they dropped me off in downtown where I was scheduled to meet a friend for dinner.               

        As we rode through the LA Live area where the Staples Center is located, my aunt got super excited, stating, “I’ve never been here before.” I must admit, it was awesome.  The restaurants, the big screen televisions and all the people walking around got me excited too.

            The Staples Center has been around since 1999.  And, my aunt and uncle have been in Los Angeles for well over 25 years.  More importantly, they live less than 10 minutes away from the arena.

            While I could understand why a non basketball fan may have never visited the arena, I found it just a little odd that she had never even been in the area.  (In case you are wondering, yes, my uncle had been to the area, though not the actual arena.)

            That night, I started to ponder how many people are missing out on the treasures close to home.  And I am not talking about some good restaurants or cool hang out joints.  

            I am talking about people, resources, and opportunities that could be life changing.  I remember when I published my first book.  Once I set the goal of doing the book and set a release date, I learned that one of my closest friends at the time was a graphic designer.  I already owned the painting that became my book cover.  And, I had a friend 45 minutes away who had just released his book, so he was an invaluable consultant. 

            In a way, I was kind of like Dorothy when she received guidance from Glenda, the Good Witch, “You’ve always had the power.”  I could have written my book many years earlier, but I just did not realize I had the power to do so all along.        

            If someone told you that you could graduate from college with a 4.0, would you believe him?  If a friend said that you could easily start a business with the little side hustle you make a few dollars from, could you see that?  Or, if a co-worker complimented you on your clothes, could you see yourself as a stylist?

            You have the power to change your life and in fact, the entire world.  Are you ready and willing to use it?