Defying Gravity: Closing the Year with Courage and Clarity
I just went to see Wicked. I know, I know—late much?! I’ve been wanting to see it since the day it premiered. It’s my favorite Broadway play, and yet somehow, for the last month, I couldn’t make it happen. Finding someone to join me was like pulling teeth, and carving out three uninterrupted hours of solo time? Let’s just say unheard of in my world.
But this past weekend, I finally did it. Armed with my blanket (I get comfortable... don’t judge lol) and zero shame for seeing it alone, I stepped into the Emerald City. And let me tell you, it was worth every second. The songs, the costumes, the storyline… chef’s kiss.
As I sat there trying not to belt out “Defying Gravity” (you’re welcome, fellow theatergoers), it hit me… again: Wicked isn’t just a musical about witches and flying broomsticks. It’s a masterclass in courage, self-discovery, and breaking free from limits—all lessons we can use as we close out this year and prepare for the next.
Elphaba’s story, for example, starts with her feeling out of place. Her green skin makes her stand out in ways that aren’t exactly celebrated (seriously, how many jokes can one person endure?). But instead of letting the world define her, she learns to own it. She leans into her uniqueness and ultimately uses it to create her own kind of magic.
It got me thinking—how often do we shrink ourselves to fit into the boxes others create for us? Maybe this year wasn’t smooth sailing for you. Maybe you felt like you didn’t belong in certain spaces or that your “green skin” moments were too much to handle. But here’s the thing: the very traits that make you feel different might be the ones that set you apart in the best way possible.
Elphaba teaches us that being “too much” is sometimes exactly what the world needs. So as we say goodbye to 2024, let’s embrace what makes us stand out. No apologies, no excuses—just the bold, unfiltered version of ourselves.
Then there’s Gah-Linda… Glinda. Oh, Glinda. The sparkle, the charm, the Popular energy. On the surface, she seems like the opposite of Elphaba, but their relationship is what makes the story so powerful. It’s messy, it’s complicated, and it’s beautiful. They learn from each other in ways that change them both for the better.
Watching their dynamic on screen reminded me of the relationships that have shaped my year. The friends who challenged me, the mentors who believed in me, and even the people who unintentionally taught me what not to do (we all have those). Each connection, in its own way, helped me grow.
And let’s not forget the big anthem—“Defying Gravity.” That moment when Elphaba rises, broomstick in hand, is the ultimate declaration: “I’m through accepting limits, ‘cause someone says they’re so.” If that line doesn’t make you want to kick down some metaphorical doors, I don’t know what will.
It’s a reminder that breaking free isn’t easy. It’s scary. It’s messy. But it’s also necessary if we want to step into the fullness of who we’re meant to be. So what limits did you break through this year? And what’s still holding you back? 2025 is waiting, and this is your chance to rise above it all.
As the credits rolled and I packed up my blanket (still no regrets), I felt a sense of clarity. Wicked isn’t just a story about witches; it’s a call to action. It’s about choosing courage over conformity, connection over isolation, and authenticity over perfection.
So here’s my challenge to you (and to myself): as we close out this year, let’s take a page out of Elphaba’s book. Embrace the things that make us stand out. Nurture the relationships that help us grow. And above all, don’t be afraid to defy a little gravity.
Because here’s the thing: “wah fi yuh cyaan un fi yuh.”
~Meisha
