Defying Gravity: Harnessing Emotions to Fuel Growth and Purpose

“Once you learn to harness your emotions, the sky’s the limit.” – Madame Morrible, Wicked

I’ve always loved musicals. They inspire me, challenge me, and, more often than not, leave me thinking deeply about the stories they tell. The music, the lyrics, the layers of meaning—each show is its own universe, packed with lessons if you’re willing to listen. From Sondheim’s intricate wordplay to Jason Robert Brown’s soul-stirring compositions, I’ve found solace and inspiration in their artistry.

This passion led me to spend a year writing my own musical—a growth experience that deepened my respect for the medium. It also reinforced my belief that musicals have the power to touch us deeply, especially when they mirror our struggles, triumphs, and values.

That’s one reason Wicked has always resonated with me. It’s a story about identity, courage, and standing up for what’s right, even when the odds are stacked against you. When the film adaptation was announced, I was cautiously optimistic, eager to see how it would capture the essence of such an iconic tale. And while watching the movie, I was struck by how relevant Elphaba’s journey is to the world we live in today.

Elphaba’s story is one of resilience, authenticity, and purpose. She starts as a misunderstood outcast, burdened by others’ judgments, but transforms into a force to be reckoned with by embracing her emotions and channeling them into meaningful action.

The Power of Emotions: Lessons from Elphaba

In one pivotal scene, Madame Morrible tells Elphaba, “Once you learn to harness your emotions, the sky’s the limit.” This line hit me deeply, as it encapsulates a truth I’ve been learning: emotions are not obstacles—they’re guides.

When we experience any situation, our brains process it through our senses, feeding us thoughts. But here’s the key: not all thoughts deserve our attention. We have the power to decide which thoughts to hold onto and which to release.

Emotions, however, are harder to ignore. They’re energy in motion, designed to alert us to what matters. Unfortunately, many of us have been taught to suppress emotions—to view them as “bad” or “inappropriate.” But suppressing that energy doesn’t make it go away; it simply gets stored, often creating more challenges down the road.

What if, instead of running from our emotions, we embraced them as tools for understanding ourselves?

Elphaba’s anger over the mistreatment of Animals is a perfect example. Her emotions are overwhelming at first, but instead of shaming herself for feeling deeply, she channels that energy into action. She takes a stand, aligning her decisions with her values and purpose. Her emotions fuel her determination, helping her step into her power.

What This Means for Us

As we move into a new year, a new chapter, and potentially new challenges, we have a choice to make:

• Will we fear change and play it safe, like Galinda does at first?

• Or will we, like Elphaba, listen to our emotions, even when they’re uncomfortable, and let them guide us toward meaningful action?

When life feels overwhelming, remember: you don’t need a wizard or an external guide to show you the way. You already have the answers within you. By tuning into your emotions, you can uncover your values, clarify your purpose, and take steps that align with the person you want to be.

How to Start Harnessing Your Emotions

1. Recognize Your Thoughts: Just because a thought enters your mind doesn’t mean you have to believe it or act on it. When an unhelpful thought arises, try mentally shouting, CHANGE! to redirect your focus. 

2. Listen to Your Emotions: Instead of labeling emotions as “good” or “bad,” ask yourself: What is this feeling trying to tell me?

3. Take Small, Aligned Actions: Channel your emotions into action that reflects your values, even if it feels scary. Every step forward is progress.

A Call to Action

Elphaba didn’t let fear or judgment hold her back. She stepped into her truth, embraced her emotions, and fought for what mattered.

As we approach this new chapter, I encourage you to do the same. Ask yourself:

• What emotions have I been suppressing, and what are they trying to tell me?

• How can I channel my feelings into meaningful action—whether for my own growth or for the betterment of others?

Your emotions are your compass, and your values are your guide. Trust them. Close your eyes, take a deep breath, and dare to defy gravity.