Remember in the Wizard of Oz when the Wicked Witch of the West caught on fire? Bystander Dorothy did what any concerned person would do. She picked up a bucket of water and tossed it onto her. Sounds logical, even downright heroic, doesn’t it? The only problem with that is it was the wrong this to do. The remedy did more harm than good. I can hear the witch screaming, “I’m melting! I’m melting!”
How many times have you experienced someone tossing water on your fire, only to give you a meltdown? Well-meaning people, especially those closest to us want to help us. The try to do what they think is best for us, particularly when it comes to our writing.
They say things like, “well, honey, don’t get your hopes up”, or “you know there are millions of writer wannabe’s out there who are jobless and homeless. At least you have a job.” They really think they’re helping you but in reality, it’s the worst thing they can do.
But here are a couple of things you should remember:
1) They really do mean well
2) They don’t know any better
If the witch had told Dorothy up front to never throw water on her, she never would have, no matter how bad the witch became. She had a good heart and never would have wanted to hurt her. But her adversary never told her and she unwittingly did the unthinkable, causing irreparable harm to the witch.
That’s true, but there are more truths hidden in this story:
1) Sometimes a meltdown is needed. That witch had to go and go she did. Sometimes the meltdown in your life gets rid of the wicked things that threaten you.
2) The meltdown eventually brings joy. Remember how everyone approached the puddle tentatively and then the whole city broke into laughter and song, “ding dong the witch is dead…” After your meltdown, things can be happy and free, more than ever before in your life.
3) After the meltdown, the bad stuff is quickly forgotten. Did you see anyone tell how bad the witch was after she melted? No. Why? They were too busy enjoying the fact that she was gone. You’ll do the same once your meltdown is complete. You’ll bask in the freedom of being free from your own emotional wicked witch.
Emotional meltdowns are no fun but sometimes they are necessary to eliminate the threatening things in your life, particularly when it comes to the life of a writer. When it happens, don’t worry. There will be a celebration when the witch melts.
Has someone tossed water on you and caused you to melt emotionally? Why not send me an email to reba@mybooktherapy.com. Share your experience.
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Reba J. Hoffman is a natural encourager and Member Care Coach at My Book Therapy. She holds a Ph.D. in Clinical Counseling and is the founder of Magellan Life Coaching (www.magellanlifecoaching.com). She is the author of Dare to Dream, a Writer’s Journal published by My Book Therapy. She also publishes a motivational and encouraging blog, FindingTrue North. Contact Reba at reba@magellanlifecoaching.com.
