“You’ve always had the power, my dear, you just had to learn it for yourself.” – Glinda, The Wizard Of Oz

About a year ago I wasn’t in the best head space. My birthday was coming up and the reality of where I was at that point in my life was so far off from the life I had envisioned for so long.

I’m at an age where people seem to have their career and life in place. And yes, I understand the key word is seems and that we all have our own issues we’re working through. It’s what makes us human. But in that chapter in my life, it felt as if everyone around me had their great careers, where all the years of hard work had been rewarded. Or they were having babies and raising the next generation of world changes. And then there was me. Working a job where I was undervalued, single, and struggling to figure out where to go next.

So last October, I made a promise to myself for my birthday. Over the next year, my one goal would be to pay attention to the things that truly made me happy. Like, actually happy. The type of happy that leaves you feeling light and accomplished. And to leave behind the things I had convinced myself made me happy, but had actually become obligations

This year has been one of the best gifts I could have given myself. Ten months later, I can actually say, for the first time in my life, I’m genuinely happy.

The quote I shared above has always meant a lot to me and has helped me through some tough times. But it’s only after the last year that I’ve really understood what Glinda was telling Dorthy.

Much like when Dorthy landed in the strange land of Oz, I felt very lost and alone after being laid off. The entire future I had planned was suddenly gone and I had no back up plan. Nor any idea on how to start again.

But as I wandered down my own yellow brick road, I found my journey to be very similar to Dorthy’s. I got lost. Fought many battles – some I won, most I lost (but still gained many valuable lessons). Thought I found people who could work their magic and help get me to my goal, only to be disappointed. I learned to stand up for myself.

When I finally took the time to focus on what truly made me happy and diving head-first into the pursuit of those things (and by things, I mean people + experiences, not actual things) I truly realized “my power.”

It took Dorthy finally listening to herself and trusting in her abilities before she could tap into her power and reach her goal of going home. For me, the power I discovered is to trust and pursue what my heart was telling me. To stop listening to what everyone else has to say.

For me, this bag serves as a visual reminder of that quote and the power that comes from trusting in what your heart is whispering in your ear. It’s a reminder of how far I’ve come. But also a promise of the adventures yet to come.

But that’s not the only reason I love this bag. Created by one of my oldest and dearest friends, Jen Kahn, Scenery Bags are made from retired theatre backdrops from around the United States. Each clutch is unique and a limited edition, handmade in the US.

Additionally, a portion of each bag sold is donated to TDF’s Introduction To Theatre Program, which provides middle and high school students with in-class workshops, and the chance to attend a Broadway or Off-Broadway performance.

Proceeds also supports TDF’s Accessibility for Students Program, which provides access to Broadway and Off-Broadway performances for elementary and secondary school students who are blind or low vision and/or deaf or hard of hearing