In “Searching for Oz” by Adele Saccarelli-Cavallaro, we’re taken on a journey that feels familiar to all of us—the search for meaning, fulfillment, and that elusive feeling of “having made it.” For so many, the idea of Oz represents this magical place where all of life’s problems are solved. It’s a destination where everything finally falls into place. But as Adele beautifully illustrates throughout the book, the greatest treasures we seek aren’t found at the end of the yellow brick road. In fact, they aren’t found on the road at all. They’re within us.
Think about how often we look for happiness outside of ourselves. We set goals, chase achievements, or seek approval, thinking, “Once I get there, I’ll be happy,” or “Once I achieve this, I’ll feel complete.” Whether it’s a better job, a relationship, or financial success, it’s easy to believe that something external will magically bring fulfillment. But Adele reminds us that the real treasure—whether it’s courage, self-love, peace, or wisdom—has always been inside us. We just forget to look there.
In the book, we’re reminded of the characters from the classic tale: the Scarecrow, the Tin Man, and the Cowardly Lion. Each of them believed they were missing something essential—a brain, a heart, or courage—and they thought Oz was the place to find it. But by the end of their journey, they discovered that everything they needed was already within them. The Scarecrow had his intelligence, the Tin Man had a heart, and the Lion had courage all along. They didn’t need Oz to give them these things; they just needed to realize they already had them.
The same applies to us. We often think that fulfillment is somewhere “out there” when, really, it’s inside us waiting to be uncovered. The journey, as Adele so brilliantly puts it, is about tapping into the strength, wisdom, and resilience we already possess. The road may have challenges, and there will be moments when we feel lost or unsure, but each step of the journey teaches us something new about ourselves. It’s in those moments that we grow, evolve, and become more aligned with who we truly are.
At the end of the day, “Searching for Oz” reminds us that Oz isn’t a destination; it’s a state of mind. The real magic happens when we stop looking for answers outside of ourselves and start realizing that everything we need to thrive is already within us. And that, I think, is the most powerful lesson of all.