Journey of a Dreamer

by Stephanie Lyas
Past OTO Client

Since I was a child, The Wizard of Oz has been one of my favorite movies. The story of the girl from humble beginnings trying to “find her way” is much like my own. Like Dorothy, I was desperately searching for things outside myself that I thought would make my life complete- only to discover that I possessed those things all along. All I needed to be happy and successful were already inside of me. It wasn’t until I experienced life coaching that that truth was revealed to me in a profound way. And I can earnestly say that my life has changed for the better. Great things are happening all the time! Probably the accomplishment of which I’m proudest is the recent publication of my book, Dwelling Places: a Poetic Journey through the Heart.

I compare my journey toward completing the book to Dorothy’s quest to reach The Emerald City. Though she faced great obstacles along the way, she got there. Perhaps the most important part is that she didn’t do it alone. She had help from her loyal friends, The Scarecrow, The Tin Man and The Lion. Although encumbered by their own personal weaknesses, their common focus was to help Dorothy reach her goal. And in the end, they discovered incredible things about themselves, too.

That, in essence, is what coaching has done for me. There are few words that can describe the “ripple effect” of blessings that have come from my coaching experience. My greatest joy, however, is sharing my testimony with others with the hope of encouraging them to overcome obstacles and do extraordinary things.


Looking back on my journey, it is difficult to pick which of the three companions best
describes my coach, because like any good companion, she possesses the attributes of all
three- wisdom, courage and heart. To witness those forces at work in my own life is another blessing for which I will always be thankful.


Whether or not Dorothy would have made it to Oz without her friends remains to be seen. But one thing is certain- the trip would have been much harder, and not nearly as exciting! True friends are invaluable. Coaches who really care are priceless. Like Dorothy, I have discovered on this amazing journey that “the dreams that you dare to dream really do come true.”


© Stephanie Lyas. 2009