No one dreams to grow up to be a failure. But I often wonder why failure and the path to grit is not taught in school like math or chemistry. It’s such an integral part of becoming an adult and recognizing opportunities.
Why am I even brining up Lisa Simpson? Well, the story of the voice behind the animated character is really special and speaks volumes about what it means to turn weaknesses into strengths.
Since Yeardley Smith was a little girl, she was bullied for her distinctive voice. Though she yearned to be a Broadway star, she catapulted to fame when she was cast as the voice of Lisa Simpson, in the 20th Century Fox show The Simpsons. Although she may not have imagined herself as voice actor on the longest running animated TV show in history, nor did she imagine herself an advocate for workers’ rights when the union refused to pay voice actors fair wages, Yeardley seized her transition from Broadway to Los Angeles with gusto.
If there is one take-away that I gleaned from her incredible story, it’s that disappointments are part of the journey. But personal or professional failures are part of the growing pains that allow women to step into their power.
I’m honoring Lisa Simpson and Yeardley Smith with a few whimsical shopping suggestions!