In the Middle of a Story: What We Can Learn from Julie Andrews' Career
Have you ever been in the middle of a story? Not the middle of a book or a movie, but the middle of your own story—a moment in life where the outcome is uncertain, the narrative seems disjointed, and nothing makes sense? If you have, then you know how disorienting and discouraging it can be. What if I told you that being in the middle of a story isn't the end but rather a powerful point of transformation? Let's explore this idea by delving into the iconic career of Julie Andrews.
Missing My Fair Lady, Finding Mary Poppins
In the early 1960s, Julie Andrews originated the role of Eliza Doolittle in the Broadway musical My Fair Lady. She was a sensation. However, when it came time to cast for the movie version, she was passed over. The role went to Audrey Hepburn instead. Imagine the range of emotions she must have felt: anger, embarrassment, perhaps even shame. She might have questioned her skill and wondered what she was truly capable of.
And yet, Andrews didn't let this setback define her. With her calendar suddenly open, she accepted a leading role in a different movie that year—Mary Poppins. Though not the guaranteed hit that My Fair Lady was, the film presented a new opportunity. The result? Both Hepburn and Andrews were nominated for Best Actress. In an unexpected turn of events, Julie Andrews won the Oscar for her portrayal of Mary Poppins.
The Oscar Moment and Lessons from Middles
During her acceptance speech, Andrews thanked everyone you'd expect her to thank, but she added a twist. With radiant joy, she added, "Finally, to a man who made all of this possible in the first place, Mr. Jack Warner." The room exploded in laughter; Warner was the man who had passed her over for My Fair Lady.
This is a moment I've revisited countless times on YouTube. It serves as the perfect reminder of the middle of a story—a phase that's confusing, messy, and uncomfortable, yet full of hidden opportunities. In the middle of a story, things often don't make sense. It's where lessons are learned, and things can feel broken or lost by their very nature.
On the Other Side of the Middle
The brilliance of Julie Andrews' journey is that it illustrates what's possible when you make it through the middle of a story. Her career didn't end with her exclusion from My Fair Lady. She soared to new heights and landed in an even better narrative.
What's the takeaway here? The middles of our stories are not our end; they can be a turning point that opens doors to new opportunities, if we're willing to recognize them for what they are. Middles resolve and can turn into incredible stories to share.
The Middle of Your Story
If you're in the middle of your story right now, remember Julie Andrews. Remember that middles are uncomfortable but necessary phases in our narratives. They're not indicative of our worth or the sum of our capabilities. They're just that—middles, points of transformation that can lead us to unexpected but often extraordinary outcomes.
So, embrace your middle. It might just be the start of something truly amazing.
