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By Newzyy Staff — 4d ago
The writer reflects on how a childhood film sparked a lifelong belief in the power of delusion to fuel ambition. At 28, they won an open-mic standup competition and quit their job the next day, a decision they attribute to the self-assurance they first admired as a child in the film adaptation of *A Little Princess*.
The protagonist, Sara Crewe, became an early role model for the writer, who shared her name and admired her unshakable confidence. Sara’s ability to captivate others through storytelling—even in difficult circumstances—inspired the writer to pursue their own creative path. Though shy in real life, they found solace in imagination, using it to escape reality and reframe setbacks as deliberate choices.
The writer admits to fabricating reasons for not joining S Club Juniors, preferring to believe they were too talented rather than face rejection. This pattern continued into adulthood, where daydreams of escape from a mundane job sustained them. For comedians, they argue, delusion is essential—a refusal to accept failure as permanent, even after poor performances in front of indifferent audiences.
Like Sara, who clings to her identity as a princess despite hardship, the writer emphasizes the importance of unwavering belief. Whether imagining romantic fantasies as a teenager or visualizing future success as an adult, these delusions were not distractions but preparations for a different life. The film’s lesson—that self-assurance can reshape reality—became a guiding principle for chasing standup dreams.