#whenyouwantsomething

"And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." - Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

It was years ago that I first read these words from a book called The Alchemist. If you haven't read it, you need to. Its influence and perspective has shaped me, my outlook on life, and what is actually possible to achieve within this world. We can do whatever we aspire to as long as we pay attention, understand, grow, and work hard towards accomplishing our goals. Life will provide signs along the way to tell each of us if we are on the right path. "The universe conspires..."

This past summer I traveled home to the United States for the first time in over eighteen months. In total, it has been five years since I moved abroad and I can see how much I've grown whilst living in and amongst another culture different from my own. That being said, I was really looking forward to the time that I would be able to spend with family and friends. Little did I know the butterfly effect that would soon take place.

I was home for two weeks and it couldn't have been better... the sights, the sounds, and the flavors of home were exactly what I needed as I had forgotten how much I missed the little things that helped to shape me when I was younger. Towards the end of my second week my mother helped to influence my decision to take a last minute trip to San Francisco to see some good friends from high school and college. I'm still thankful for her nudge.

It was over a few drinks with my friend Heather at the America's Cup venue in San Francisco that I got my first glimpse of her. And even though the glimpse was only from a photo on Instagram, I was in awe. Despite my travels, I had completely forgotten that a girl like her could even exist within this world. A beautiful blonde from San Francisco, Kaylin was everything I could have ever dreamed of. It wasn't until Heather posted a photo of me at the sailing venue and responded to a comment by saying  that I was ''Kaylin's future boyfriend'' that my jaw dropped altogether. But that was just the beginning... 

I realize that there are very few people that cross your path with such an impact as to change your life forever. Without any question, Kaylin is that significant person for me. She has and continues to become a huge part of my life, my best friend. She makes laugh and smile and says, "You're an American, you belong in America." Words that hit so deeply that I realize what I've been missing for so long whilst living and traveling on my own.