2017: Opportunity, Prosperity, and a Lesson in Faith
I wrote the following article in February. My partner and I had just come off of a year of travel and not quite sure where to turn next. All we knew was 2017 was going to be a year full of opportunity and prosperity. We didn't know then that the crypto game was going to be the opportunity we were looking for, we just knew the answer would find its way to us. Now here we are, quickly approaching paying off all debts and living the life we've always wanted.
We’ve had our highs and we’ve had our lows. Man, we’ve had some intense highs on this rollercoaster. The lows too, have had their share of intensity. The uncertainty of not knowing where you’re headed to next can be both thrilling and frightening: either individually or in tandem. There’s no faster way out of your comfort zone than arriving to a city with no plan or place to stay. This awkwardness and discomfort does not come without its rewards. It has opened the door to so many opportunities and discoveries along the way.
Our snap decision to fly to Estonia revealed a hidden gem I believe to be one of the most beautiful cities on Earth. A last minute call showed us a pristine national park in the heart of Croatia. Traveling with best friends tested relationships, but ultimately brought about a new level of understanding. Living outside the tourist bubble gave insight to the true hardships people such as the Cubans or Cambodians face each day. A hardship that is inspiringly met with optimism. Leaving cities earlier than anticipated led our path elsewhere and new friends were made. Conversely, extended stays in cities provided ample time for roots to establish and for connections to be made.
Cities like Barcelona. In our two month stay last spring, Barcelona seduced us with all its sexy splendor. From April showers to May flowers, we rose every morning with purpose and passion. We got in shape, treated our bodies well, and expanded our minds. We found balance and centeredness. We met wonderful people with similar interests. We lived like locals. We saw the sights as tourists. Flowers and spring filled the air. Trees burst open in all their majestic glory. Spanish, Catalan, and English intertwined in an intoxicating potion that swept us under its spell.
Sandy beaches facing the azure Mediterranean warmly embrace the rise of the sun each morning. Mountains hug the city from behind, keeping it cool and breezy all day long. Rolling hills through its heart keep you in shape, and its already world-class metro system is ever expanding to provide even more convenience. With a progressive attitude in a traditional country, Barcelona, too, achieves balance. The city puts life first and is actively removing roads and replacing them with pedestrian-friendly greenspace. Add to it architectural masterpieces like the Sagrada Familia and it is no wonder Barcelona is the third most visited city in Europe. The quality of life is unparalleled.
A city to grow and learn in. A place to wonder and explore. A place connected to the pulse of humanity, yet within a stone’s throw of both the peaceful Mediterranean and the challenging Alps.
It is for all of these reasons that we have decided to relocate here. Life is as equally full of uncertainties and hesitations as it is omens and guiding forces. The universal current has been calling us to such a city, a place where we can grow into the versions of ourselves we always imagined we would one day become. It is a huge leap of faith and one I am even a bit scared of for myself, but one I know is right and will yield nothing but boundless opportunity and prosperity.