Yes, everyone has dreams, but the important question is: do we let them remain just dreams, or do we make them a reality? Over the years, I’ve realized one thing: make it happen! That means no one is going to do it for you. Don’t wait for that long-awaited trip to New York, to try that restaurant you’ve been talking about, to practice that sport you love, or to discover new ways of doing things while staying true to yourself.
As I write this, I’m in Detroit. It’s snowing and below freezing. I never thought I’d come here, but life brought me for two days. What do I do? I go out and explore the city. It doesn’t matter if the weather is bad or if I don’t know the place. I step outside and look for spots to do whatever I feel like in the moment. In fact, this morning I was filming a TikTok trying to send a message: don’t worry about judgment or criticism from others when you’re out on the street or sharing something online. Do what you want, and don’t expect anyone to care. If you like it and enjoy it, that’s all that matters.
I hadn’t planned to make that video, but while walking the streets of this tough, frozen city, with snow falling and the cold biting, you realize that it seems like nobody cares what you do.
This message is for those who don’t say or do what they think out of fear of criticism or judgment, for those who struggle in their minds with thoughts like: What if I do this and don’t like it? What if I say this and someone hears it? What if…
Go out there and do whatever you want. Respect others, focus on yourself, take care of yourself, enjoy who you are, and live. Most people never reach this level, and it’s crucial to get there.
My dream is to live in the United States. Yes—live, work, grow, and thrive in this country. If I listened to everyone telling me not to go, that it’s dangerous, that I won’t make it, then I’d never achieve it. Those are reflections of their lives, not mine. Don’t live the life others want you to live; live your own. Make it as big and amazing as you can for yourself, because you only get one.
Greetings from Detroit, Michigan.
Rafa
