In the weeks leading up to leaving for my European backpacking adventure, my friend Lee, whom I was travelling with with told me that she was reading this incredible book. I told her that I was reading one also. It turned out that we were both reading “The Alchemist” by Paulo Coelho. His words forever stayed with me, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” What was the likelihood of reading this at the exact precise moment without the other knowing? I call it a seal of fate of what lay ahead. I had little idea of how defining this trip would be for my future.
I fell in love with my first Frenchman here in New Zealand actually. I was about nine on a family holiday and we were both touring the country in different groups. We always ended up at the same tourist destination in the next town. I never said a word to him, but I was all starry eyed and he left an imprint in my mind.
Throughout my teens I had a fascination with France, I inquired about staying with a family and studying at Alliance Française. It never eventuated.
When we walked through the departure gates of Sydney airport in the late nineties, my family and friends told each other that we would be back within three months. I had a one-way ticket to Rome in my hand and with different plans.
Funny enough, it took me eighteen months of travelling around Europe before I set foot in France. I ask myself why? When that was the destination I so wanted to go to? I have my ideas, I think that Guillaume wasn’t ready to meet me at that time, and nor me to meet him. Sure enough, within a week of being there, we met (at the flea-market as you do) and we were inseparable from that point.
I believe in fate. I also believe that when you want something bad enough, the world conspires to get that for you. It has happened to me so many times, and I’m seeing examples of it at this moment in my life both personally and professionally.
I was reminded by this thought the other day when Paolo, our eldest son, who we ended up naming after both Paulo Coelho and the musician, Paolo Conte (another story). He is studying Kung Fu and asked me about their teachings of the mind being able to achieve what it conceives. Big stuff for a little boy, but he gets it. I put it down to his little experiences already, like when we are running late for school drop-offs and we play a game. I tell my kids to see that parking spot empty and waiting for us just outside the gates. They each work hard on it and explain what it looks like and you know what, the spot is there nine times out of ten;-)
Does that kind of thing ever happen to you?
Mel xx
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I always say everything happens for a reason, we just have to be patient – that’s the hardest part. Beautiful post and inspiring quote – Paulo Coehlo is one of my favorite authors, as a matter of fact I was just thinking about that book. Hugs.
Thanks Cyndi. That’s so true. What I didn’t reveal in this post was that I left Australia heartbroken after a long relationship… little did I know what was waiting. xx
Big believer… the amount of times I have noticed somebody for years eg a stranger and then they end up in my life.
xx
I hope that I was one of those strangers;-) xx
Dearest Mel,
I love this post. Hearing snippets of your inner and outer journey is an honor. The Alchemist is a book I encourage everyone I work with to read and it is a personal favorite of mine as well. Santiago is one inspiring character! Timm and I play a parking spot game too…we turn on our “Parkma” (parking karma) it usually works. I believe (for me) my journey was previously designed and I’m just here walking the path. Thank you for sharing such a beautifully written expression. You inspire me, Mel and I am sending you a big hug!
With love and respect,
Jocelyn xx
Thank you sweet Jocelyn! You always have the loveliest words. Love the Parkma! xx M
I love this post Mel! I’m a HUGE believer in the world unfolding as it should (although the cynical side of me always notes that I’m taking this standpoint from an incredibly privileged position – I live in a first world country with opportunities all around. My children have never known what it is to be cold and hungry, and I have no fears of them dying from a preventable disease or from lack of water….) BUT, i absolutely believe that things happen for a reason, and that you can ‘think’ things into being – whether by setting intentions, or sabotaging yourself.
By the way….our version of visualising the car park is the parking fairy – we drive around saying asking the parking fairy for the perfect spot, and it appears.
xx
Leigh-ann you are so right. We must not forget that we are so lucky to have been born into a developed country with boundless opportunities. Ha ha love the parking fairy xx