Hi, little one

Last July, I went sightseeing in Europe. I went without any expectations, as I usually do on my trips, but this one changed my life; for me, there’s a before and an after.

I left for Madrid on July 18 with no idea what awaited me there; I was certain of only one thing: Tomorrowland. The trip was entirely planned to make this dream come true—we’d planned it with some friends—and that was the main focus; everything else was just a bonus.

I realize that not everyone can usually afford an experience like this, so the first thing I must say is that I’m aware I’m truly blessed. On the other hand, I’ve always believed that life is very short and that while we’re alive, we have to enjoy it as much as we can. The day we leave this world, we can’t take anything with us—we have to give it all back. As the saying goes, no one can take away the dance you’ve already danced.

When they suggested the possibility of going to this festival, I didn’t think twice and said yes—it was on my bucket list. Those who know me know that I’m a devout person and have a deep connection to my spirituality. When I left Colombia, I asked the universe to show me whatever it needed to show me; it took me longer to ask than it did for life to start putting people, situations, and information right at my fingertips. The trip lasted only two weeks, but it felt like I’d spent two months there. I’ll write a detailed account in another post to recount the events of the trip; that’s not what this post is for.

Tomorrowland is, without a doubt, the best festival in the world. I think it’s an experience everyone should have—I’ll go into more detail later. The most important thing is that I met someone there—a DJ. We talked at length; she told me about her life, her journey in this world, and how she managed to secure a spot to perform there, which is no small feat. Life held up a very clear mirror to me; through her, I was able to understand just how much potential I have yet to tap into—and how I’ve been the one most responsible for sabotaging myself.

Meeting that woman somehow felt like meeting a version of myself from a parallel universe. And I saw perfectly what my life could be like if I decided to make the choices that would lead me to what I long for deep in my heart. I’m not saying that I have the same path ahead of me as she does, or that one day I’ll perform at Tomorrowland—but if I decide to take my life seriously and set aside all these obstacles, I could be wherever I want to be.

If I decide to take my life seriously and set aside all these obstacles, I could be wherever I want to be.

The thing is, even though I’m where I am, I’ve gotten here without believing in myself. It’s funny, because others have told me they’ve always seen me as an empowered and successful man, but in reality, I haven’t had faith in myself. Instead, I’ve always focused on making myself small, on trying not to shine too brightly so as not to make others uncomfortable. Always trying to go unnoticed or, as some call it, “keep a low profile” (the more I’m ignored, the better).

For a long time, I carried a deep frustration because presenting myself to the world exactly as I am had led to rejection. I thought there was something wrong with me; I finally came to understand that there was never anything wrong with me—many people are uncomfortable seeing the power that exists in others, and that was precisely the discomfort I stirred up in others. But that’s over now.

I returned from Europe fully determined to embrace the purpose for which I came into this world. I believe that if I was born with so many gifts and abilities, it’s for a reason—all I needed was to believe in myself. I admit I’m a weirdo—one of those you don’t see very often—who’s lost the fear of putting myself out there in public. And just like me, I’m sure there are many other weirdos out there in the world.

That’s why this post is called “Hello, little weirdo” (and “weirdo” is a registered trademark of CR7, haha)—it’s meant affectionately. You, my little weirdo, who’s reading this—you, too, came into this world to shine. I can do it; we all can.