Rediscovering Freedom

I came to the States from Barcelona when I was five years old. My parents were busy—trying to get us settled, working long hours, adjusting to new schedules, and, of course, teaching me English (I’m still learning). They sacrificed a lot to give me and my siblings a better life.

Despite everything they had on their plate, they gave me one of the greatest gifts a kid could have—freedom.

I had the freedom to roam, to explore, to make mistakes. I played army with BB guns, raced BMX bikes, skated, surfed, and breakdanced with friends in our living room. My brother even taught me how to drive when I was 12 (something my parents definitely didn’t know about). And I played every sport possible at the park until the sun went down.

But here’s the thing: these weren’t organized sports. There were no referees, no coaches, no parents setting up teams or enforcing rules. It was just us—the kids.

We made the rules. Most of the time, they weren’t fair. Arguments broke out. But no adults were there to step in, so we had to figure it out ourselves.

We picked our own teams. And if you were picked last, you knew you had work to do.

I was always that kid. The last pick. The one nobody wanted.

It stung. But I didn’t dwell on it—I got better. I kept showing up. And one day, I wasn’t the last pick anymore.

That lesson stuck with me.

I’ve failed countless times in my life, but every failure taught me something. Every time I tried something new—whether it was surfing, skating, photography, or business—I knew I’d struggle at first. But I also knew that if I kept at it, I’d improve.

As an adult, I find myself yearning for that same sense of freedom I had as a child. The world today is cluttered—not just with things, but with obligations, distractions, and noise. To reclaim that freedom, I’ve embraced a simpler, more intentional way of living.

Minimalism isn’t about depriving yourself; it’s about creating space for what truly matters. By shedding unnecessary possessions and focusing on essentials, I’ve discovered more time, peace, and freedom.

When we clear away the excess, we open ourselves to fully engage with life, strengthen our relationships, and realize our true potential.

That’s the secret, isn’t it? The people who succeed aren’t always the most talented. They’re just the ones who keep going, even when they’re the last pick.

So, if you ever feel like you’re on the outside looking in—keep pushing. Keep trying.

One day, you won’t be the last pick anymore.

And when that day comes, you’ll know you earned it.

Thankful for the memory.