Going back to the place where you grew up always brings a flashflood of emotions. I left Ireland almost ten years ago and while my visits back are few and far between, getting back in touch with my roots and then having to leave always brings such bittersweet emotions.
I came to the United States to pursue my American Dream, which at the time was to become an accomplished hair stylist in New York. I can proudly say that I accomplished that dream and am now completely dedicated to pursuing my lifelong dream of becoming an actress. But that doesn’t mean that I’ve forgotten where I came from or the people who were there for me from the beginning, encouraging me to chase my dreams: my family.
Family is such an important part of life. While I am constantly reminded of their love and support while I’m on a different continent, few things beat actually feeling the loving embrace from your Mom or seeing, in person, the giggles that you inspired from your nieces and nephews who have become real people since you saw them last in diapers.
Reestablishing the bonds with the people who love you unconditionally is one of the most fulfilling feelings in the world, especially when you haven’t seen them in years. There is such peace and joy in being able to pick up right where you left off because these are the people who know you at your core, regardless of how you may have changed since you’ve seen them last. When seeing my family, I am always reminded how lucky I am to have this unconditional love and support.
An ocean is a beautiful thing, except when it separates you from your loved ones. We are lucky that we have the technology to “overcome” these oceans and that we are able to share pictures and video chat with loved ones who are too far away for a “quick visit.” There is no doubt that it will be difficult and I will miss my family every day until I see them next, though knowing that I have their unconditional love and support from a continent away while I chase my dreams is my constant reminder of how lucky and blessed I already am.
Chasing your dreams is not always going to be easy. Be sure to encourage your loved ones to live their passions and fight for their dreams. It is your unconditional love and support that could make all the difference in their lives. I know it’s helped me tremendously and I encourage all of my fans and loved ones to dedicate themselves to their dreams as well.
By supporting each other, we can do anything.