Working Girl
What's your song? What if you followed all those unexplainable connections
My director of Operations asked me the other day, what one song fires me up. At first my head went to gym workouts, and answered Lose yourself by Eminem, she laughed.
I then said. what are you up to? Why do you need this info? She wouldn’t disclose but said give it some good thought, a song that means something to you.
After letting it sink in for a few days…It was obvious what the song was.
If you’ve seen the movie “ Working Girl” you will recognize it as the soundtrack, since I am probably dating myself for some of you :) I’ve added the short video clip below for you to play and listen just in case.
People often ask about my journey to America, possibly because of my strong Spanish accent. Explaining it in a letter would be too lengthy, and honestly, it's too magical of a journey to condense.
However, I'll offer this brief moment of reflection, inspired by the song that resurfaced when I was posed with that question, reminding me of just how extraordinary life can be 💫
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I was compelled to leave my home when I was around 14 or 15, not by choice, but out of necessity.
I wasn't permitted to leave until I reached the age of 18, I was warned that he would locate me and return me home if I tried to leave any sooner.
Consequently, I dedicated the following four years of my life to envisioning an alternative existence where I could truly be myself, where I could find a sense of safety, respect, and love, even if it meant only from my own self.
I didn't have a clear destination in mind, but I had an inexplicable feeling that wherever I ended up, it would be far removed from my hometown.
They do say what you focus on, becomes.
They do say the universe has your back.
They do say what you think you bring about.
I watched that movie, and from that moment on, an unexplainable connection and affection for America blossomed within me. It's difficult to pinpoint the exact moment during the movie when I sensed that America would eventually become my home; it just happened.
I was 14 years old, and all I can recall is repeatedly playing that song over and over, envisioning a future where I could live out the American Dream. It was hope to me. At the time, the American Dream, to me, meant becoming someone like Melanie Griffith in the movie whom regardless of her gender, background, dress code, or where she grew up, she could climb the ladder and forge a successful life through her hard work, intelligence, and intuition.
It didn't turn out to be as straightforward as I initially imagined. My path led me from Spain to Ireland, then Ireland to England, and finally, to America. However, after 26 years, America remains my true home, exactly as I had picture it to be as a young girl when it only existed in my own head.
After 35 years since I first heard it, whenever that song plays, it transports me back to that defining moment, to the instant when I first realized, the moment I first felt that connection and choose to listen to it and pursue it and my heart swells with warmth as I listen. A rush of emotions, from tears to smiles, seem to follow always out of happiness.
I'm sharing this story to serve as a reminder that if you have a deep sense of belonging to something, even if it seems inexplicable or unconventional, trust your intuition. It’s not a coincidence. It’s what you are designed to do. Follow the path you feel guided towards, no matter how winding or lengthy it may appear. If it's genuinely meant to be a part of your journey, it will find its way to you.
What is your "empowering" song, movie, or moment?
Play it on repeat. Envision it, fixate on it, sing it, immerse yourself in it. Gradually, you'll reach your destination.
Love,
S~