“When a person really desires something, all the universe conspires to help that person to realize his dream.” Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I love tacos, and with the help of the outdoors, the universe conspired me to realize how magical my culture is, especially in the great outdoors.⠀⠀⠀⠀

Now I have your attention, I want to mention one of my favorite books, “The Alchemist” has been on my mind.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Camping and spending time in the outdoors has been therapeutic. Part of it reflects my memories from the PCT in 2017, and how far I have grown. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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The other day, it had hit me. I am Santiago from the Alchemist. Spoiler alert, if you haven’t read the book, stop reading now.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Book Recap: A boy named Santiago went on a journey to find his treasure that he dreamt of. He meets an alchemist who tries to teach him his self-worth. He later meets the love of his life, gets robbed multiple times, and believed he lost everything. At that moment, he realizes his treasure is where he had his original dream.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I realized I am Santiago. I’ve always loved the outdoors, and in 2012 I moved west coast to find my treasure. I met my SO, thru-hiked the PCT, suffered an identity crisis, became broke, and during this pandemic, I felt robbed. I leaned into nature, and I realized where my treasure was – it was in the great outdoors, and it included celebrating my culture with great pride. That’s my identity!⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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I became baffled and laughed hysterically. I didn’t need to search far or sleep 100+ consecutive days in the dirt to find my self-worth. Mother Nature has always been there for me, and it loved me for being me. Now, I am ecstatic being outside for any amount of time while wearing my Latina Pride. That includes cooking and eating tacos. It excites me for what to come.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
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Have you ever been on a journey and realized your treasure is where exactly you dreamt?