To everyone who assisted in the missing inspiration hunt, thank you. After posting my missing person thing report, I began a solo search party of my own. I looked in the pantry, under our bed, near the back of the closet, and even in my left shoe. It was sadly, nowhere to be found. But then, lo and behold, I looked in the comments.
And all was right with the world again.
Fellow blogger Sari simply stated, “it will hit you when you stop looking.” I read that comment and laughed, for it instantly spurred my inspiration for this post. So thank you Sari—I officially owe you frozen yogurt.
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Is it just me, or do we spend our entire lives searching? Searching for meaning, for love, the perfect job, an unreachable sense of fulfillment?
When I was a little girl, all I wanted to do was fall in love. I watched Ariel and Eric, Jasmin and Aladdin, Cinderella and Prince Charming (did he have a real name?)….ride off into the sunset together, as my eyes glazed over with envy. I wanted that, and I wanted it immediately. Some of you may remember I occasionally struggle with impatience.
Naturally, at age six, the search for love began.
I looked everywhere. I looked for it in the one who held my hand on the playground during recess. I looked for it in the one who bought me a purple necklace at Outdoor Ed. I looked for it in the one who gave me my first kiss, who was also the first one who broke my heart. I looked for it in the one who lied to me, and I looked for it in the one who lived too far away. I even looked for it in the one who was my best friend. No matter how diligent I was in my search, finding love seemed hopeless.
And then, I stopped looking.
I had just graduated from high school, and was spending a warm summer night at the county fair with a friend, who happened to introduce me to my very first funnel cake. After chatting for a bit, we hopped in his car and he told me he needed to stop by his buddy’s house to drop off a video game.
“Fine by me,” I replied.
Little did I know, that was going to be the night I would meet the one. He was wearing blue basketball shorts with a white t-shirt, and his hair was messy. He smiled at me and said “nice to meet you” while I shyly smiled back. His computer was turned on, and I quickly noticed him sign into AIM (remember instant messenger?). I not-so-slyly memorized his screen name before saying goodbye.
I returned home and rushed upstairs to hop into bed with my laptop. My internet could not sign onto AIM fast enough. After 20 whole seconds of torture, my little buddy list finally popped up and after quickly adding him, I saw he was logged on. I can’t remember what I said to him, but I’m sure it was something equally clever and dorky. We talked for a while that night. And the night after that. And the night after that.
Two weeks later he kissed me. A week after that, he asked me to be his girlfriend under the fireworks. Three months later, he whispered he loved me and a year after that, he got down on one knee and asked me to be his wife.
After three years together, I put on a pretty dress and promised to love him forever.
I don’t know what you’re searching for, but chances are, you just need to stop looking to find it.
Image Courtesy: 1
I’m glad that you found it.
True about not looking for love either. I think that true for most people too..including me.
Hooray! You found it!
p.s. what an inspiring post today
thank you for helping make my Friday, a glass-half full kind of day!
I love this story so much. And you and YOUR love. <3
Liz´s last blog ..Mahalo Maui
Can’t believe it will be 3 years married, 6 years together this July. I’ve officially occupied 25% of your time on this earth. I’m glad you gave that scrubby kid a chance that night. And didn’t run away in fear when my knees were knocking together so hard on that first kiss. Some call it being nervous but I swear I was just cold. (that the weather was 80 degrees in Pleasanton that night is a viscous, viscous rumor)
Love you. Love your blog.
(moms and moms-in-laws … insert gushy comments below)
Remember when I asked you if you wanted a blanket?
I think it was about 84 degrees outside….
Ok so this is the moment when I really just want to reach out and hug you… Seriously. I am in love with this post and the message that it sent me. I have been looking everywhere lately for love.. and I think you are right, perhaps it is time to give up the hunt. You. Are. The. Best.
Best,
Hannah Katy
Hannah Katy´s last blog ..1,364 Pearls: The final strand of pearls, and the ones that I will always wear after Graduation Day.
DARLING post!!!! I officially have a writer’s crush on your blog! Can you have a crush on a blog?
Wow, this is just what I needed to read today. Your story really hit home. Thank you so much!
janeen´s last blog ..Mom Is (Almost) Always Right
it’s so true… my mom always says that. when you stop looking for something, it will find you.
this post inspired ME! so thank you, dear. <3
kelly ann´s last blog ..sunsets and songs.
You’re just way too cute, I can’t even handle it. So happy that you found your love. I think I’ll give up the search, and wait for the perfect Frenchman to find me!
Christine´s last blog ..Quitting is for winners
Wow! I am so happy that I helped find your inspiration Ash! Thanks for the sweet words.
BTW- I love your love story its so “meant to be”.
XOXO Sari
Sari´s last blog ..Friday’s Little Bits
Oh yeah – Looks like I’ll need to make a trip to Cali so I can cash in my free fro yo!
Sari´s last blog ..Friday’s Little Bits
I had been wishing for a “how we met” story! I am such a sucker for romance too. Your story did not disappoint
Nicole Geurin, RD´s last blog ..Be Sugar Savvy!
Hannah: *hug* There you go. Now stop looking. He will find you faster that way…I’m sure of it
Jules: Yes, you can. Because I have a crush on yours.
Sari: I have froyo waiting for you….better hurry before it melts!
[...] Where My Heart Resides: when you stop looking. [...]
I love this post. My love story is very similar. It didn’t involve video game returning or the fair but it did begin when I least expected it. I love how God does that, don’t you??
Kate @Ordinary Girl, Extraordinary Journey´s last blog ..The JD59 Project