Traveling the world has always been a dream of mine. There's something really thrilling about seeing new places, meeting new people, and having unexpected adventures and insights.
Fortunately for me, I've been able to travel a lot this year. In the last 12 months, I've been to Russia, Belgium, France, Ghana, The Netherlands, and over 20 States. While it's all been very exciting, I've often felt an unexpected emptiness. I would frequently stare out the window of my car or airplane and think of home and my wife, Kim.
You see, while I was chasing my dream all around the world, Kim was chasing her dream at a graduate program in Florida. We knew that frequent traveling would be difficult on us, but we also knew that if we truly loved each other we should support one other in chasing our dreams.
Be that as it may, it's hard to be away from someone you love. On a recent trip, I was reminded of a story about a man who hears a legend about a priceless pearl. The pearl is rumored to be the greatest of all treasures. Excited by the prospect of great wealth, the man leaves his home by the sea and travels the world in search of this pearl. After many miles, many years, and many failures, the man returns to his home without the pearl.
Then one day, while walking on the beach near his house, the man finds -- to his great astonishment -- the priceless pearl. It had been near his home the entire time.
We're tempted to believe that the great and valuable things of life are somewhere "out there." But more often than not, the priceless pearls of our lives are hidden in the open -- the greatest treasures of our lives are things like home, family, and dear friends.
With that story in mind, I made this video for my wife to celebrate our anniversary. I hope you enjoy it and I hope it helps you find your own priceless pearl.