"El amor no es algo que encuentras. El amor es algo que te encuentra."

Love is a funny thing, isn't it? We often think of it as a treasure hunt, scouring the world for that perfect someone who ticks all our boxes. But maybe we've got it backward. The essence of this thought is that love has its own momentum. It creeps up on you when you're least expecting it, often in the most unexpected places.

Think back to the early 20th century. You know, when life was a bit less frantic, and people had time to send handwritten letters. This idea was around even then. Take the story of how J.R.R. Tolkien met his wife, Edith. He wasn’t looking for love when he saw her playing the piano in a boarding house. They were just teenagers. But something sparked, and it wasn't forced or planned. It found him.

Imagine you're at your favorite coffee shop, the one with the barista who knows exactly how you like your latte. You're not there to meet anyone — just to get your caffeine fix and maybe enjoy a good book. Out of nowhere, someone asks if they can share your table. You end up chatting for hours, losing track of time. That kind of serendipity is what we're talking about. It’s those moments when you're not on the hunt, yet love sneaks up and sits down right next to you.

So, how do you let love find you? First, take a breath. Seriously, relax. Stop stressing about whether you've swiped right enough times or if you've got the perfect profile picture. Be present. Engage in activities that make you happy and fulfilled. Whether it's hiking, painting, or volunteering, do things that enrich your soul. You'll be in the right place emotionally for love to come knocking.

Imagine you're at a friend's party, feeling awkward and out of place because you don't know many people. Instead of hiding in a corner, you decide to help your friend by passing around snacks. As you move through the room, you strike up conversations. That's when you meet someone who shares your passion for volunteering. You're not looking for anything, but suddenly, there's this connection. It feels natural, unforced.

Think of love like a cat. If you've ever tried to get the attention of a cat, you know how futile it can be. You can't chase it down; it comes to you when it's ready. So, be like the cat lover who simply sits patiently, not obsessing over when or how the cat will come to them.

In the end, remember that love isn't a checklist or a strategic plan. It's those moments of genuine connection that pop up when you're genuinely being yourself. So, keep doing your thing. Live your life. Let love find you in the middle of it all. Because when it does, it's usually when you least expect it, and that's what makes it so beautifully real.