How Meeting Nicholas Sparks Taught Me To Reach For My Dreams

We all have that one person we consider to be a hero.

For me, that person has always been bestselling author Nicholas Sparks. His literature has inspired me and helped through some of the lowest points in my life.

Anytime I was struggling in high school, I would pick up a Nicholas Sparks book, which helped me escape from the realities of life. Reading his novels melted all my worries away. Sparks and his works have inspired me in so many ways, and I dreamed of meeting him to thank him for all his writing has done in my life.

So when I found out that Sparks was stopping in my hometown, I knew I had to be there and ask him to sign a book for me.

I had butterflies in my stomach for weeks before the event.

What would I say? How would I react? I was finally getting to meet my literary hero!

I wasn’t sure what he would think if I told him that his novels helped me find my way through a difficult time in my life. So many thoughts swirled through my mind. Accidentally saying the wrong thing and embarrassing myself terrified me and made my stomach churn.

Finally, the long-anticipated day arrived, and I got to hear Nicholas Sparks speak. I learned a lot that day just by listening to his presentation.

Meeting Sparks taught me that everything in life takes time. Although we all want instant success, sometimes we need to be patient. We need to gain life experience, make mistakes, and work hard to reach our goals.

I learned that it’s OK to feel stuck sometimes.

Sparks said that the difficult times always pay off in the end. We shouldn’t stress when we feel uncertain, because life will eventually guide us in the right direction. We just have to work hard and be the best we can be, and we will find our way.

When Sparks finished speaking, I walked over to him and thanked him for all he’s done. I told him that he was my hero and that his speech inspired me. I shared that I hope to be successful and do what I love someday, just like him.

Whether your hero is an author like Nicholas Sparks or someone else, I hope that they encourage you to reach for your dreams. I’ll never forget getting to meet this inspirational man, and I hope you get to meet your hero someday, too. Learning directly from your hero is an incredible moment, a memory we all deserve.

Featured Photo via peacelovebooksxo.