I have just finished reading The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. If you’ve had the good fortune to read this book, then you’ll know that it is a life changing modern classic. It is a very short easy read – just 177 pages. However, it is packed with wisdom that reach and wake your inner being . Read this book and you will start believing in your dreams again.
The book tells the story of Santiago, an Andalusian shepherd boy who dreams of traveling the world in search of a treasure as extravagant as any ever found. From his home in Spain he journeys to the exotic markets of Tangiers and then into the Egyptian desert, where a fateful encounter with the alchemist awaits him.
I would like to share some text that I found incredibly inspiring and enlightening.
“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it.”
I find this to be true. I have set goals and had dreams and challenges that normally most people wouldn’t even consider contemplating. Yet, in most of my endeavours success has flown into my to cup of my hands. One opportunity or conversation will lead to something and before I know it my goal has been realized.
I think it is a result of being true to not only myself, but the universe around me. This doesn’t mean I don’t t work hard. I do. It just has never felt like hard work at the time. The next quote best describes what I have experienced.
“No heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of the search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity.”
I think many people get into the belief that they are lose something, pay a price or have to sacrifice something to pursue a dream. This couldn’t be further from the truth. Pursue your dreams (they must be your dreams) and you’ll be hanging with God, or in my case, with Buddha.
“People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel that they don’t deserve them, or that they’ll be unable to achieve them.”
I lived with this mindset for many years. I didn’t feel that I was worthy of anything good. I made life very difficult for myself. I was my worst on enemy in more ways than one. Needless to say I wasn’t very happy. Now, I can’t imagine not following my dreams and being happy. Let me tell you something right now. YOU ARE WORTHY. You are worthy of happiness. You are worthy of the fruits that your dreams will produce.
The way this book ended up in my hands was a serendipitous moment just like the many that color the story of the Alchemist. It was a gift from a person who shares the same enthusiasm for learning and life. We had met very briefly on just four occasions before she moved to New Zealand. We seem to share …something….a past or good karma…I can’t put it into words……. that allowed me to trust and speak to her with a joy and honesty that I had never experienced before. Reading the book has been a continuation of a conversation we were sharing on the wonders and opportunities life can bring. Ain’t Life Cool!?
