At a specific time in life, a certain guide appears at the right time in one’s path and makes one rethink decisions, thoughts and ways on how to live a fulfilling life. For me, that clarification came after reading The Alchemist, a book that has impacted and changed my way of thinking forever. The book was written by Paulo Coelho, a Brazilian writer, author of novels, fiction, mystical themes, self-help, and police investigation. He is considered one of the best-selling authors in the world, elected to chair No. 21 of the Brazilian Academy of Letters. The book became a classic and international best-seller, has been translated into more than 70 languages, and sold more than 30 million copies all over the world.
The book contains a simple plot, but a meaningful message. Santiago is a shepherd who has a recurring dream about the pyramids in Egypt. One day, he meets an old man who knows about his personal mission and his dreams. He tells Santiago that his mission would be to find treasure in the pyramids. He has the option to continue living his usual life as a shepherd or risk it all and go to Egypt to pursue his mission. The old man finishes off by telling him that “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” The quote is repeated multiple times throughout the character’s journey to encourage him to give all of himself in order to fulfill his “personal legend,” meaning his true purpose in life. The journey is not easy, he encounters many obstacles and things that want are put in his path not to make him give up, but to grow and be ready for the next challenge that he may face. Whenever he was lost and wanted to give up, the Universe would send people to help him and teach him how to go further.
As he immerses himself in the Soul of the World that connects with his inner desires, the Universe and his dreams and purpose become stronger as time passes. A major moral of the story that stuck with me was that with willpower, anything is possible. If you really want something to happen, the universe will help you, as long as you know how to listen to the signs that the universe never fails to give. Dreams were made to be followed, but due circumstances and realistic mind, many dreams are left in a distant past, only a warm memory that may never come true. But this book shows that Santiago was one of the few in this world that was willing to get out of his comfort zone. He went through a difficult road to pursue his dreams, he was robbed, lost everything, became homeless and almost died pursuing his dreams, but he made it. He decided that he couldn’t live with a “maybe,” he was destined to give his all and be the best version of himself to fulfill his purpose. The book explains that the biggest lie in the world is that” at a certain point in our existence, we lose control of our lives, and it becomes governed by destiny.”
This book is a reminder to me that the only person that is in charge of my achievements, my success, happiness and my life is me, myself, and I! People have no right to tell how they failed due this or due that, no. They just didn’t try enough. Humans are used to giving up right before we reach our goal. This book was an awakening to me, after I read it I stopped blaming people for situations and making myself the victim. I started to be the protagonist of my own story, decided to believe in my own potential, decided to trust that I can go far more than I can see now. My vision is limited, but my dreams are a vision of a place that I can reach if I am willing to.
Another valuable lesson that really made me think was to live on my own terms. Throughout the story, many people (distractions) who came up to Santiago, sometimes had the best intentions and gave their opinion on how he should live his life. Some told him that following his dreams was too risky, that he should settle and get his sheeps back and live a normal life like everyone else. But I love how he firmly stood for what he believed in, no matter how hard his situation was. A quote that really represents this concept is “Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.” How can I possibly listen to people that have meaning to me and let their words affect my life? It is irrational when you think about it, but it’s what people do. People look for approval, praise, and when lost, listen to anyone that may have an opinion about one’s life. I used to be that person, always limiting myself to experience new things, be a better person, do what I love and all because I could not say no, I could not believe in myself enough.
A final reflection is: if life were easy, what would be the fun of it? The journey will teach us the value as well as the purpose of our life. The journey itself is more valuable than the final destination. The experiences and knowledge acquired could never be bought with any type of money.
