Quote: “When you want something, all the universe conspires to helping you achieve it.”
“The Alchemist” is the perfect read to jumpstart your new year. This book provides not only an escape from reality, but inspirational insight to a world that exists in all lives. Translated into 67 different languages, this book quickly made its way to becoming an international best seller. Published only 28 years ago, it has touched the lives of millions, including mine.
The author escorts readers on an inspirational tale of a boy on a spiritual journey to self-discovery. The story is told through the eyes of Santiago, a young shepherd who is inspired to pursue his Personal Legend, or destiny, and search for treasure buried near the Pyramids of Egypt. A Personal Legend is a calling that awakens a deep desire and passion to live with a sense of purpose for something greater than one’s self.
The young man leaves the comfort of his home to travel through the deserts, where he finds an abundance of wisdom that eventually leads him to his treasure. Over the course of his journey, the readers watch this average shepherd boy transform his life through learning the language of the world. A universal language that connects everything and everyone; a language that eventually leads him to the ultimate treasure.
“The Alchemist” is a must read for anyone seeking to improve their quality of life. I have learned that the future really does belong to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams. No matter what that reader’s initial state or perception is, this book will open their eyes to a world of magnificent wonder. Finishing this book has altered my perception in many aspects of life. It will bring nothing but positivity into your life and will have you struggling to put it down.
“The Alchemist” argues that the greatest lie in the world is that, at some point, we lose the ability to control our lives and become victims of fate. Along his path to enlightenment, Santiago learns powerful life lessons while trying to conquer internal and external obstacles that are thrown at him. Below are some basic life lessons I found while reading “The Alchemist:”
At some point in time, we have all heard the phrase, “There is nothing to fear but fear itself.” Change can be scary for us all because we are stepping out of our comfort zone into an unknown territory. Fear of the unknown is inevitable, but when fear itself keeps one from their dreams, it becomes a problem. Over the course of his journey, Santiago proves that success sometimes requires change in certain aspects of life, and change forces us to enter that unfamiliar territory.
Live in the present because yesterday is history; tomorrow is a mystery; and today is a gift. There is no point in dwelling on the past or stressing over what “might” happen in the future. Now is a good time to be present.
We all hope to be completely satisfied with our lives someday. Looking at the root of the word satisfaction, we see the word ‘action’ being the key component. The key to success is taking action. Life is always in constant motion; sitting around talking or thinking about it isn’t enough.
Similarly, every decision or action we make has a ripple effect. It is our responsibility to take action and initiate a ripple effect. For example, a simple decision to change a diet can create a powerful ripple effect in many other areas of our lives, like physical appearance, mood, stress levels, confidence, etc.
We are never too old to learn. Every day, we should wake up and aspire to be better versions of yesterday’s self, always keeping an attitude of gratitude. We should think outside of the box and not be afraid to be different.
Focus on your own journey because at the end of the day, your opinion is the only one that matters. This is your life, and you’re the only one in control of your own happiness. Even still, love is the ultimate driving life force.
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