The Alchemist

No word of a lie, I wished this book into existence. While going on a 'Goodwill run' with my mom and sisters a few weekends ago I was determined to find The Alchemist. As soon as we entered the first store I headed straight to the book section, my favourite area. At first I was contemplating what type of book I would like to find, usually I pick up ones I have previously read but have borrowed out (with no return in sight) or I myself have borrowed (and returned) but do not own a copy. I also like to pick up magazine to look for fashion inspirations that I can tear from the pages and save for when their needed.


Now on this particular day I decided that I wanted to find The Alchemist. I heard so much about this book, that it was about following you dreams and it seemed like an epic story I had to read. Plus I am in the zone of picking up signs of how to further better my life. So searched the rows of books, straining my eyes and back and came across one interesting title: Awakening Intuition by Mona Lisa Schulz. Using your mind-body network for insight and healing. This sounded up my ally and so I bought it. But I still had not found what I was looking for.

We entered store number two and I found my way to the back where the books were. I was determined. I kept saying in my mind that I wanted to find The Alchemist. After about ten minutes of searching, I let out a scream of excitement and amazement. Was this is it?...wow, I actually found the book I wanted out of hundreds of second-hand selections.

It took me two weeks to actually start reading it - I don't like to start another book before finishing another. I had to get Debt Cures out of the way and then proceed. The Alchemist was a quick and easy read. It is about following your "Personal Legend" and that everyone has a dream or pure desire to do something in their life that makes them happy. In order to understand your personal legend you must listen to your heart, which will guide you towards what you truly desire. If you ignore your intuition, it will communicate with you less and less and you will grow to be satisfied living a mediocre life. However when you do go after what your heart desires the universe will serve you in achieving your dream, but not without testing your will.

The majority of people do not fully realize their dreams because they are afraid of failure. I was talking to a librarian who said that he always wanted to be a rock star but laughed at the idea. I didn't think it was a far off vision, but if he didn't believe his dream I couldn't either. And that is not to say that those who pursue their dreams are not fearful, but they are willing to take the risk to go after what they want. Furthermore, the alchemist realized that he was connected to all things and that made him more receptive and powerful in being able to be successful in his journey.

This book was not revolutionary for me but I really took from the deeper message of being present in life. Awareness and enlightenment come from being present in the moment, rather than attached to the past or future. And so as I pursue my dreams I must also remind myself from time to time to just be, to acknowledge the positive steps I am taking now, to spend time with my family, to refuel my body and mind through eating and resting...the things that are taken for granted but matter most.

Are you on the path of going after your personal legend - are you committed to realizing it? Is it real? Are you acting upon it? Remember, anything you really want will come to you once you as long you continue moving towards it.