The Alchemist, by Paul Coelho is a book you will treasure forever.
This is such a book – a beautiful parable about learning to listen to your heart, read the signs strewn along life’s path and, above all, follow your dreams. Santiago, a young shepherd living in the hills of Andalucia, feels that there is more to life than his humble home and his flock. One day he finds the courage to follow his dreams into distant lands, each step galvanised by the knowledge that he is following the right path: his own. The people he meets along the way, the things he sees and the wisdom he learns are life-changing.
These are just some of the lessons the book will teach you about fear.
“Love never keeps a person from pursuing his destiny.”
Sometimes we risk embracing our full potential in fear of leaving friends and family behind, but like the weather, there is a time and season for everyone in our lives and not everyone can come with you on your journey. In fact that not everyone will understand your journey, but regardless you have to do what you have to do without feeling guilty, true family and friends will understand and be there for you no matter what.
“Everything you need to know, you have learned through your journey.”
You may not be the most academic, analytical or philosophical person, but everything you need to know you will learn. Everyone’s journey in life is different and unique to them, stop comparing yourself to other people and focus on the lessons that life is teaching you.
“Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than suffering itself. And no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams.”
There is only one thing more painful than not following your dreams and that is looking at yourself day after day wondering ‘What if?’ We all have a purpose to serve in this life, but unfortunately not everyone spends the time to discover what their purpose is, but what’s worse, suffering for your dreams or suffering with regret from not following them?
“People are afraid to pursue their most important dreams, because they feel they don’t deserve them.”
Who dictates to you what you deserve…the world? Life is a choice. Your dreams are a choice. It’s not up to anyone else to decide what you can or can’t do, nor can they convince you enough to pursue what you are destined for. The fact that you are blessed with a dream justifies you to reach it.
