Sometimes you need the right story to teach you that it’s all the worth in the world to never give up on your dreams. The book I am referring to is The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. The first time I was introduced to it, was when Heather read it to me at night. Reading is one of the things she does to put me to sleep. The second time I experienced it, was today when I read it, and how glad I am to say I was immersed in it again. Framed in a most beautiful and accessible prose, The Alchemist teaches you about life, love, religion, spirituality and your soul.

It is the story of a boy who had a dream and he dared to pursue it. Santiago was his name. In pursuing his dream he went out to find a treasure that he himself did not know what it was. Life is non-scripted. He met people along the way who helped him achieve it. These people were his guides, his signals. He listened to the signals and he followed their advice. Even when he himself questioned whether he should follow his journey, because he was in tune with what he calls the “language of the world,” he was able to find his treasure. And how fortunate was he, when he found his treasure was always his all along.

I won’t give away the plot details or the actual ending because just as Santiago did, you have to achieve your own Personal Legend. Besides, I bet a lot of you have already read this book – it’s the best selling novel in Brazilian literary history and has been translated into 67 languages, and according to Wikipedia, it has won the Guinness World Records for most translated book by a living author, so with 65 million copies in more than 150 countries, this is but a tiny review and just another crystal wave in the sea of Alchemist lovers…

I will, however, give you some quotations from the story, which cause one to ponder:

“It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary; only wise [people] are able to understand them.” (pg. 16)

“Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how other people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own.” (pg. 17)

About the Personal Legend: “It’s what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives. But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their Personal Legend.” (pg. 22) – Do not give up on your dreams!

“Never stop dreaming…follow the omens.” (pg. 63)

“And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” (pg. 24) – I find the best way to let this happen is to not doubt the possibilities of your dream, to be open-minded, so that you can listen to the signals and make the right decisions that will get you to where you want to be, what you want to do, achieve your Personal Legend.

If you haven’t read this book, I am glad because now you have something really exciting to look forward to. Go out and get it. It must surely be at your library, or you may order it from the link on the left or here. If you have already read it, experience it again – I found more meaning the second time around.