The Alchemist - Paulo Coelho
Book - The Alchemist by Paulo Coehlo
Background -
As children we never stopped believing in things that we could be or do when we grew up.
As we continue to learn and be shaped by our families, peers and societal norms we lose sight of the potential adventures and exploits we used to dream about.
Often we feel diminished by our life situation and we use our fear of uncertainty to justify our loss of curiosity and potential.
The book - The Alchemist is a fable of a young shepherd who, as an adult finds himself dreaming about a potential journey.
His wage, occupation and commitment to his flock weigh heavily on his decision to not depart his life and follow his dream however an encounter with a wise man convinces him other wise.
Through this chance encounter the Alchemist once again discovers his child like curiosity and travels to foreign lands in search of his fate.
Though the book accounts for years of travelling the young Alchemist discovers ultimately that the fear and accompanied suffering of the unknown is worse than the suffering itself.
And through his fear he is able to build the stories, adventure and purpose that he originally longed and dreamed for.
The Result - For me this book allowed me to see what in my life I'm scared of exploring, which adventures I still need to go on and the insecurities that are holding me back.
Most of all though this book has acted as a source of encouragement and motivation for new endeavours.
A reminder that everyday is an adventure and that the best adventures are ones we haven't been on yet
