Following Your Personal Legend ( The Alchemist Edition)

As of recent events, I have been inspired to write on an amazing book that I read and the connection that it has to one’s own life. The book that I read is entitled “The Alchemist” and I believe everyone who wants to understand their purpose should read it; it definitely changed how I view life. Without giving too much away, the main character known as Santiago, goes on a journey in search of his Personal Legend. A personal legend in the novel is referred to as one’s own purpose within life. Throughout Santiago’s journey, he goes through multiple obstacles and setbacks in search of his life’s goal. Nevertheless, as we reach the ending of the novel, we come to an understanding on how each set back that Santiago went through, taught him something new in regards to attaining and understanding his personal legend in life and his self. Throughout the entire book, I learned 3 important concepts about one’s destiny, friendship and love.

 

Destiny

As I read the novel, I realized that there was a strong link between one’s destiny and how to attain it. As humans, when we truly want to achieve or desire certain things in life, the universe has a funny way of creating the proper surroundings allowing us to achieve it. However, it is up to us as individuals to work hard and keep focused in order to grasp it. Unfortunately, because of the so called “quick fixes” we have become impatient therefore leading one to fully disregard their destiny and purpose in life. When one does not feel that they have purpose in life, feelings of uncertainty and depression tend to follow. However, this all can be avoided if we as individuals know ourselves and work hard towards any goals we may have despite the obstacles. Santiago went through quite a number of obstacles while on his journey to find his Personal Legend however, he did not let it stop him. Why? Because every road block taught him one new thing about himself which eventually prepared him in receiving the treasure in which his personal legend consisted of.

Friendship

Friendship is another topic that is discussed within the novel and I believe a lot can be applied to the lives of all individuals. The individuals you consider your friends should always support you and your dreams. Anyone who gets in the way of pursuing your passion or your goals in life do not have your best interests at heart; or possibly their own. Those you consider your friends should understand that once your journey has completed, true love will still remain. Those around you must feel secure in themselves as well as in the friendship itself that in the event you drift a part, once reconnected, the love and the friendship will remain strong. However, they should not get into the way of you achieving your personal legend. When this happens, they are potentially disrupting the “Soul of The Word” by standing in the way of your purpose. Paul Othello, the author of “The Alchemist” stated in the novel, “When someone sees the same people every day, they wind up becoming a part of that person’s life; and then they want the person to change. If someone isn’t what others want them to be, the other become angry. Everyone seems to have a clear idea of how people should lead their lives, but none about his or her own. Making sure that those around you are supportive of your aspirations is essential to success.

Love

Love is another major theme that exists within the novel and is additionally just as important. The concept of love is very simple and yet brief. Love will never come in between you and your “Personal Legend”. If love comes in between you and your dreams then it isn’t/was never true love to begin with. As Santiago continues on his journey towards his personal legend, he meets a young lady named Fatima in whom he falls in love with. He becomes very drawn to her and considers giving up his personal legend to be with her. However, Fatima urges him to continue on with his journey for the sole purpose in allowing him to achieve his personal goals and come to a realization of self. Real love will always support your dreams and NEVER get in the way of self-growth, self-knowledge and self-development. Allowing an individual to find “self” is the biggest display and reflection of love one could possibly give.

Overall, this novel was a pleasure to read and I found it rewarding to apply some of the principles to my life. I encourage those who haven’t read this book to go out and read it and see what concepts you can apply to your everyday relationships.

Peace xoxo

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