A fable about following your dreams is what The Alchemist is about. It’s about watching for signs and following your path. So many people throughout the centuries have limited themselves because of their limiting beliefs. When I first picked up this book because my niece recommended it I did not have high expectations even though it has great reviews.
That was until I started reading it. It was a quick read, but so worth it because it captures what so many people don’t realize. We all have a purpose in this life, but we spend so much time with our heads in the sand afraid to take a chance because it’s “too hard” or we are afraid of what could happen.
This book reminds me of the possibilities that are presented to us and how many of those opportunities we let fall through our fingers because we live in fear of the unknown. The raw beauty and bravery of a young shepherd boy named Santiago who followed his dream and reaped the rewards of living out his life purpose. To have that sense of belief no matter how many challenges he faced on his journey is unfathomable to the average person. That is where we fall short because we as human beings are not average. We can do remarkable things, especially in today’s world.
The Alchemist
The Alchemist brings things into perspective because if a boy can cross a desert to fulfill his life purpose so can you. Of course, Santiago did not come up with this idea all by himself, his journey brings him to a gypsy woman, and then his path crosses a man who calls himself King. When he meets the king while trying to read a book his everyday life as a shepherd turns into an adventure to his destiny. Every character in the book points Santiago in the direction of his great quest to find the treasure. No one knows what the treasure is, but that does not stop him.
Santiago faces many challenges along the way he seems to keep getting robbed or cheated out of his money, but there are great lessons to be learned every time he stumbles. It is almost as if the King is with him spiritually every time Santiago starts to doubt what he was told about the treasure that could be found by the pyramids. He struggles between the reality of his situation and the spiritual belief of what could be.
As he pushes forward making stops along the way he meets a man who wants to become an Alchemist and a man who is an Alchemist. What is an Alchemist you might be wondering well…
“An alchemist is someone who can turn lead and other base metals into gold. … It goes along with a whole philosophy about how the alchemist must purify him or herself right along with the metal, which means that someone who is just seeking riches can’t ever get the recipe right.”
Author of The Alchemist
The author Paulo Coelho is an amazing writer who captivates his readers. People say that his books are New Age based on spirituality. For those of you who think New Age spirituality you are entitled to your opinion however if you read it for what it is it’s truly inspiring. A book like The Alchemist that uplifts you and opens your eyes to new ideas is a book written by an author who knows how to make you think beyond just the story. Paulo Coelho is a genius because he in his words “When I write a book I write a book for myself; the reaction is up to the reader”. That is what makes him such an amazing author because he isn’t worried about the haters.
He had a burst of creative inspiration and wound up writing the book two weeks back in 1987. Despite the book’s slow start, The Alchemist became a best seller in France in the early 1990s. I want to point out that it is 2022 and this book is still a best seller. It has given readers like me a different perspective on how the world works. Paulo Coehlo wasn’t always a best-selling author, he became one by living life with all its challenges.
Having the courage to move toward your dream even when you don’t see progress is what makes that dream a reality. That is why I love The Alchemist so much because it is based on having faith and following your intuition. One of my favorite sayings is “every small step you take leads to big results”. All you have to do is have the courage to take the first step, just like Santiago did in this book.
My Take Away’s
We are all here for a reason. We all have a life purpose and destiny we have to fulfill. I have discovered what my purpose is in this life because I opened myself up and started listening to the language of the world around me. Having faith and knowing that life is an adventure has given me the courage to keep pushing forward towards my dreams.
The Alchemist woke me up and made me realize that life is more than just a job, bills, obligations. It’s about finding my treasure and everyone’s treasure is different. My treasure is writing, mentoring, and being a mother.
What’s your treasure? Let me know below in the comments.
My Favorite Quotes From The Alchemist
Don’t just read these quotes let them sink in and pick the ones that resonate with you and your current life.
“The simple things are also the most extraordinary things, and only the wise can see them.” — Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
“Remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure.” — Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
“When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” — Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
“And, when you can’t go back, you have to worry only about the best way of moving forward.” — Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
“There is only one thing that makes a dream impossible to achieve: the fear of failure” — Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
I would love to know if you have read The Alchemist and your thoughts on it. You can leave a comment below to let me know what your favorite quote from the book is. If you haven’t read this book I highly recommend you do.
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