I am a person who doesn’t like reading novels. Whenever I open a book and try to read it, I always end up reading only up to its first chapter or even the first paragraph. I always find myself wasting my time leafing through its pages. It seems that a strong force always tries to pull me away from books. But there’s nothing I can do to get away from them. This is college. Books play a vital role in our curriculum. Hence, I first need to go through an intricate path of loving them before I could get my diploma.
But I was surprised when I noticed myself engrossed in reading the second novel that my professor asked us to study. I never really knew that I would hold my attention to it. The Alchemist indeed changed my long-time impression on books.
This novel focuses on following one’s treasure and destiny, the personal legend as termed by the author, Paulo Coelho. This treasure doesn’t necessarily have to do with chests of precious stones and jewels but of any possession that is priceless, something that even a millionaire can’t buy. It is a gift from the Lord, destined to each and every person.
But only a few people learn how to follow their own treasures and take the risks of finding their own fate. People tend to be afraid of failure, afraid of not achieving their goals. But no one can uncover their own treasures if he just sit and wait for the gold to fall unto his arms. To achieve our personal legend is to overcome our fears and to conquer the world.
Searching for our treasures is like climbing a mountain. We often encounter boulders and rough edges. We struggle for a long time and may sometimes feel like giving up. But all these toils and waiting become all the more savory when we get to the top. It felt like all just paid off. Yes, following one’s dreams is not an easy task to do. We sacrifice our loved ones, our time and our efforts without any assurance of the future. We feel empty-handed and deserted. But as the old king in the book says, “When you want something, the entire universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” We are not actually alone in our journey because there are omens everywhere that lead us, people around who support us and the Good Lord in Heaven who blesses us. We just have to listen closely to what He tells us and to what our heart is saying.
This is a good book for those who are in search of their personal legend, especially those who are in doubt of the course they take. I know that I am not in the proper position to tell you that it’s not yet too late to listen to your heart and to our Lord who knows the best for you. It may be difficult for now but imagine how happy life would be in the future if you have followed your destiny and your passion.
I am really pleased that I have read this book not only because it helped me love reading novels but also because it inspired me to follow my own Personal Legend. This book has changed my own view of life and of the world. It is indeed worth reading.