The Alchemist

One of the books that came up on a recent Facebook crowd sourcing adventure was The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I remembered that Heather has purchased the book some time ago and pulled it off the shelf and placed it on the "to read" pile on my study desk. I bit into it whole yesterday and devoured it.

The Alchemist is a parable in the form of a novel, or a novel in the form of a parable, I'm not sure which. It is the story of a young shepherd in search of himself and his Personal Legend. He leaves the comforts and conformity of tending to his beloved flock of sheep to pursue a treasure located many thousands of miles away at the base of the Great Pyramid in Egypt. Over time the boy learns that all things happen for a reason and that signs are everywhere.

"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it."

Some people suggest to trust in the universe, while others contend that the universe provides. I like to reference the wind as being my beacon. In The Alchemist, Coelho refers to the Soul of the World.

The story reinforces that all things, good and bad, happen for a reason. If you are ever puzzled, faced with hard decisions, weighted down by set-backs, confused about the path of your life, pick up The Alchemist. It will remind you that everything happens for a reason, and that when you want something, the universe will conspire to help you get it.

May 10, 2010 - 192.6 pounds, 28.6% body fat