Living The Way Like The Alchemist

“I learned my strengths and weaknesses. I experienced the exhilaration of the ups and the despairs of the lows and most of the feelings in between… I learned courage, and I learned it myself” – Ann Stirk

I have had my fair share of trips with my family, reunions with the clan, my journey with friends, and explorations with my love. Those were all fun and memorable, but I think that the best I have experienced was the travel I had with myself. It was every day. It may not be considered an official trip, but it was the best. It was brief but unforgettable. The first ride was a hassle and worrisome; nonetheless, I was ecstatic and glad. My first trip made me nostalgic about the first official novel I have read –The Alchemist.

It was the first book I love to forget and remember. It was as if I had memorized each line, but every time, I am feeling every raw emotion there is to feel. The novel started when a boy, who initially wanted to become a traveler, did not see anything coming when he decided to be a shepherd to fulfill his dream. Instead of pursuing his life-long desire, he continued something he did not intend to be so interested in. He then depended on his learning and his forte, to understand and achieve the thing he desires. He was willing to go forth to quench his thirst for discovery, and giving up was never found in his vocabulary.

I am not like the Alchemist. He was unafraid. I am afraid of everything, but mostly, I am fearful of not being afraid. I am scared of risking it all, without any thought, of having a hundred percent confidence, of having no sensitivity for any loss. I am afraid to lose everything just because I am not scared of something. I’m worried that maybe, taking things for granted will become a habit, and this fear will be my death.

But somehow, I believe that in a way, I have grown and somewhat became like the Alchemist, even when the two of us live in an opposite universe. In going against the odds to find what my heart tells me to do, I have also encountered many struggles and happy accidents along the journey.

The Alchemist is a story that teaches individuals that life is a long search for finding one’s purpose. One man’s journey does not exclusively start at birth; it begins when we long for our purpose in life; it begins when we know how to live and do what we are obliged to do. It teaches everyone that one must connect with his heart to listen and hear our deepest desires.

Throughout the story, several characters portray roles that are widely known, such as unfamiliar people with everyday worries etched on their faces, poker-faced workers with no signs of either struggle or comfort. Some characters may or may not represent God, our hidden dreams, our families, ourselves. This book did not intend to give out direct answers, but it does support our imaginative minds.