Discovering My Personal Legend...

This morning I finished reading Paulo Coehlo "The Alchemist". Such a great book! I plan on rereading it. This book has fueled my desire to travel.

This book is about finding your Personal Legend.

What is a Personal Legend?  Your personal legend is something that you have always wanted to accomplish in your life. Some people grow up knowing what they want to do and others discover what they want to do as they go through life.

Half way through the book I already knew that my Personal Legend was to travel the world. In fact, I am quite jealous of Santiago, the main character in the book. Even prior to him going on his journey, he was a shepherd, able to go anywhere he wanted and take a different route everyday if he so chose.

The book also speaks of 4 obstacles:

1. Negativity: As we grow up, we are told that things aren't possible or they can't be done. When I told my mom I wanted to travel around the world for a year or so she told me that's not what adults do, we have responsibilities and bills. Basically she just shot me down a few pegs.

2. Love: we still know our passions and the path we want to pursue, we may not do so for fear of disappointing those we love – those who rely on us. You need to remember that those we love well, wish us well. They will want us to realize our personal legends.

3. Failure:  There is no doubt that in pursuing our personal legend we will encounter some difficulties along the way. We will stumble and at times it may look like we won’t succeed. And, when that happens we won’t be able to say, “ah well, it doesn’t really matter that much”. After all, it is a personal legend we’re talking about. But be patient. Even an indirect route can get you to your destination.

4. Success: Many who pursue their personal legend will stop just short of realizing it because, well, who are they to realize their dreams when so many they know don’t. Believe yourself worthy of your success. After all, it has not come easily. You have overcome three other obstacles to do so.

Anyway, I plan on pursuing my Personal Legend. I will listen to my heart and follow the omens and I hope I can become an inspiration for someone day, like Santiago has become an inspiration for me.