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What is Still in Your Mind?
Kitty Boitnott, Ph.D., NBCT, RScP
Career Transition & Job Search Coach | Life Strategies and Stress Management Coach | Licensed Minister
The Alchemist is not a new book. In fact, it will celebrate its 30th anniversary next year.
The story is about a young shepherd boy who goes on a journey that turns into something of an odyssey. He meets many people along the way who teach him many lessons. One of my favorite lines is, "When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you achieve it."
The theme of the book is about finding one's destiny and following "dreams." We search all our lives for meaning and a way to feel significant. We don't realize that we can have whatever we want if we are willing to take action.
The story of how the book came to be is almost as inspirational as the theme of the book itself. Paulo Coelho, the author, wrote the book in two weeks. He said that the book was "already written in my soul."
In spite of the fact that it is now considered a classic of sorts, the book was not an instant success. It was first published in 1988 and sold so few copies that the first publisher dropped it. Coelho kept the faith, however. He believed in the book even when others didn't.
The big break he got was when the book was published in English. That happened in 1993, and by 1999, the book had been published in 119 countries.
Coelho, the author, is very much like the shepherd boy, Santiago in that he never gives up on his dream. He never wavers from his destiny. He experienced moments of doubt, for sure. But he holds steadfast to his dream. "It's the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting." That is a line from The Alchemist, and isn't it true?
Another profound wisdom from the book is this: "Listen to your heart. It knows all things, because it came from the Soul of the World, and it will one day return there."
The reason I love this book so much is that it underscores what I tell my clients. If you have something that keeps nagging at you as something you would like to do with your life, then pay attention to it! It is sticking around for a reason. We think hundreds of thousands of thoughts in a day. Many of them are fleeting. They disappear as fast as they arrive. But some thoughts keep coming back. They won't disappear. They may even bother you because you want to ignore them. But you should pay attention. They may be attempting to guide you to your destiny. Don't ignore a thought that won't go away because you don't think it is not possible or practical. You owe it to yourself to explore it at least, don't you?
So what is still on your mind? What nagging thought shows up for you that you haven't allowed yourself to consider?
For me, it was what I am doing right now. I wanted to be a coach. I wanted to be a writer. I wanted to own my own business. I wanted to enjoy being in charge of my own schedule and be my own boss. I didn't know how to make it happen when I started, but I didn't let that stop me. If I can recreate and reinvent my career at the age of 60, what is stopping you from living your dream?
If you need some inspiration, read The Alchemist. If you have read it already, read it again. It may just provide you with the nudge you need to go in search of your own destiny. Heed Coelho's message: "Listen to your heart."
If you would like to talk about what is nagging at you or a dream that you don't know how to make a reality, why don't you sign up for a complimentary session? It won't cost you anything but 20 minutes of your time. If you would like to set up a time, take a look at my calendar here: https://kittyatcareermakeover.coachesconsole.com/calendar/
I would love to help you figure out what your destiny holds.
Until next time.
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