destiny.

I'm reading The Alchemist.  Again.  I wanted a reminder.  About following our dreams.  I love this passage in the book:

The boy didn't know what a person's "destiny" was.

"It's what you have always wanted to accomplish.  Everyone,

when they are young, knows what their destiny is.

"At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything

is possible.  They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for 

everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives.

But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them

that it will be impossible for them to realize their destiny."

None of what the old man was saying made much sense to the boy.

But he wanted to know what the "mysterious force" was;

the merchant's daughter would be impressed when he told her

about that!

"It's a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you

how to realize your destiny.  It prepares your spirit and your will,

because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are,

or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something,

it's because that desire originated in the soul of the universe.

It's your mission on earth."

"Even when all you want to do is travel?  Or marry

the daughter of a textile merchant?"

"Yes, or even search for treasure.  The Soul of the World

is nourished by people's unhappiness.  And also by

unhappiness, envy, and jealousy.  To realize one's

destiny is a person's only real obligation.  All things

are one.

"And, when you want something, all the universe

conspires in helping you to achieve it."

Isn't that great?  Love it!

photo via LeLove