A few years ago I read a very light but profound book that has crossed my mind many times since, The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It only took a couple of hours to devour the charming fairy tale exuding remarkable wisdom, but I’ve found I have shared the wisdom many times over the years with family and friends.
The story embarks on the journey of a young shepherd’s quest to follow his dreams. Somewhere between encountering unsurmountable obstacles and self – realization, Santiago derives wisdom and learns to listen to his heart and follow his dreams.
Somewhere between the beginning and the end, there is a path that is not clearly set out…
As personal dreams are pursued, the path becomes established and the journey becomes the treasure rather than the dream. I don’t know if you can relate but let me clarify.
Born in Saskatchewan, the prairie life was deeply embedded in my heart but life took us to an ‘unknown land’ for many years. Following paths in pursuit of ‘our’ (referring to my husband and I) dream at the time took us up hills and down valleys all around the country…although there was great wealth and learning in the experience this treasure offered!
After years, the quest was never intentionally directed to living here in Moose Jaw but through circumstance and opportunity, this became our home fourteen years ago.
As most, we really don’t know where life’s road will lead us but there are so many jewels along life’s highway to enjoy.
A few times, the road may seem questionable and blurry…but somehow we make a way to an unknown and look back with amazement. When we walk the path of challenges and obstacles, at the time it seems like “we can’t see the forest for the trees.” And after all is said and done and the apparent unsurmountable hill we had to climb was conquered, it seems that it was the right path we needed to get us to where we are.
Life is not for the fainthearted and we need to persevere to get through it all to find out where we are supposed to be.
Sometimes life’s ups and downs, hills and valleys prove to be the only road to take us to where we should be so keep on enjoying the climb and adventure to get to your tomorrows.
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author, and do not necessarily reflect the position of this publication.
