don’t let your dreams die
Last night, Leo and I drove up to Detroit for his soccer tournament, and I thought it was a great opportunity to listen to The Alchemist again–the last time I listened to it was on a drive to East Lansing, Michigan, with Leo. There’s something about long trips to Michigan and the Alchemist for me. Despite not receiving a significant omen like I did the last time I listened to the book, listening to The Alchemist made me even more confident in the authentic life, the work that I am doing, and the direction I’m taking my business(es).
There were a few sections that stood out to me with this listen. One in particular was a conversation with Santiago and the crystal merchant. The two are talking about Santiago’s quest to the pyramids and how it was his dream to get there. The crystal merchant shared that he, too, had a dream of traveling–his destination was Mecca.
When asked why he doesn’t take the trip, the crystal merchant responds with a sad reason:
“Because it’s the thought of Mecca that keeps me alive. That’s what helps me face these days that are all the same, these mute crystals on the shelves, and lunch and dinner at the same horrible cafe. I’m afraid that if my dream is realized, I’ll have no reason to go on living.
You dream about your sheep and the Pyramids, but you’re different from me, because you want to realize your dreams. I just want to dream about Mecca. I’ve already imagined a thousand times crossing the desert, arriving at the Plaza of the Sacred Stone, the seven times I walk around it before allowing myself to touch it. I’ve already imagined the people who would be at my side, and those in front of me, and the conversation and prayers we would share.
But I’m afraid that it would all be a disappointment, so I prefer to dream about it.”
Imagine living for the vision of a dream that you actually never want to experience.
Imagine being stuck in a life where the thought of your dream is the only reason you can get through the days.
Imagine thinking about something so much that you’ve built it up to a level that you believe cannot meet your expectations.
This section of the book ends with the following sentence,
“Not everyone can see his dreams come true in the same way.”
You have a choice.
You can be like the crystal merchant, or you can be like Santiago.
I hope you not only pursue your dreams, but I also hope you never find your Self stuck in a life where the thought of a dream is what makes each day possible.
It’s never too late to bring your dreams to life!
See you tomorrow and keep pursuing,
JC
🦅 Some ways I might be able to help you live your authentic life:
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