Last year I read "The Alchemist" by Paulo Coelho. This was my very first book I read by this author, which is crazy to me because my mom had nothing but his books in her collection. If you haven't read the book, here's a little synopsis:
The Alchemist is about a boy named Santiago who embarks on a journey to find treasure hidden in the Egyptian pyramids after having reoccurring dreams of this treasure. On his quest, he meets people who become prominent figures on his journey, he learns the true meaning of "self" and the importance of following his dreams. As a reader, you learn the importance of listening to your inner voice, and trusting yourself and the signs that are presented to you on your life journey.
This book was definitely inspiring and needed at the time I read it. I was for sure going through a period of trying to figure out what it is that I was meant to do in this life, what God's plan for me is. In the book, Coelho talks about a "Personal Legend," which he describes as "Something you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is... as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will be impossible for them to realize their Personal Legend. It's a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your Personal Legend. It prepares your spirt 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." - Paulo Coelho
A lot right? On September 13, 2021, I journaled about what my Personal Legend was. I really had to dig deep and figure out what brings me joy, what gets me up every day, what do I love to do? On that day, I figured it out. MY mission on Earth is to inspire and create and I knew this from a very young age. I was always the "performer" of the family and spoke about this in my previous posts. Along with creating and inspiring, I also know that I was put here to to provide advocacy through humanitarianism: hence my career background and my goal of having my own non-profit one day.
On September 18, 2022, as I was updating my LinkedIn profile headline, I had those same exact thoughts as before: "Whats brings me joy? What gets me up every day, what do I love to do? Once I asked myself those questions, the headline became easier to write and that's when I remembered my Personal Legend (we love a good full circle moment).
I agree with Coelho in that everyone has a Personal Legend. Some people may live this life and never figure out what they were put here to do. Others may know, but I think it is important to ask yourself those questions about what brings you joy. I'm a strong advocate of doing what makes you happy because at the end of the day, your mental health is what matters <3
You inspired me to not only reread the book but really dig deep and get reacquainted with my personal legend.
Richie this is so inspiring. I am very proud of you and know that you will go far in life. You are a jewel to this family. Love you always. Gmom Helena.