Over the summer, I read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. I was recommended this book by my English teacher. Since I knew before reading that the book was thousands of years old, I had expected nothing but a boring, and cliché story line that was meant for an older audience.

I didn’t expect to find a book that I would fall in love with completely, and I would never have seen myself begging everyone to read it. I found this book simple, That’s what I love about it. The book has a lot of hidden messages within its words. It’s a great book to enjoy, and even look for guidance in when you’re in despair of your future.

As a student who only has her future ahead of her, it gets confusing when you try to narrow down what you want to do for the rest of your life. I’m sure we can all relate when getting asked every family reunion the same thing, “What are you going to be when you grow up?” and because you’re tired of being asked the same thing, you simply make something up.

I get it, so does the main character in this book. The two things that everyone eventually faces in life, is yearning for independence and self-discovery. I get really stressed out and doubt when having to even think of the future. After reading this novel, I was reminded that I need to let my self-discovery happen on its own.

You’re going to see obstacles on your journey to where you need to be, and that’s okay as long as in the face of every obstacle you meet, you get back up. We have to focus on the journey, rather than the destination.

Paulo Coelho has taught me a really important life lesson that I hope everyone can benefit from. It’s easy to fall under the impression that life is happening too fast, and it is. But you will be absolutely miserable, if you focus too much on the destination.

Instead, it’s important to remember that at the end of the day you can only take so much responsibility and stress. There is nothing wrong with taking advice and learning from the people around you. After all, people do change and inspire each other, but just make sure what you’re learning aligns with what drives your passions.