My life in Alchemist quotes

Over the summer, we were required to read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. Much to my surprise, this book had an effect on me unlike other books I've read for school. My English teacher assigned an activity where we had to write a paragraph on a quote that applied to our own lives. After thinking about it, I realize that it really applies to my life, even more than I originally thought after slapping together this assignment at midnight last night. I decided to post it here because, like I said earlier, it just spoke to me even more after I pondered it while running today. I have been contemplating where to attend college at this time in my life and found myself fearing the unknown and being afraid to venture out of my comfort zone (going to college in my hometown). I've decided that now I am open to the possibilities of the future, no matter where it may lead me.

 “I don’t know if the desert can be a friend, and it’s in the desert that I have to search for my treasure. If I don’t find it, I can always go home. I finally have enough money and all the time I need. Why not? He suddenly felt tremendously happy.” 

Santiago spoke this quote after having worked in the crystal shop for a year while deciding whether or not to continue on as a shepherd or take a step into the unknown to seek his treasure. I identify with Santiago at his place in life because I often find myself subconsciously taking the route in life that may be the easiest, safest, or most comfortable. As humans, I believe we are automatically programmed to see the unknown as a threat rather than taking a step into the unknown and embracing the possibilities. With this year being my last at SJA, I hope to embrace the possibilities of the unknown because everything that happens, happens for a specific purpose and also simply because you only live once. Now that I’ve indentified this automatic programming found naturally in humans, I hope to overcome it by seeking adventure and seeking a challenge.  I also hope to look at my life and the unknown factors in my life and simply say the words of Santiago, “why not?”.  I know that I too will feel tremendous joy at the opportunities awaiting me because, like Santiago, they will lead me to my Personal Legend which ultimately leads to happiness.