The Alchemist - Living Your Dreams

When we pick up our story from where we last left, Santiago had met up with Melchizedek and was stuck with the decision to choose between something he had become accustomed to and something he wanted to have. Santiago did what most people do and came up with excuses for why he should stay with the familiar, but then he came to the realization that those that loved him got used to him being away as a shepherd, just as they got used to him being away, so will his sheep.
How can you apply this same logic to a situation you are facing in reaching your Personal Legend? What is the main message that the author is trying to get to the reader?


“In order to find the treasure, you will have to follow the omens. God has prepared a path for everyone to follow. You just have to read the omens that he left for you.”
Can you identify any of the “omens” that are trying to direct you to the treasure God has in store for your life?

Melchizedek tells Santiago a story that ends with the follow statement – “The secret of happiness is to see all the marvels of the world, and never to forget the drops of oil on the spoon.”
What does this bit of wisdom mean to you? Share with us your revelation.

When Santiago arrives in Africa he is tricked out of his money. While he is licking his wounds he realizes that the owner of the bar was actually trying to help him as opposed to harm him when he grabbed him. Santiago makes the statement, “I’m like everyone else – I see the world in terms of what I would like to see happen, not what actually does.”
Can you think of a time (s) when you misread the intentions of others as bad when they actually meant you well? If those people were close to you, did you change your feelings towards those persons in a heart of reconciliation?

Do you make it a habit to think of yourself as a poor victim or an adventurer in a quest toward your treasure?
Can you see the benefit of making a shift in your thinking as it relates to obtaining your Personal Legend?

As Santiago watched the candy merchant he realized he could sense whether a person was near to or far from his Personal Legend. Just by looking at them.
Think about the people you surround yourself with on a daily basis, would you say you are around more people who are near their Personal Legend or around those that are far from their Personal Legend? How is the company you are in affecting your outlook?

Santiago realized that even in a strange land, he was applying the same lessons he had learned with his sheep. “All things are one,” the old man had said.
Have you found this to be true in your own life? How have you applied it?

Toward the end of Part One, Santiago meets a crystal merchant who he puts a days work in with. The crystal merchant informs Santiago that he couldn’t possible make enough money to get to Egypt, even if he worked an entire year. The crystal merchant offers to give him the money he needs to get back home. Instead, Santiago decides that he will work for him so that he can buy more sheep.
How does this bode with you the reader that even knowing that the “omens” are with him, that he is still discouraged about his plight. What lesson are we to learn from this exchange? What words of Melchizedek can we relate to this situation?


Participants:

Feel free to respond to any question offered or pose another question as it relates to the study of insights brought forth by the author in part one of The Alchemist.



FUN IN THE FALL -- Join the writers of Bloggers' Delight Vol. 1 - Love & Redemption in New York City during the weekend of October 12th (Columbus Day Holiday).

Where: 583 Riverside Drive, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10031.
For More Information visit http://www.i-lit.com/

The Alchemist, pt 2

When we last discussed this a few of you mentioned that you were grabbing your copy and hoped to be with us this week. However, I'm certain life happened for someone, so this week I'm only going to cover one question that everyone can answer whether they read the book or not.

The old man who reveals himself to be "the king of Salem" tells Santiago that the new book he's just acquired is about the same thing almost all other books are about: "peoples inability to choose their own Personal Legends." This story is so common, he suggests, because people come to believe "the world's greatest lie" -- that we all lose control of our own lives and must let them be controlled by fate.

Questions:

Do you know what your Personal Legend is? If you do and care to share with us, please do.


Have you fallen for the World's Greatest Lie? What steps do you take to ensure that your life isn't affected by it?



FUN IN THE FALL -- Join the writers of Bloggers' Delight Vol. 1 - Love & Redemption in New York City during the weekend of October 12th (Columbus Day Holiday).

Where: 583 Riverside Drive, 7th Floor, New York, NY 10031.
For More Information visit http://www.i-lit.com/

Back on Track Tuesdays: The Alchemist

The Alchemist opens with the story of Santiago, a young shepherd, on his way to a small village in search of love. However Santiago's travels take a turn after he has a dream interpreted and learns that treasure is in his life's path. The reader travels with Santiago on his journey toward destiny and is treated to some valuable lessons in wisdom.

This story also gives the reader an opportunity to examine themselves while introducing them to the idea of finding their own Personal Legend.

What is a Personal Legend? It's that thing that you have always wanted to accomplish. I'm certain many of you that read and host blogs can relate to that.

For the purposes of this review, I would like to entertain some of the questions included at the conclusion of the book as well as some of the nuggets that have been sprinkled throughout the story. Feel free to explore any missed elements contained within the pages we are discussing in the comment section as well.

We will cover pages 1 - 24. I know these may different depending on how your book is laid out, but this is the story up to the point that Santiago is introduced to the idea of a Personal Legend and he is debating whether to give The Old Man one-tenth of his flock.

Discussion Questions: Cover anyone you like or all of them.

In the Prologue, the alchemist reads a version of the story of the death of Narcissus that has a somewhat different ending from the traditional telling, one that emphasizes the grief of the lake into which Narcissus will no longer be looking at his reflection. In beginning the book with this story, what themes and relationships is Coelho telling us to watch for throughout Santiago's story? Do you think there may be an element of "narcissism" in the pursuit of one's Personal Legend?


Early in the story, Santiago recounts a discussion with the Merchant's daughter with whom he is enchanted. During the discussion she questions that if he is as intelligent as he appears, why is he simply a shepherd. Are you currently in a job that, to those looking from the outside, defies conventional wisdom? How is that job keeping you from fulfilling your Personal Legend?


Santiago was four days away from arriving at the village of the Merchant's daughter and he experiences excitement and unrest. He proposes that maybe the girl had already forgotten about him and that he was just one of many passing Shepherds. His response to his unrest is, "It doesn't matter, I know other girls in other places." Do you find that it is easier for you to let go of your dreams as opposed to holding on to them and having faith? How does your position make you feel?


Do you believe in the following statement, why or why not? At a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. What is this statement called in the book?

The Old Man tells Santiago that "Treasure is uncovered by the force of flowing water, and it is buried by the same currents." What does this statement say to you?


There is so much more in those first 24 pages, so if I didn't hit a point that you'd like to discuss, by all means, bring it up in the comments. The floor is now yours.

Back on Track Tuesdays

Some books are incredible. The truly great ones live up to the hype as well as exceed your expectations. I’m excited to say that I have found such a book. It is simply written, yet profound. If it doesn’t touch your life and leave you the better I’d be inclined to say that you aren’t among the living. The book I’m referring to, I had heard about in passing over the years but I didn’t decide to pick it up until it was recommended by one of my favorite entertainment personalities -- Will Smith.

Having read it over the span of two days, I can tell you, this book came into my life at the right time. I suspect if you follow this series, it will be the same for you.

I would like to hold an online discussion regarding this book, but for that to take place I will need your assistance. I will need you to either check it out from the library or go to your nearest bookstore and purchase a copy. If you are hungry it should draw you in and you should be ready to participate by the time you arrive here next week on this day.

Who’s down for reaching their personal legend? Who's already read the book?

About the host:
Rich Fitzgerald is the author of the short story "One to Remember" featured in Love and Redemption (Bloggers' Delight Vol. 1), a collection of short stories by authors who blog. To read excerpts or to order a copy of the title, visit i-Lit. The book is also available on Amazon.

Back On Track Tuesday

Be Fearless In Your Approach

What is the one thing that you approach fearlessly or with great confidence?

When you find yourself in moments of uncertainty, transpose the event/thing you are facing into the object you normally approach fearlessly. For example, when I was single I was highly confident that all things being equal I could have any woman I wanted. It didn’t matter who she was. I always felt that given the opportunity, I could pull it off. Mind you, it took me some time to get there, but I taught myself to never be afraid to approach a woman regardless of how attractive I thought she was. There was always a way to win her over.

Now that I’m happily married and have no need to utilize that skill for relationships, I’m learning to transpose that mindset over to other areas. If I have a goal that seems daunting, I relate it to a woman and ask myself, how can I best approach the situation and come out on top? When I look at things in that light, the fear is removed. Rejection becomes a non-issue. Not being worthy is un-thought of, and hearing no is not an option. I’m the man for this. Make no bones about it.

If my object is the high maintenance woman. I evaluate my options to overcome the lifestyle/money issue.

If my project needs me to commit over time before it will “put out”, I find other qualities that I can appreciate in the meantime.

If my project is the more mature woman who really needs someone with more character, panache and experience, I do my homework and make sure I come to the table correct.

If my goal seems to be playing hard to get, I look at the long term rewards and decide then and there that it is worth the work.

No matter what my goal presents, I decide to face it from a position of power as opposed to one of defeat. It is the same thing you must do. You have to find your place of power. If you are fearless in sports, translate your goal metaphorically into a sport and break it down so that you are in a position to win. If you are an artist or an entertainer look at this thing as "the next level" in your craft and attack. By taking this position, the fear of losing is removed and you allow your creativity to flow. You are able to effectively evaluate the hurdles and come up with a game plan that will allow you to achieve your goals in full.

You must know that the problem you are facing is a façade. You have the answers in or around you. Look at it again. Don’t just give up on it. Who says you can’t have what you want? Find your place of power and be fearless in your approach. The victory is yours for the taking. The question is - Do you want it bad enough?



About the host:
Rich Fitzgerald is the author of the short story "One to Remember" featured in Love and Redemption (Bloggers' Delight Vol. 1), a collection of short stories by authors who blog. To read excerpts or to order a copy of the title, visit i-Lit. The book is also available on Amazon.

Back On Track Tuesday's

"You have heard that it was said, 'You shall love your neighbor and hate your enemy.' But I say to you, love your enemies, bless those who curse you, do good to those who hate you, and pray for those who spitefully use you and persecute you. Matthew 5:43-44


The very humorous Katt Williams said it best, (paraphrased) “Haters are doing their job. What are you mad at them for? If you ain’t got no haters, you need to try your best to get some. In fact, I’m trying to get me some more by the summer time.”

You know it’s funny, haters have been around since the bible days and we still have an aversion to them. Yet it’s interesting how haters cause things to get done. If cars could run on hate, we’d have a brand new economy because that is the fuel that gets things moving. How many times have you decided that nothing was going to stand in your way because somebody said you couldn’t, shouldn’t or wouldn’t do something? How many times have you achieved a goal because someone looked down on you and made you feel you were beneath them and therefore not worthy of a thing?

What have you been told you can’t do? Do you really have a passion for it? Do you really love it? Then put in the work to get it done despite what the haters are saying. Pray that God continues to use them for good as opposed to evil. The good being to light a fire up under you.

Now on the flip side, which is where we want to focus today, another reason to love your haters is because they are often more honest than those supposed “friends” you have around you. If they tell you that you talk too much, chances are you do. When they tell you that you ain’t nothing but a man stealing ho. Check that one off two. My point is that unless the person is operating out of pure evil, they are in your life for a purpose. They can help you to reveal the chinks in your armor. And believe it or not, they can help guide you back to a place of righteousness.

We don’t always stay on course like we should. Sometimes we stray off into areas we have no place being. You know it and the haters know it too. You think they don’t want you among them because you outshine them, but have you considered that they are there to push you back to where you should have been all along. You are set apart for a reason. How can you lead when you look and act like everyone else? The haters will tell you, “we don’t want your blankety blank around here anyway.” Are you listening? They are putting you back onto the path of greatness! That story you wrote (to all of you writers out there) that your friends said they liked but that the haters said was garbage. Keep those words in mind to fuel you, but not to push you out the game. You know if it truly measures up or not. You also know if you are doing enough just to get by or if you put in the effort to get you over.

So remember, having haters isn’t all bad. You just have to look at them from the proper perspective. They may cause you to cuss here and there, but they are in your life for a reason. Think about some of the good that your haters have brought you into and reflect with appreciation. Pray blessing into those folk’s life. Pray for their happiness. Pray that God mends their heart because chances are they are hurting from some pain or disappointment of their own. While their words may sound bad to your ears, please believe that God can turn what they meant for bad into something that’s all good.

So, say it with me. “I love my haters.”



About the host:
Rich Fitzgerald is the author of the short story "One to Remember" featured in Love and Redemption (Bloggers' Delight Vol. 1), a collection of short stories by authors who blog. To read excerpts or to order a copy of the title, visit i-Lit. The book is also available on Amazon.

Back on Track Tuesdays

This day will now be dedicated to promoting getting back on track. Right off the bat I need to deal with some spiritual issues. So let's dive in.

A word to the wise. If you aren't down for Jesus, keep your comments to yourself and keep it moving. You can sling hate on your own blog.


Dear Lord,
Thank you for putting up with me while I took your grace for granted. Thank you for covering me in my sin even when I didn't deserve it. Thank you for forgiving me so that I'm reminded to forgive those who I have an offense with. Thank you for allowing me another day to get it right. Thank you for not removing your hand from my life while I disregarded your voice. You are truly worthy to be praised. You are the one true and mighty God. Your love is everlasting. Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. Your righteousness is like the great mountains. Your judgments are a great deep. Lord I love you, and I thank you for choosing me before the foundation of the earth and I thank you for accepting me as your own. This day I will sing praises to your holy name for you are a good God. Lord, I send up these praises and thanksgiving in the mighty name of Jesus. Amen.


I'm amped. I've been desiring a closer walk with the Lord and this past Sunday, I heeded the voice of the Lord and went to church (hadn't been in about 2 months). Just as luck would have it, the message was a blessing to me. So, I'm on a journey to build a closer relationship. I'm not proclaiming I'll be perfect. I'm just saying I'm going to make a concerted effort to read my word and pray as regularly as possible. I'm sure I'll miss it from time to time, so I'm letting all the haters who sit on the sideline know right off the top, you can keep your comments to yourself and when you think about pointing the finger, do me a favor and kick rocks.

Now that thats out of the way -- the topic for today:

Let's face it. There are many days that we just decide to "take a day off". I've surely taken my share, but here we are mid year and I still have quite a few goals that I would like to accomplish. Since I know I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me, I'm going to call on his help. So, let it be written, let it be said, I'm going for mine and with God on my side I'm certain I will successfully complete all my goals. As of late, I've been working on my novel (haven't touched it in a year) and I'm taking a novel writing workshop so I'm learning a thing or three. Needless to say, I'm trying to get my writing back on track. So far this year, I have only completed one short story and started a second. I need to do better.

So what about you. What area of your life is off track and needs a push in the right direction?

** Last thing, I'm still updating bloggers by region -- did Chicago last night, if I missed anybody, throw the link out.



About the host:
Rich Fitzgerald is the author of the short story "One to Remember" featured in Love and Redemption (Bloggers' Delight Vol. 1), a collection of short stories by authors who blog. To read excerpts or to order a copy of the title, visit i-Lit. The book is also available on Amazon.