Dreams mean work.
Those were the last words from one of Paulo Coelho’s books entitled “By the River Piedra, I Sat Down and Wept”. I cried at the end but to know why, you must read the book.
In less than 2 months, I already finished 3 of Paulo Coelho’s book and on to my 4th after I finished writing this post. For reasons I cannot explain, those books have a certain effect on me. Perhaps because the central theme is directed on the pursuit of one’s purpose in life, following your dreams and listening to your heart’s desires.
When it’s always easier said than done.
Many of us are content on living a normal life, doing a 9-5 job, raising a family and planning for retirement. I am not saying there is something wrong with that. But at one point in our lives, we will find ourselves in a middle of a crossroad, thinking if this is what we really want for the rest of our lives.
We all know that our lives are meant for something bigger but only a few set out to follow their dreams. Why? Because of FEAR. Fear of uncertainty, fear of the unknown. Come to think of it, why would anyone sacrifice everything he/she has — a comfortable life and all that she-bang — for something uncertain? Why would anyone throw all the years building his/her career for something that might fail?
No matter how much our hearts are telling us to follow our dreams, we simply choose to lock it away, stick to the norm and stay in our comfort zone for the rest of our lives.
Again, nothing wrong with that. If that is what makes you tick, then stand by it with conviction. I just hope that when you wake up one day, old and gray, you’d be proud of how your life turned out. And besides, we all have our own definition of success.
Now, for those who decided to follow their passion, went after their dreams, traveled the world and created the life that they wanted… I salute you. Taking that leap of faith and embracing uncertainty have never been easy. These people may not be as secure and stable but the lives they are living are much more rewarding.
These people are not restricted with what the society dictates because they know better. They are not confined in their comfort zones because they know that there is a big world out there waiting to be explored. I should know because I am one of them.
I am in constant pursuit of what sets my soul on fire, of not settling for less than what my heart desires, and believing that the Universe is always conspiring to help make my dreams come true. Ever since my 14-month travel to South America, embracing uncertainty has been my second nature because nothing is ever certain when you’re out living a life on the road. You have to be prepared at what life throws at you at any given moment and always see the good in everything and everyone even when shit hits the fan.
My personal advice would be to go all-in and continue chasing your dreams and fulfilling your purpose in life. Keep the FAITH and continue hoping that the best is yet to come. Universe always favors the bold and the courageous.
His books are enchantingš