“W

hen you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

You have to know this, my parents when I was young had put me into a mental asylum three times during my life time. Because of my rebellious thoughts and behaviours.

I was born on August 24, 1947, in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. I attended Jesuit schools and was raised by devout Catholic parents. Well it was determined early on that I wanted to be a writer but was discouraged by my parents, who saw no future in that profession in Brazil. These are the very tiny facts of me that you have to know, to tell someone “Ah I know that chap Coelho”.

I believe in experiencing things in life and that is probably why during the eighties I started living the life if a hippie, which was “sex, drugs and rock ‘n roll!

However I’m quite a different man now, and I’ve experienced my fair share of spiritual awakening. Which is when I wrote the book “Pilgrimage”.

What I believe is that when we dream of something and we are destined for it, the universe will lead the way to your dreams. I’m not saying its smooth sailing, it will take many years but you will be guided in the correct path. This is why you shouldn’t ignore those instinctive signs where your heart is trying to guide you to where you want to be in life.

It will be a process of many challenges. You will meet people with many different views and ideas. You will exchange your views, you will learn from your surroundings. It will be a follow through of making a warrior ready for war.

Indeed there will be moments when you see no

I have seen people settling for lesser lives than what they are destined for, and I have feared of losing what I have if I go in search of bigger things. I have feared suffering without knowing what suffering is. But as of now, I know I have drifted far away from my dream but come back to it finally. The excitement and pleasure of knowing you are on your way and one step closer every day to your destiny, to fulfill your purpose in life is a feeling you will never regret having.

On your way, you will lose hope and you will want to give up, now at that moment is where you are being tested of your worthiness for your destiny. If you fail, the universe will give up on you like you gave up on yourself.

If you fear failure, you will not achieve greatness in life. No matter how many times you see that it’s not going to be a success, your commitment and perseverance is tested.

Sometimes you may have no clue in what direction you are being blown to, but if your instincts approve, you are in the right direction. You will not always know where you are going, but you will know that you are going where you want to go. Things may not make sense all the time, and you will see no point in achieving certain endeavours, but when it comes to the realization of your destiny you will bridge the gaps and links and see your efforts come through.

“You have to take risks. We will only understand the miracle of life fully when we allow the unexpected to happen.”

If you want to quit your job, and your gut says that enough is enough this isn’t my destiny. It is best to do just that. Quit. Because you see risk is important. If you wait for stability and safety at all times, you may not reach that highest point in life. It may not be a full time stable job, but it might increase your potential, you will grow and most of all you will be happy. And to top it all off, you will be capable of finding ways to earn to your full capacity.

Life becomes less of a miracle when we control it the way we want and not letting the wild child roam around free. It’s not about disciplining yourself to sit in one place and work for hours, it’s sometimes about breaking free and being the artists you always wanted to be or the mountaineer you dreamt of being as a kid.

Therefore, remember that wherever your heart is, there you will find your treasure. Unleash yourself,

Paulo Coelho.

Written by Devuni Goonewardene email any feedback to devuni@gmail.com