I felt a sudden urge to read a book I never read before, The Alchemist. I went to the used book store, and the owner told me she had no copies of that book. I looked straight ahead, and it was right there. Oddly enough, I felt it calling to me.

It’s a book about a boy who embarks on a journey to pursue a dream, and the lessons he learns along the way. Here are some quotes that personally spoke to me:

“The secret to happiness”

The drops of oil to me are the things that are truly important: my values, the people I care about, and my personal dreams and goals. May those not get lost, as I see the world and come to understand more about me.

“When you want something”

When you really want something and you pursue it, it’s not necessarily meant to be easy. It can, and in some sense it should be hard because it is something you dare to dream of. This is an acknowledgment that something great may also be confronting and challenging.

Also, I’m not sure if the universe conspires to help you achieve it or if your own passion and motivation helps you achieve it. Regardless, those who seek - try, those who receive - ask, and those who believe - have the faith to see it to its end. I have noticed that the universe tends to align for those who do not give up on their dreams.

Although not explicitly psychological in nature, a lot of themes resonate in therapy: learning from experience, reframing challenges, understanding one’s values & motivations, and taking steps towards the dreams we have for our lives.

My work

Yoojin Nam LMFT is the author of Thinking to Feel. He has been providing psychotherapy for 7 years and is licensed to practice in CA & TX.

Wondering if therapy might benefit you? E-mail [email protected] to schedule a free consultation.

Disclaimer: These posts are not a replacement for therapy. The information contained within is for educational purposes only and is not intended to be therapeutic advice.