The Alchemist’s Path
Following Your Personal Legend
This week, I felt so inspired by the blog post I wrote last week that I knew I had to continue the conversation — about creating the life you’ve always dreamed of and why you owe it to yourself to pursue it.
Recently, I’ve also been having some deep conversations with my girlfriend, Sharieka, and my mom that made me realize how important this topic truly is.
Honestly, it’s a crazy time for me to be sitting down and typing this, but I’m learning that sometimes the best time is right now.
Today, I want to share a story from a book that resonates with so many people, a story that reminds us of how profound and powerful we really are.
The book is The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho.
Although it’s a fictional tale, the lessons that Santiago — the main character — learns along his journey are a perfect example of what it looks like to follow your personal legend: trusting your intuition, persevering through challenges, and realizing that what you’re searching for is already within you.
This week’s focus is all about discovering your personal legend — and having the courage to follow your true life path.
Burning Desire
Have you ever had a burning desire to do something or travel to a specific place? Somewhere you’ve always wanted to go?
What does it feel like? What does it look like?
In the book The Alchemist, Santiago had a deep desire to go in search of his treasure.
At the time, he was herding sheep, following in the footsteps of his father, but he knew deep down that he was meant for more than just being a shepherd.
He felt his calling — a vision pulling him toward the great pyramids of Egypt — and he didn’t just dream about it.
He followed through and began his journey toward finding his treasure.
Just like Santiago, I’m at a point in my life where I have a burning desire to find my own treasure.
My lease is up for renewal, but my eyes are set on a new horizon — somewhere I’ve never been before.
And yet, when I think about it, it feels so right.
Talking with my girlfriend, Sharieka, she understands exactly what I’m feeling.
We often have conversations about how she envisions her life — growing her business and building a new chapter in a city like Los Angeles that already feels like home to her.
I always remind her that she is an alchemist — that everything she needs to create the life she envisions is already within her.
It’s crazy to think about, but I’m about to take the same leap myself.
And deep down, I know that everything I need during this transformation and transition will be provided.
"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."
(The Alchemist)
Going The Distance
Santiago’s journey was filled with twists, turns, and setbacks.
But as he continued to follow his Personal Legend, he had to remember a few key things — listening to his intuition and learning from those he met along the way.
Our Personal Legend is a uniquely quiet journey that calls us to go the distance.
This might mean relocating to a new city, a new state, or even a new country.
To live out our life path, we must be willing to leave the familiar behind and trust the road ahead.
One part that always stands out to me is how Santiago learned from the people he encountered.
Every person he met had something to teach him — something that ultimately helped him move closer to finding his treasure.
He even met his true love in the desert.
Although he couldn’t stay, she reminded him that she would be there when he returned.
Her love didn’t hold him back — it strengthened his resolve to keep moving forward.
Santiago chose to continue going the distance.
Right now, I’m asking myself the same question: Am I willing to go the distance and follow my Personal Legend?
For a long time, I carried a fear of missing out.
But I know that if I don’t go the distance, I’ll never truly discover what I’m made of — or fully live out the purpose that’s been placed inside me.
"It’s the possibility of having a dream come true that makes life interesting."
— Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
Finding Treasure
By the end of Santiago’s journey, he discovers that the treasure he was searching for was inside of him all along.
He learned to listen to his heart, feel the wind, follow the stars, and overcome countless obstacles on his journey.
He was the legend he dreamed of all along. It wasn’t just a shiny object covered in gold.
No, this is the story of a boy who embarked on a deeply spiritual, transformational journey and traveled great distances to find his treasure.
He followed his Personal Legend, and because of that, he succeeded and returned — to his partner and, eventually, back home.
I’ve learned that following your Personal Legend is the treasure, and it’s located in our hearts and minds.
I promised myself that whenever I had the chance to explore and travel, I would make the most of it.
I’ve never liked the idea of being confined to one place for the rest of my life.
This season of my life requires me to step up and embark on my quest to find my treasure.
I feel equipped for the battles, new discoveries, connections, and transformations that will come during this turning point.
Will you continue with me on my journey?
"The treasure is the journey."
— Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist
If you've made it this far, thank you!
I invite you to join my mailing list for exclusive updates.
If you're already a member, you’re a true rockstar for supporting my publication!
Also, check out my new website and view some of my most recent photography work.
Socials
Website: Joseph Baldwin
Instagram: @jlbaldwin_
LinkedIn: Joseph Baldwin
Let’s connect.