I know you will find out who you are

I read the Alchemist yesterday. It was an interesting read.

I typically hate books that talk about personal quests or journey's and trying to find the "universal soul" or your "chi" and all that sort of thing. It reminds me of Siddartha (a book we read in 10th grade), which I hated.

Most of the books that I have read in this sort of genre chronicle the main character kind of getting lost in the expedition for the greater understanding and knowledge and they lose sight of the importance of actually living your life. I think often people get caught up in the searching and moving on that they forget to live life in the moment. We talked recently in church about being where you're supposed to be when you're supposed to be there and that Heavenly Father will help take care of the rest. Basically if you're doing what you're supposed to the Lord will make things possible.

Anyhow, The Alchemist actually did a really good job of addressing my hatred of this genre, because the main character pauses in the middle of the book and reflects on why he is seeking a treasure when he has already gained so much, and then the book further explains this particular character's need to keep searching. So all in all, I enjoyed the book although I still don't see why his quest really was just for riches (I mean I know he learned a lot along the way, but isn't that the point, shouldn't the story emphasize the journey and the knowledge gained rather than the gold, because honestly who cares about the gold, he already proved he can earn money.)

ANYWHO.... the book got me thinking about my journey, and that perhaps I'm missing the boat and should be seeking out something I'm not, but mostly it made me think that maybe I need to learn to be happy doing what I'm doing, and make the most of P-Town. I'm sure the next step will come in due time. As I was going through all these ponderings, the book reminded me of a song I used to love in.... oh i don't know, probably 8th grade.

"Leaving Town"

Oh your reputation is so golden
You're never lonely and you're never home
I know you've been talking about leaving
You've lost all your feelings for this town.
Paint your nails and put on your lipstick
You don't want to miss your ticket out.
Just because you graduate from school
So high in the gene pool that's your point of view.

But when you're broke and down and no one else is around
You'll come running back to this town and
I'll be there, yeah I'll be there.

'Cause I remember how we drank time together
And how you used to say that the stars are forever.
And daydreamed about how to make your life better by
Leaving town, leaving town.

Pack your bags, your smokes in your pocket
You're wearing my locket around your neck
Take a drag and wait for the Greyhound
The world is your playground and you want to win.

But when you're broke and down and no one else is around.
You'll come running back to this town and
I'll be there, yeah I'll be there.

'Cause I remember how we drank time and
How you used to say that the stars are forever.
And daydreamed about how to make your life better by
Leaving town, leaving town.

Nothing in life will ever come that easy.
Doesn't mean it has to be that hard.
I know you will find out who you are
But when you're broke and down and no one else is around.
You'll come running back to this town and
I'll be there, yeah I'll be there.

'Cause I remember how we drank time together
And how you used to say that the stars are forever.
And daydreamed about how to make your life better by
Leaving town, leaving town.
Yeah I remember how we drank time together and
How you used to say that the stars are forever.
And daydreamed about how to make your life better by
Leaving town, leaving town.
You're leaving town, yeah