Aleph

I'm reading a book by my favorite author, Paulo Coelho, called "Aleph".  In short, it's a spiritual book about a writer's journey across the Trans-Siberian railroad and his relationship with a seemingly odd woman, who actually is someone he has met 500 years before, and with whom he tries to rectify his past.

Aleph is not only the first letter of the Hebrew alphabet; it also means "the number that contains all numbers".  However, in this story, Aleph represents a voyage where two people experience a spiritual unleashing that has a profound impact on their present lives.

I love Coelho's writing because it is raw.  His words touch all of his readers in the depths of their souls, forcing them to look deep into what they want in life; to forgive and move forward from their pasts; to keep striving for their dreams in this life that is a journey.  Just read "Like the Flowing River", and you'll know what I'm talking about.

Because I am a quote fanatic, here are some from the book that have resonated with me:

• "As always happens when we know what we want, things begin to slot perfectly into place." 
• "A life without cause is a life without effect." 
• "None of us is in a hurry; as we travel on, we are constantly destroying and rebuildilng ourselves and who we are."

And while we're feeling inspired, let's take a look at this week's Brain Pickings post on Neil Gaiman:

• “Perfection is like chasing the horizon. Keep moving.”
• "The main rule of writing is that if you do it with enough assurance and confidence, you’re allowed to do whatever you like. (That may be a rule for life as well as for writing. But it’s definitely true for writing.) So write your story as it needs to be written. Write it ­honestly, and tell it as best you can. I’m not sure that there are any other rules. Not ones that matter."

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In the short few months I've lived here, this magical city has given me freedom - of thought, of expression, of action.  And, in the few months I've lived here, I've listened to the musings of people like Coelho, Gaiman, and finally, of my inner voice. 

Though people have always thought I was older and wiser than my age, I finally feel wise.  Because my heart and mind are congruent.  And because I know what I need to do, how to get there, and most importantly, that I believe in myself 100000%.

I know - mushy gushy, but oh-so-good.