The Alchemist: A Journey Towards Self-Discovery

Abstract

Self-discovery is a process of discovering an individual's inner self. It may be referred to as finding oneself. There are different stages of finding oneself.  It is the realization of self through self-knowledge. Identifying our true self requires the study of or the self-knowledge of our deeds, achievements, strengths, weaknesses, and failures. Self-knowledge is nothing but the awareness of mental state, self-capabilities, emotions, and thoughts. It includes mindfulness, love, compassion, reflection, and motivation. Journeying on the rightful path of self-discovery requires patience. It cannot be achieved without troubles and pains. Generally, people are swayed by false commitments, desires, or dreams. It is necessary to develop self-awakening so that life can be meaningful. Following dreams in the greed of achieving something that is beyond our earning capacity is not an easy task. In a foreword of the novel ‘The Alchemist’, Paulo Coelho mentions that ‘the secret of life, though, is to fall seven times and to get up eight times.