Books that changed my life. This is one of my favorite sections in O Magazine.

I love reading about the reading that has influenced and impacted others.

Rounding out my personal number one spot of books that have literally changed my life would be: The Alchemist.

It was a gift from a good friend on my 19th birthday. Two days later, late at night, I opened it up to briefly read before bed.

I stayed up till I finished, riveted to each page. Feeling so in harmony with the words, as though they were written just for me.

Often times, I find myself coming back to it again and again. Turning to my favorite sections, always being inspired and reminded to pursue that which you love, even when you find yourself off the path.

My hope is that everyone of us is able to recognize our own personal legend and honor that, in the best individual way possible.

“The boy didn’t know what a person’s Personal Legend was.

‘It’s what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is. At that point in their lives, everything is clear and everything is possible. They are not afraid to dream, and to yearn for everything they would like to see happen to them in their lives.

But, as time passes, a mysterious force begins to convince them that it will not be possible for them to realize their Personal Legend. It’s a force that appears to be negative, but actually shows you how to realize your Personal Legend.

It prepares your spirit and your will, because there is one great truth on this planet: whoever you are or whatever it is that you do, when you really want something, it’s because that desire originated in the soul of The Universe. It’s your mission on earth.’

And, when you want something, all The Universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.”

As for me and my Personal Legend? Well, if you’re reading this, then you know you’re already a part of that.

I’m not sure what What You Be will be. I have ideas of what I want and how I see it and where I want it to go … but the unsureness is one of the most exciting things to me.

Because I know it can take me to places unimaginable to me thus far and in the meantime, I’m enjoying the happiness of here and now.