The Alchemist - My Reflections
The Calling
When I’m stuck—whether it’s with a new skill or personal growth—my go-to is reading. I absolutely love picking up a book and learning. Lately, though, I’ve been feeling stuck in life. I know—it all looks so put together on the outside. I bought my camper, I’m traveling, and everything seems happy-go-lucky. But inside? I’ve felt empty. One day, I got sick of feeling that way and decided to scroll through my Kindle library. The Alchemist popped up. I’d heard so many people rave about it, so I thought, “F*ck it, let’s read it.” Little did I know, it was exactly what I needed to motivate me into this next chapter I’m stepping into.
See, I’m in this liminal space—not who I used to be, but not quite who I’m becoming. The universe is pushing me to uplevel, and I’ve been resisting it. Gripping the steering wheel, trying to control everything, instead of letting life unfold and trusting what’s waiting for me.
Below is my review of the book and how it ties into my personal journey. I hope it inspires you to read it—and take just one step toward your own personal legend.
The Personal Legend
What is a personal legend? A Personal Legend is a concept from The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It refers to your soul’s purpose—the unique dream, mission, or path you’re meant to fulfill in this lifetime.
It’s not just a career or goal. It’s the deeper calling that brings meaning to your life. According to the book:
“A Personal Legend is what you have always wanted to accomplish. Everyone, when they are young, knows what their Personal Legend is.”
In simpler terms:
It’s the dream that feels aligned with your heart.
It’s the reason you’re here.
It’s what makes you feel most alive, most you.
In the book, the main character Santiago’s journey is symbolic of what it means to follow your Personal Legend—full of tests, omens, detours, and ultimately, a return to self.
🔮 Journal Prompts to Discover Your Personal Legend:
What dream or desire has lived in me since I was young—one I return to, even if I’ve ignored or buried it?
Think: childhood dreams, secret longings, or quiet passions that feel too “big” or “unrealistic.”
What activities or moments make me feel most alive, present, and connected to something greater than myself?
If I removed fear, shame, and expectation—what would I create, pursue, or become?
What signs or “omens” have shown up repeatedly in my life, nudging me in a certain direction?
Where in my life have I settled for comfort over purpose—and what is one small way I can choose differently now?
What am I being invited to believe about myself, even if it terrifies me?
By the way - if you would like me to pull your tarot cards to explore what the universe has to say about your personal legend, send me a message at hannah@ownmyoutcome.com.
For me, I’m being called to heal my relationship with myself. Throughout my life, I’ve had experiences meant to teach me about unconditional love—through my parents, my family structure, toxic romantic relationships, friendships, jobs, and more.
When I was younger, I learned that safety = control. If I could just control my environment or the people around me, then I could feel safe. Some of the actions I’d take included making sure the house was clean or going above and beyond to make my mom happy, hoping it would put her in a better mood—and that she would love me.
I learned that self-sacrifice could earn love. I learned to minimize my voice, my needs, and my intuition. I knew when I was in unsafe conditions, but I stayed small—and that led to sexual, mental, and physical abuse.
When I hit rock bottom, I lost it all—including four of my teeth. But in all seriousness, I needed help. I had an alcohol problem and PTSD that gave me anxiety, depression, and a panic disorder that eventually led to physically harming myself.
The day I chose me was the day I saved my life. And every day since, I’ve chosen to love myself unconditionally. That looks like healing from pain and shame, and taking steps—every single day—to love myself. To show up for me, no matter what.
The Obstacle
In the book, Santiago’s journey is shaped by several obstacles. He often doubts himself at every step because of the unknown. There’s a moment where he travels two hours to a city and ends up getting robbed. He has nothing. But instead of giving up, he exchanges his time for money—offering to clean crystal for a shop owner. And he doesn’t stop there. He gives the owner more ideas and ends up making more money than he ever did as a shepherd. When he leaves the crystal shop, more obstacles follow—but one theme remains true: he keeps going because he’s motivated to find his Personal Legend.
I have all of these creative ideas, but nothing grounding me. My biggest challenge right now is direction. As I grow, my brand continues to evolve—and honestly, I’m scared to start over and look foolish.
But when I think about writing and helping others, my body lights up. I know that’s my Personal Legend. Like Santiago, I’m trying to fulfill my own—but the obstacles I’m facing right now have me feeling stuck.
While reading the book, I realized you don’t get a concrete roadmap to your end state. All you have is the personal journey along the way—and the only way to get unstuck is to move through it. You can’t go over it. You can’t skip it. It’s a path you have to walk.
This stuck feeling? It’s me trying to control every part of the journey. Like I mentioned earlier, I’ve got a tight grip on the steering wheel. It’s exhausting—and in the process, I’ve forgotten how to have fun.
Just this week, I was hiking in Hawaii to a water hole. When we arrived, there was this tall rock to jump off of. When I got to the ledge, I was terrified. The way the rock was shaped, I had to jump out to avoid hitting the rocks below. That fear could have stopped me from enjoying the moment—but I told myself, Hannah, you didn’t come all this way to quit. Think of the memories. Think of the fun.
So I jumped. And then I did it again a few more times.
It’s the same concept in life: what’s the point of the journey if we’re white-knuckling everything instead of just taking the leap and making memories along the way?
The Desert
The desert in the book represents Santiago’s internal transformation. It's vast, quiet, and harsh—just like the emotional and spiritual terrain he has to navigate. In the stillness of the desert, he begins to truly hear his heart and connect with the Soul of the World.
The desert tests Santiago’s faith, resilience, and determination. It represents the part of the journey where things feel barren, uncertain, and even hopeless—but it’s also where deep growth happens. It strips away distractions and illusions, forcing him to rely on his intuition, wisdom, and trust in the unseen. Just as the desert burns away the excess, Santiago’s time there purifies his intentions. It’s where he learns the difference between fear and intuition, and begins to see that everything is connected.
I’m in a dry season of my life right now. And the crazy thing is—even in hardship, joy is still the medicine. The desert isn’t just emptiness—it’s a mirror of where I’ve been withholding joy from myself.
I’m constantly pulling cards, staying in one place, and ruminating about what I need to do next. I feel anxious and confused, and as a result, I end up doing nothing. What I’ve realized is this: I have to get out of my head and into my life.
Every day that I try to control everything, I feel more disconnected from my intuition—and it chips away at my self-confidence.
Do we really need a reason to express joy today? HELL NO.
I don’t need a big win at work or a major milestone.
I just need to live—and enjoy my life.
The Alchemist Within
My hidden gift is my honesty. The ability to admit hard truths and return to integrity is my magic. I may be confronting uncomfortable realizations—but that’s exactly where my transformation is happening.
The truth I’ve been avoiding is that I am whole just as I am, today. I don’t have to perform, give up my needs, or shrink myself to make others feel more comfortable. Over the past year, I’ve ended relationships that no longer align with my truth. It’s been one of the hardest realizations I’ve ever had—because some of these relationships have lasted decades, and in the case of my family, my entire life.
It took me a long time to choose myself, but now that I have, I feel at peace.
I can now choose to live the life I’ve always wanted to live. I am free, independent, and I know who I am. Everyone should know this: you don’t need external validation. Not everyone is meant to walk your path with you. The ones who are will grow with you and support your Personal Legend.
Love is not conditional.
Unconditional love means choosing what is right—not what is meant to control.
I’ve realized that others have their own journeys to take, and I’m meant to be a lighthouse—not a lifeboat. In fact, letting go of control is an act of self-love, because it allows others to gain the wisdom and experience they need.
I wholeheartedly believe we all have to make mistakes—and it’s the lessons we go through that help us fulfill our purpose.
You are meant to be here, in this lifetime, for a reason.
The Omens
In The Alchemist, omens symbolize the language of the universe—the subtle signs, synchronicities. Santiago uses his rocks to give him guidance but ultimately starts to learn how to pay attention to the signs around him.
I’ve been using tarot cards, and I also receive messages in the form of repeating numbers. Sometimes—well, actually a lot of the time—I ignore them or second-guess what’s right in front of me. I can feel the truth in my body and in my knowing, but I still find myself brushing off the signs. My heart is searching for direction, but what I really need to do is trust my inner compass.
But what does that actually mean—and how do you do it? Your inner compass is really just another name for your intuition. Here are three ways I’ve learned to connect with it:
1. Slow Down and Listen to Your Body
How do you feel? Are you tight in the chest, stomach turning, or feeling that familiar sense of dread? Those are signs that something’s off. I like to check in and ask: Does this feel expansive or restricted?
One of my favorite sayings is:
“If it’s not a HELL YES, it’s a FUCK NO.”
But seriously—do I feel safe and at ease, or am I anxious and tense? My body always tells the truth if I’m willing to listen.
2. Practice Quiet Daily Check-Ins
It’s hard to hear your inner compass when other people are constantly chirping in your ear—or when you’re lost in the noise of social media, other people’s opinions, or just the busyness of life. You have to create intentional stillness. Even a few quiet minutes each day to ask, “What do I need to hear right now?” can make a huge difference.
3. Look Back at When You Did Trust Yourself
Think of a time you followed a gut feeling—and even if it was messy, it led to growth. That’s proof. When you reflect on those moments, you start building trust with yourself. The more evidence you gather, the louder your intuition becomes.
Right now, I’m romanticizing the idea that I’ll create this dream life with someone who isn’t ready. That I’ll build a successful business without grounding my ideas first. But what are my dreams actually trying to show me—beneath the illusion?
For me, they’re asking me to stop replaying old battles—whether they’re with others or within myself. The illusion is that I still have to fight, win, or defend something. But the truth is, my soul is tired of carrying the weight of those stories. There’s lingering guilt, resentment, and internal criticism that’s ready to be released.
I don’t have to prove I’m right anymore.
Not every loss was a failure—some were redirections.
I’m allowed to lay down the sword.
Peace is power now.
What about you?
What old conflict or story are you still replaying in your mind or holding in your body?
In what ways have you been hard on yourself—even when you were doing your best?
What would it feel like to truly forgive yourself—or someone else—without needing to reopen the wound?
The Treasure
In The Alchemist, the treasure symbolizes what you’re truly seeking—love, purpose, fulfillment—and how it can’t be found out there until you’ve found it within. Santiago realizes that the treasure he was chasing—the gold—wasn’t just a physical reward. It was always inside him. It was about becoming who he was meant to be.
The treasure also represents the growth that comes from the quest—the lessons, losses, love, heartbreak, intuition, and transformation Santiago experiences along the way. Without the journey, the treasure would have no meaning. You can’t skip the process and expect to receive the treasure—it’s something earned through experience.
Ironically, Santiago discovers the physical treasure buried in the exact place where his journey began. That moment reinforces a truth we often forget: we search far and wide for what has always been within reach—but we need the journey to help us recognize its value.
That gets me thinking about my treasure in this season of life: balance.
I’ve been juggling way too much. This is a wake-up call to simplify and choose what really matters.
I’ve already started this process—quite literally—by selling my house and everything I own. I’m no longer keeping people in my life who make me feel like shit or drain my energy. I’m also being more intentional with what gets my energy. I want to feel alive and happy.
And I believe my treasure—balance—is three-fold:
I’ve been through a lot of internal and external conflict.
My treasure is stepping out of the drama, releasing comparison, and choosing peace over proving. The less noise, the more I can actually hear myself.I’m waking up right now.
My treasure is shifting my perspective and saying yes to life again. I haven’t missed my opportunity—it’s right in front of me.Giving from depletion is not generosity—it’s self-abandonment.
I’ve always had a pattern of over-giving and people-pleasing. My treasure is learning to receive as much as I give. I am worthy of reciprocity. My time, energy, and heart are sacred. And when I protect them, I attract what’s aligned.
What is your treasure in this season of life?
💎 Discovering Your Inner Treasure – Journal Prompts
What am I deeply longing for—and why?
Is it freedom, love, stability, recognition, purpose? What emotion or experience do I believe this will give me?What parts of myself have I hidden or abandoned in order to feel safe, accepted, or loved?
How might reclaiming those parts lead me closer to my treasure?When do I feel most like myself—free, grounded, and lit up?
What am I doing in those moments? Who am I with? What do I believe about myself?What “journey” am I resisting right now because it feels uncertain or scary?
What might be waiting for me on the other side of that discomfort?Have I been searching for my treasure in external things (people, success, validation)?
What might shift if I turned inward instead?What lessons keep repeating in my life—and what might they be trying to teach me about my worth or purpose?
What would it feel like to believe that everything I need is already within me?
What part of me needs to hear that truth the most?
Next Step
In the words of my friend Tara: It’s not time to wait. Stop looking “out there” for your future to begin. The time is now—but you have to make peace with your path first.
So, where are you still waiting for permission to begin?
For me, it feels like I’m back on the ledge—standing at the edge of something new. I’m about to leap into the unknown, and it’s both exciting and terrifying. But I keep holding myself back, waiting for some kind of confirmation or sign from the outside before I let myself fully jump.
I’ve developed this mindset over time because I used to leap without a plan—and yes, it got rocky. But when I really think about it, I wouldn’t be the woman I am today if I had constantly held myself back.
A new beginning doesn’t require perfect logic.
It requires courage.
It requires trust.
The first step isn’t about having all the answers.
It’s about saying yes to the unknown.
5 Simple Ways to Start Taking Your Power Back
1. Pay Attention to Your Body
If something feels off—like your chest tightens, your stomach sinks, or you feel drained—that’s your body trying to tell you the truth. You don’t need to explain it. Just notice it.
2. Write a Letter to Your Younger Self
Imagine the little version of you is sitting next to you. What would you say to help them feel safe and loved? Write it down. Let them know you’re here now—and they’re not alone anymore.
3. Practice Saying One Loving No
You don’t need to change everything overnight. Just try saying no one time today to something that doesn’t feel good. You can be kind and still protect your peace.
4. Create a 5-Minute Check-In
Start a tiny ritual just for you. Light a candle, write one sentence in a journal, take a deep breath, or pull a card if you’re into that. It’s not about being perfect—it’s about reconnecting to you.
5. Look for Your People
Spend time with people who make you feel safe, heard, and supported. Even if it’s just one person or an online space—it matters. You don’t have to do this alone.
✨ Comment below if this resonated. What’s one step you're taking today to choose yourself? Let's build a community of healing and unconditional love—together.
Next Steps
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