Following the Signs: A Personal Reflection on The Alchemist

I remember the first time I read The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho. It felt like a conversation with an old friend, someone who understood parts of me I hadn’t yet put into words. A story about dreams, signs, and self-discovery, yet somehow, it mirrored my own journey in quiet, unexpected ways.

There’s a line in the book that has stayed with me:

"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it."

I used to think that meant things would unfold effortlessly, that if I followed my passion, the path would be clear, the signs bold, and the timing perfect. But life, as I’ve come to understand, doesn’t always work like that. The signs don’t shout. Sometimes, they whisper. Sometimes, they show up as delays, setbacks, or detours, nudging you to pause, reflect, and course-correct.

Looking back, I see how I’ve followed those subtle signs, sometimes with intention, other times without even realising it. Leaving a stable career in the UK to follow my partner to Japan was a leap into the unknown. But that leap was full of gentle invitations. It became a time to slow down, explore, and nurture the things I’d always wanted to do but never had the space for.

I kept designing things, even if it was just for myself. I mastered the art of keeping a peaceful home, something that brings me genuine joy. I listened to hours of podcasts and deeply insightful YouTube videos. I read more than I had in years. I learned so much, often without even knowing I was learning. It wasn’t structured, but it was rich. It felt like I was nurturing myself in ways I didn’t know I needed.

And now, as I preparing to unfold a new chapter in my life, I feel like everything that’s happened was meant to be. I didn’t chase anything. Things unfolded, little by little, through the choices I made and the subtle signs I followed. There’s a quiet rhythm to it all. Nothing came too early. Nothing feels too late.

In The Alchemist, Santiago travels far and wide, only to discover that what he was searching for had been within him all along. I think we all have our own Personal Legends. Sometimes, we just need to slow down, listen closely, and trust the journey.

Because yes, the universe does conspire. But only when we’re ready to hear it.