Don't Believe the World's Greatest Lie
/What’s the world’s greatest lie?
According to Paolo Coelho in The Alchemist, "It's this: at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie.”
I have been quietly writing my second book. It will be a personal reflection of my journey, including journal entries I've written over the past 7 years since I decided to write this next chapter of my life, and it includes scripture verses that I’ve clung to during the times of greatest fear and doubt. Now that I’ve put this out here, I’ll have to stay accountable to publish it this year.
If you are going through your own doubts or fears, know that you are the hero of your life’s journey. We never lose control of what is happening to us.
This morning, I thought I’d share this excerpt from 11.23.2018, a month after I’d resigned from my corporate job.
I didn’t know how it would turn out, or if taking my leap of faith would be worth it.
Now, I can’t imagine where I’d be if I didn’t.
What lie do you believe about your own power?
What dreams have you ignored, convincing yourself they're too big or impractical?
When we take action on those dreams, momentum follows, and blessings favor the faithful.
The greatest tragedy isn't failing on our journey; it's never beginning at all.
What small step will you take today?
I hope this inspires you on your own journey.
11.23.18
Don’t believe the lie.
I started and finished The Alchemist again. I’ve read it multiple times, typically every year. It’s a short book that can be finished in one sitting. That is how I’ve read it in the past. I read it for the story, probably reading too quickly and not ruminating on the meaning. I started the book again yesterday on Thanksgiving and finished it this morning. This time, the book hit closer to home with the journey I’ve embarked on. Having decided to pursue my dreams, I leave the comforts of having a steady job and paycheck for the unknown. Yet, I know taking action is what is required of me right now.
All of my readings have focused on acknowledging my fear, submitting it to God, and taking action despite any trepidations. The other message has been to trust that all things will work out. “And we know that all things work together for good to them that love God, to them who are the called according to his purpose.” – Romans 8:28 “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” - The Alchemist
I do have fears. For too many years, I’ve lived for comfort and security rather than to fulfill my heart's desires. I’ve lived mundane days with pockets of joy, love, and passion from my family and friends because it was easier and because it’s what those closest to me were doing, too. This reminds me of the world’s greatest lie in The Alchemist: “The little boy asks. The old man replies, "It's this: that at a certain point in our lives, we lose control of what's happening to us, and our lives become controlled by fate. That's the world's greatest lie.”
I think I bought into that lie. I tried to suppress the dream of writing a book, teaching at a university, traveling the world speaking and teaching others things I’ve learned along my life’s journey. I was fearful to utter them aloud to others, worried they’d laugh or think too highly of myself. Who was I to have such grand dreams? “Who do you think you are?”
“Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness that most frightens us. We ask ourselves, 'Who am I to be brilliant, gorgeous, talented, fabulous?' Actually, who are you not to be? You are a child of God. Your playing small does not serve the world. There is nothing enlightened about shrinking so that other people won't feel insecure around you. We are all meant to shine, as children do. We were born to manifest the glory of God that is within us. It's not just in some of us; it's in everyone. And as we let our own light shine, we unconsciously give other people permission to do the same. As we are liberated from our own fear, our presence automatically liberates others.” – Marianne Williamson
This quote by Marianne Williamson has intrigued me for my entire adult life. I don’t recall when I first read it, but I was so fascinated with it that I printed it and had it tacked up on my wall at work. I kept reading it trying to decide whether I really believed the author’s words. Does she mean me? Does Williamson believe that each of us is here to play big, to serve the world? Do I have permission to let my light shine? Could I truly be “fabulous”? Do I have the courage to live my truth?
While contemplating and reading this quote daily at work, the irony is that I wasn’t living a life feeling powerful, light, brilliant, gorgeous, talented, or fabulous. It would sometimes take me 2 hours to get out the door in the morning. I needed to read three scripture books, a chapter in another self-help book, journal, pray, do yoga, and meditate before jumping in the shower. Yes, I know this is a lot of reinforcement to motivate myself to go to work in the morning.
Typing these words alone makes me feel guilty. I know I am blessed beyond measure and drop to my knees, thanking God daily for my wonderful husband, daughters, family, and friends. The Lord has provided for all of our needs, and that acknowledgment has become my excuse for not seeking more. “Who am I to seek more?” I would ask myself.
I had convinced myself that I should be grateful for my corporate career. I started many years ago in a company and have been given opportunities to take on more responsibility, work in various areas, and hone my leadership skills. My career provided financial stability. Yet, I never felt like I was being my authentic self. I had reached a point where I didn’t recognize or like myself anymore, my health was beginning to fail, and my old friends who knew me back in college stopped asking about the dreams I’d shared with them. I had reached an impasse.
I longed to know myself again. What happened to the impassioned young writer? What happened to my younger self, who was confident and comfortable enough in her skin? My girls were grown and I wasn’t sure they knew who I was or the dreams I had for my life. So now I have embarked on the journey of self-discovery again, living mindfully in the present moment, without expectations and seeking joy right now. I am expectedly allowing the next chapter of my life to unfold believing God supports me.
*****
Today, I mostly stand on the other side of that fear, having chosen to write my own story rather than live someone else's version of my life. The journey hasn't always been straight or straightforward, but it has been authentically mine.
What lie do you believe about your power?
What dreams have you tucked away, convincing yourself they're too grand or impractical?
Remember, the universe conspires in your favor when you honor your true calling. Your authentic self isn't waiting for you somewhere in the future—it's here now, ready for you to reclaim it.
The greatest tragedy isn't failing on our journey; it's never beginning at all.
What small step will you take today toward your purpose?