Get Past Stress With Paulo Coehlo's The Alchemist

Public speaking has been a knee-knocking phobia of mine. I get in my own head and make myself more nervous for almost no other reason than people’s eyeballs on me. I’m sure we can all imagine how far my stomach fell when my Spanish professor announced our 10-minute Spanish speaking presentation as our final project. As if public speaking in English isn’t intimidating enough. In my most stressful moments, unexpected flashes of inspiration light up my memory: specifically wise words from Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist.

Walking past the tables to the front of the class I began noticing how sweaty I was. Bumbling over my second language, I began my final presentation. Every mistake my tongue falters over I imagine the points being subtracted behind my professor’s clipboard.

Looking at the expressions on my classmates’ faces, I realize it’s hard for them too. No one needs my talking as fast I can. They want me to succeed… even if it is only because it is terribly painful watching someone drown slowly in front of you.

Paulo Coelho taught me to trust the journey and also myself. Being individuals, we always strive to achieve the best for ourselves and we fight for our success. Slow down and take the time to notice the obvious. I had to notice I was drowning to start swimming.

Change the slide. Take a breath. A moment passed without my incessant trying-to-hard fast talk and the awkwardness swelled in the tiny classroom ready to be released by my next word. I began again – this time slower, steadier, and so much better.

It may sound ridiculous thinking of a book at such a time, but I had never encountered such a simple yet complex book with remarkable messages weaved within. The Alchemist is a book everyone can enjoy for it is a short, simple read with messages anyone can relate to or get insight from. Trust me I didn’t give anything away! Try understanding the book for what is it and look at your experiences with new eyes.

It may not be speaking Spanish or public speaking; everyone has that one thing we do not want to face. I never realized how much confidence I could gain from just facing one of my fears. It may seem like a small victory, getting through my Spanish final, but I clearly remember for the rest of the day floating around with an incredible feeling. Definitely a rocky start, but slowing myself down saved not only my grade, but also my belief in myself. Finishing with some eloquence and sentence fluency fortified my assurance that I actually can give a 10-minute speech.

Trust the journey as well as yourself and see what happens after you face your challenges. Give Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist a try and please let me know what you think! Whether you enjoy it or not I’d love to hear your opinions: [email protected].