Beth Denny

When I was in my early twenties, I read a few books by Paulo Coelho. The Alchemist is one that he seems to be very well known for and if I’m completely honest, I can’t remember much about it or being particularly affected by it at the time (I should probably reread it to see if I feel any differently now). Recently however, a quote from the book keeps appearing on social media and has been stuck in my head, “And, when you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.

I think about fate, destiny and the universe a fair bit and wonder how true this quote is and if you put out positive energy, does it comes back to you? In Italy, for example, so many people we encountered were so helpful and friendly, going out of their way to do more than needed (and it was very much welcomed).

I know when I was at university doing my undergrad, whenever I gave money to charity or the homeless, I would always get it back. Someone would give me too much change when I bought coffee, shop assistants would randomly discount something I was buying or I would just find money when I was out and about.

This year, I have had a well-needed mind reset. The pandemic seemed to make me see a lot of things from a negative point of view but having part of my lung collapse in January has snapped me out of it (my lung is back to normal now thankfully).

I am choosing to look at life from a glass half full perspective again, not to stress too much or see the worst in people or situations. It can be easier said than done. I have definitely been guilty of wallowing when things don’t go the way I planned. Things that help when I feel a bit out of sorts are seeing angel numbers (111, 222 etc.), positive quotes on social media or messages in books or on TV that answer questions on my mind. Before I went to Italy for example, I was stressing about rail and airport strikes that I had heard were happening on the day I was due to land and also the day I was travelling from Lecce to Bari. On the day before travelling, I found out the the first strike was not affecting our airline or airport. When I landed in Italy and arrived at Brindisi train station, we found out the the train strike had been cancelled.

Do you think this is proof that the universe helps you when you want something or do you think it is just a coincidence? Bx