"He had to choose between something he had become accustomed to and something he wanted to have."

– Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Have you ever found yourself standing on the edge of a new beginning, feeling both excitement and fear?

What if the path to growth and transformation requires leaving behind what is familiar and comfortable?

In this episode of Love & Learn, we explore the next stage in Santiago’s Hero’s Journey—Crossing the Threshold—from Paulo Coelho’s spiritual classic, The Alchemist.

This is the moment when Santiago leaves the safety of his life as a shepherd to pursue his dream of realizing his Personal Legend. We discuss how this step represents the psychological and emotional leap we all must take when we commit to a new path, and how the universe supports us with allies, mentors, tests, and opportunities for growth along the way.

In this episode, we’ll uncover:

• The significance of Crossing the Threshold in your own life, and why commitment to change is essential for growth
• How to recognize the tests and challenges that come after taking that leap of faith
• The importance of allies and mentors in guiding us through unfamiliar territory
• Why trusting the process, even in times of uncertainty, is key to discovering your personal treasure

Actionable steps for Crossing Your Own Threshold:

1. Take the Leap:Crossing the threshold is about commitment. Whether it’s a dream, a new project, or a life change, there comes a point where you need to fully step into the unknown. Don’t wait for all the conditions to be perfect—trust that the path will unfold as you walk it.

2. Expect Challenges: Just like Santiago was robbed in Tangier, you will face unexpected challenges on your journey. These challenges aren’t meant to stop you—they’re meant to strengthen you. Each setback is an opportunity to learn and grow.

3. Look for Allies and Mentors: As you move forward, keep an eye out for the people who support your journey. Like Santiago meeting the crystal merchant, you will find allies along the way. These allies may not stay with you for the whole journey, but they will teach you valuable lessons that help you move forward.

4. Trust the Process: As Coelho reminds us, “When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it.” Once you’ve crossed the threshold, trust that the universe will guide you. Even when the path feels uncertain, stay committed to your Personal Legend and trust that you’re being guided toward your treasure.

Crossing the threshold is the first step to transforming your life. Press play to begin your journey toward greater fulfillment and self-discovery.

ALL CONCEPTS FROM THE ALCHEMIST

• Overcoming DOUBT: How to Listen to the Universe’s Signs
• Stepping into the UNKNOWN: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change

JOIN THE RADIANT WARRIOR RETREAT

• Retreat Info and Application Page

CONNECT WITH PAULO COELHO

• Website
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CONNECT WITH JESSICA FLINT

• Website
• Retreat
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"When you want something, all the universe conspires in helping you to achieve it." – Paulo Coelho, The Alchemist

Have you ever felt pulled toward something greater, but doubted if you should go for it or if you can actually have it?

In this episode of Love & Learn, we begin our journey through Paulo Coelho’s spiritual classic, The Alchemist.

We explore Santiago’s "Call to Adventure" and how it mirrors our own quest to discover and pursue our "Personal Legend"—our unique purpose in life.

Using the Hero’s Journey as a framework, we break down how answering the call can transform us from within, even in the face of fear and uncertainty.

In this episode, we’ll uncover:

• What a Personal Legend is and why it’s more about personal fulfillment than fame or fortune
• How to recognize your Call to Adventure and listen to the signs (omens) guiding you
• The key stages in The Hero’s Journey and how they apply to your own life
• The importance of overcoming fear and societal pressures to pursue your true purpose

Whether you’re at a crossroads in life or just beginning to explore your potential, this episode offers actionable insights to help you step into your Personal Legend with courage and faith.

Actionable steps to start pursuing your Personal Legend:

1. Find What Has Meaning for You: Reflect on what truly excites and inspires you. Ask yourself: What did I love doing as a child? What gives my life meaning now? These clues often point to your Personal Legend. By pausing to reflect upon your own personal values you get to know who you are and what you stand for. Whatever excites your spirit, inspires your mind, moves your heart, and awakens you body is key to discovering who you are and why you are here.

2. Overcome the Fear of the Unknown: Just like Santiago, you may need to let go of the familiar to step into the unknown. It takes courage to set priorities that match your inner values and act on them. The only people who have the power to judge you, control you or hold you back from your destiny are those whom you empower to do so. Consider what’s holding you back and what you might need to leave behind to follow your heart.

3. Trust the Process: As Coelho reminds us, “When we strive to become better than we are, everything around us becomes better too.” Trust that when you answer the call, the universe will support you in unexpected ways. Tell yourself “I am a unique, authentic, radiant being, living my true values with commitment and divine support. I honor who I am the Universe honors me.”

Answering your call to adventure is the first step to living a more fulfilled and purposeful life. Press play to begin exploring your Personal Legend and unlocking the treasure within.

ALL CONCEPTS FROM THE ALCHEMIST

• Overcoming DOUBT: How to Listen to the Universe’s Signs
• Stepping into the UNKNOWN: Overcoming Fear and Embracing Change

JOIN THE RADIANT WARRIOR RETREAT

• Retreat Info and Application Page

CONNECT WITH PAULO COELHO

• Website
• Books
• Instagram

CONNECT WITH JESSICA FLINT

• Website
• Retreat
• Instagram

"Lesson 2 is part of a larger journey of "unlearning" the meanings we’ve conditioned ourselves to believe."

The aim of the second lesson of the Workbook is to recognize that we project our own thoughts, judgments, and meanings onto everything we see. It's about realizing that what we see is not objective but shaped by our personal interpretations and experiences.

LESSON #2 (From A Course in Miracles Workbook)

I have given everything I see in this room [on this street, from this window, in this place] all the meaning that it has for me.

The exercises with this idea are the same as those for the first one. Begin with the things that are near you, and apply the idea to whatever your glance rests on. Then increase the range outward. Turn your head so that you include whatever is on either side. If possible, turn around and apply the idea to what was behind you. Remain as indiscriminate as possible in selecting subjects for its application, do not concentrate on anything in particular, and do not attempt to include everything you see in a given area, or you will introduce strain.

Merely glance easily and fairly quickly around you, trying to avoid selection by size, brightness, color, material, or relative importance to you. Take the subjects simply as you see them. Try to apply the exercise with equal ease to a body or a button, a fly or a floor, an arm or an apple. The sole criterion for applying the idea to anything is merely that your eyes have lighted on it. Make no attempt to include anything particular, but be sure that nothing is specifically excluded.

As you practice this lesson, know that you are taking a step toward freedom—freedom from the past, from fear, from old pain stories, and from the limitations we’ve placed on ourselves. I can’t wait to hear how Lesson 2 resonates with you, and I’m here to support you every week.

JOIN THE RADIANT WARRIOR RETREAT

• Retreat Info and Application Page

CONNECT WITH JESSICA FLINT

• Website
• Retreat
• Instagram