by Daizel Gasperian, RCFE
In Paulo Coelho’s The Alchemist, the main character, Santiago, embarks on a transformative journey to find treasure. Along the way, he encounters obstacles while traveling to distant lands, unaware that his true treasure lies beneath the sycamore tree near his home.
The book is filled with profound metaphors, ironies, and symbolism. Its core messages remind us to follow our dreams, pursue our heart’s desires, and learn from every experience along the way. My key takeaway is that the journey ultimately brings us back home. The real treasure is often closer than we think.
As we embrace the new year, let us plan and set our goals while remembering that our deepest desires often lead us back to family, friends, and home. When caring for loved ones living with dementia, let’s honor their dreams and desires by sharing meaningful experiences with them. By spending time together and being present, we discover that this connection is the true treasure.