Grinnin’ Grasshopper Macro

Originally uploaded by Rhys Alton

As you think back over this year, what brings a smile to your lips?
What gets your eyes sparkling as you talk about it?

What did you do? Who was it? Where were you? Why was this time special?

I just finished reading the Alchemist by Paulo Coelho again. It’s the story of a shepherd boy, Santiago. He has a dream that if he goes to the pyramids from his home in Spain, he will find a hidden treasure. The book is the story of his journey, the people he meets along the way and the trials he overcomes. Many of the people he meets along the way have given up on following their dreams. The Alchemist he meets tells him, “Tell your heart that the fear of suffering is worse than the suffering itself. And that no heart has ever suffered when it goes in search of its dreams, because every second of search is a second’s encounter with God and with eternity.” The book is a celebration of the joy of a life spent following your own dream.

As you think about the times that make you happy about the last year. Are they steps along the way to your dream? If they aren’t how can they be? How can you weave more of those times into your coming year?

Today’s post over at Zen Habits is about being Inspired and grinning while you do what you love.