I borrowed this book called – The Zahir by Paulo Coelho over the weekend.  I am huge fan of Paulo Coelho books, his writing style is so captivating, easily one of my favorite authors. I always find myself somehow relating to the characters. When I opened the book I was inspired by a passage from a poem called Ithaca by Constantine Cavafy. I love this poem, I can relate to it in so many ways.

Here is the part that stood out the most, that I wanted to share.

Always keep Ithaca in your mind.

To arrive is your ultimate goal.

But do not hurry the voyage at all.

It is better to let it last for many years;

and to anchor at the island when you are old,

rich with all you have gained on the way,

not expecting that Ithaca will offer you riches.

Ithaca has given you the beautiful voyage.

Without her you would never have set out on the road.

She has nothing more to give you.

And if you find her poor, Ithaca has not deceived you.

Wise as you have become, with so much experience,

you must already have understood what Ithaca means.

Constantine Cavafy (1863-1933)

translated by Rae Dalven