The Journey of an Apprentice Pilgrim

Book excerpt: In the following pages, I present a heartfelt tribute to what many call vocation or purpose. Join me in the journey of a young man, Kadmiel, as he ventures through various trades in search of his true calling, reflecting the experiences shared by millions worldwide, as Vicki Robin eloquently conveyed in her book, "The Stock Market or Life." Some find their passion early on and follow a steady path, while others, like Kadmiel, zigzag through a dozen jobs, always moving forward. However, this work serves a dual purpose. Beyond just Kadmiel's tale, it aims to awaken us from the slumber of life's vicious cycle. Most of us find ourselves trapped in the belief that work solely exists to pay the bills, inadvertently forgetting the essential question: What about our happiness? Vicki Robin's words beautifully encapsulate this scenario - if the daily grind truly brought us joy and a sense of fulfillment, the trials and inconveniences would be a minor price to pay. But increasingly, it's evident that money doesn't guarantee the happiness we seek beyond a certain level of comfort. If this resonates with you in any way, this book is meant for you. It delves into the quest for meaning and happiness that many of us find ourselves on. Choosing to tell this story rather than penning a philosophical treatise was inspired by the advice of my wife, Vanessa, and her insight was profound. Stories have a unique power to captivate our minds, as studies by Paul Smith have revealed. Our minds are indeed wired to process stories, making them easier to remember and appealing to readers of all ages, races, and genders. It's this realization that deeply touched me. Throughout my life, the teachings of great authors such as Paulo Coelho, George Clason, Og Mandino, and Robin Sharma have left lasting imprints. They shared their wisdom through storytelling, and it is in that tradition that I present this tale. My earnest desire is for this story to ignite the Apprentice within you, encouraging your own pursuit of purpose and fulfillment. To conclude, I leave you with Benjamin Franklin's timeless wisdom: "Do you love life? If you love life, do not waste time, for time is the essence of life." And the words of Terry Pratchett remind us that it is in our dreams that we truly find freedom, for the rest of the time, we often find ourselves seeking wages. Thank you for embarking on this journey with me. Felipe Chavarro Polania