Maktub

When we travel as a family to different places and we can visit a bookstore, we make it happen.

My daughter has inherited her love for books, bookstores, and libraries from my mother. Wherever we go, one of her first things to find out is the location of the bookstores.

Reykjavik, Iceland was no different.

We spent the first two days of our fortnight in Iceland in the capital of Reykjavik and included a walk downtown and a visit to bookstores in our plans. The walk ended in a bookstore conveniently located right next to our hotel.

I bought two books: 1. Think Like a Monk and 2. Life worth living. Especially the introduction of the second book called “This book might wreck your life” sparked my interest. It’s the introduction to a book that guides you to what matters most in life.

I didn’t read the book while traveling through Iceland.

We listened to audiobooks while driving, and in the evenings, I re-read The Alchemist by Paolo Coelho. If you read the book, you recognized the title for this Insight. I’ll come back to that a little later.

Allow me first to write a few words about Iceland.

Iceland is, by far, the most beautiful country I’ve ever visited, and I’ll certainly return. Nature is overwhelmingly beautiful wherever you look.

Gorgeous mountain ranges, volcanoes (one erupted while we were there), lava fields, tectonic plates, glaciers, geysers, lagoons, rivers, waterfalls, picturesque villages, houses, restaurants, and friendly people (most of them).

In two weeks, we drove around the island, staying in different places almost every night, making time to take in all the beauty Iceland offers.

I had a lot of time to think.

Inspired by Iceland, the title of the books I had bought, the Alchemist, the audiobooks, and the conversations with family.

In my case, books, conversation, and inspiring places always lead to reflection and new ideas.

And to questions that need an answer.

One of the questions I raised for myself is whether the way I’ve designed and organized my life still serves its purpose.

I haven’t found a definitive answer yet.

But I do know I want to pause my writing for now. I also know I will be back, but I still need to decide in what format. I do love writing, so that won’t stop.

A few weeks ago, I wrote an insight titled: “Are your habits working for you.”

I posted these questions about habits:

Are they still serving you well? Do you get the real benefits? Or are you just maintaining your streak going? Do you know when you log your accomplishments, or has it become a routine without thinking?

Shortly after, I decided to pause my writing and posting my Insights for the duration of my vacation in Iceland. I wanted to focus on family and taking in the country to its fullest.

Back in Prague, I’m still thinking through my reflections and new ideas. I know I have to make a few decisions, and I want to focus on those.

So, I’m practicing the first cue of my personal growth ebook and going to Pause. For the foreseeable future, you won’t get any posts from me.

But I will be back. I don’t know precisely when and how. For now, you can decide whether you want to stay on my list of readers.

“Maktub.”

“It’s all written.”

Some things are meant to be, as described in The Alchemist.

Your turn: If you like my writing until now, I would appreciate a quick email with a few words of appreciation.

Talk to you soon!

Do more of what makes you happy!

Erikjan