The Journey of Alan Riva and his 'Jar of Dreams'

For many of us, our working life can be the start of flicking on the figurative autopilot switch. Our once vibrant imaginations and zest for life that we carried as youngsters take a backseat to routine and monotony.

Alan Riva is one of the few who has fended off this stereotype, building a life around being present, a life overflowing with passion. Nothing short of fascinating, Alan's life inspires you to pack your bags and set off exploring your true purpose.

Having been a guide in the Himalayas for several years and spent time in meditation in monasteries, he also designed and led a team-building at an eco-resort on Ambergris Caye in Belize. He has also found himself the CEO of some of Australia's most awarded marketing agencies and as a consultant and advisor.

He inspires others to live in the present through workshops, keynote speeches, and public events. With a commitment to finding balance and clarity, Alan is a true expert on living a life of purpose.

More recently, Alan is gearing up to release his new book 'Jar of Dreams', a tale that follows the character ‘Tarun’ search of his dreams, which were stolen by ‘Malakhiim’, the Dark Dijin Lord, the journey, forcing Tarun to grow and conform. A story that everyone can link to their own lives at some point.

Alan's novel, despite not entirely out yet, has still received glowing feedback from lucky people who have had the chance to read snippets of the book.

Written in a mind-blowing fashion, Alan spoke on this initial spark of 'Jar of Dreams'.

"One night at 2 in the morning, I was next to this beautiful mountain with local friend's 'breaking trial'. We were right next to this monster glacier. I woke up and had this amazing dream. Turned my head torch on and quickly scribbled down this story ark."

"I loved reading, and I used to write in a diary. Writing has always been there, but I never thought I would be an author.”

In 2022, Alan took his book to St Ignatius College Riverview, spending a week in english and art classes running rousing workshops centred around the novel's vibe.

Using the book passages to fuel excitement in classrooms. The opening assembly was extended due to questions students naturally continued asking about Alan's Life.

"I would show the kids sketches, and then they'd go into drawing their own. I'd read passages with them, and they then use their imagination to create a villain or the bad guy…kids love the bad guy. They even created their own jars of dreams to share."

Society can often try to lead you down a path that's a little duller, suppressing imagination altogether, but we still attain our passions and dreams, sometimes without knowing.

"Even if it's just picking up watercolour again and restarting to paint, passion is always there; it's just under life's layers."

Rediscovering purpose and dreams might be the new cheat in turning life's autopilot switch off, and this story is one to achieve exactly that.

Alan is building a pre-sale list on his website, with the anticipated book to be released this year.