I posted this on my Facebook wall today and want to include it in my blog. I’ll write more later tonight.
October 11, 2015 I completed my 500 mile walk across northern Spain from Saint Jean Pied de Port, France to Santiago, Spain. It was the most amazing challenge I have ever taken part in.
I learned so many life lessons on the trail that I still think of and have become a part of who I am today.
- I can do hard things. Before the trip I was a confirmed couch potato. Walking 8 – 12 -14- 18 miles a day was unthinkable. Guess what? I did it!
- One step at a time. When I would think at the beginning of the day I had 18 miles to walk I would get overwhelmed and almost accept defeat. I learned not to focus on the 18 miles but on one step at a time. If you keep putting one foot in front of the other, one step at a time, eventually you walk 18 miles.
- Spending 50 days in a country where you don’t speak the language by yourself is possible. I learned spoken words are only one way humans communicate. With a little patience and trust, one can figure out how to get their needs met without words.
- I learned to ask for help. One of the bigger challenges on the trip was finding my room for the night. I had pre booked rooms and was sent a hand drawn map. Some places don’t use addresses like I was familiar with. I learned early on the walk to find an older person and ask for help. It never failed that they would look at my map, take my hand and walk me to my destination, even if it was 20 minutes from where they were. Once we arrived they would kiss me on both cheeks, bow and wish me a Bien Camino and act like I gave them the honor of their lifetime. People are more than willing to help another human out if we only ask.
- I learned I like spending time with myself. The first quarter of the trip was quiet and it was rare to run into another pilgrim walking. As I got closer to Santiago it was rare to find some space without others. I learned I like the quiet spaces better. I learned I need lots of alone time to process life.
- I learned how when I anticipated challenges, it was easy for me to make them bigger than they actually are in my head. If I could stay present to what is, things were manageable. My brain does me no favors when it anticipates all that could go wrong and takes me out of being present where all is well.
- I met some life long friends on the trip. I also met some people for only an hour or two that have stayed with me since. If one is open, the right people appear if one is open to allowing them in. It doesn’t matter if they stay the rest of your life or just for an hour, they can make a difference in your life that will remain with you forever.
- I learned how to practice self-care. Yes, I used a taxi or a bus for about 45 miles along the way. Somedays that is what I needed to take care of myself due to blisters, heavy rain, heavy traffic, etc. Being flexible with your life plans allows one to continue the journey. Taking care of oneself is more important than the ego talk of having to take every step without assistance.
- To this day, I still can’t believe I did it. This was so far out of my comfort level and what I thought I could do before I set off.
- I had the help of many people that were state side during my walk. Many sent healing energy and good vibes of confidence to me. My blogging history started with the Camino and my preparation to walk it and has continued to this day. Sharing my life story with others has opened me in a way that I never dreamed possible.
- There is a thing called Camino angels that happens. I think the same can be said about life. I believe in angels that show up and help you when you need it most, even before you think to ask for it. I had that happen several times on the Camino and it has continued to happen many, many times since. One has to be open to it though and accept the help.
- Life can be simple. The Camino taught me how silly having 100 choices of clothing pieces is. On my walk I had four shirts and four pants. Two each for hot weather and two for cold weather. One doesn’t need more than that. Since the Camino I have simplified my wardrobe considerably. It makes decision fatigue less daily for me.
- I only took a carry on bag for a 60 day trip. I no longer own a full sized suitcase and always go carry on. We have/take many more things through life than we really need. I have embraced the philosophy of traveling light and also embrace that as living light and owning much less than I did before the walk.
- This walk was the beginning of my international travel desire. I learned I like life experiences that take me out of my comfort level much more than I like material things. I learn more about myself when I push myself out of the box that surrounds me that is comfortable.
- Take risks. Choose adventure. Choose to live fully all that is out there. Simplify your life. Live fully in the present and know that all is well.