Thoughts ......
I've been told the Camino starts when one decides to do the Camino. I agree. I'd been kinda sorta thinking about it for a couple of years, but last winter I was called to go, and since then it has taken over my life. I don't know why. I haven't questioned it. But I'm going to do it.
Being practical, I immediately started thinking about practicalities - the gear I would need (thank you, Brian for everything you taught me about gear - although I usually wasn't listening, I got the message that the right gear is important), my fitness level, my typical ability to get'er done and, most importantly, my intention. My WHY.
Since then I've been walking almost daily, buying boots, getting fitted for orthotics (aging body and all), walking, not getting pedicures cuz I've been told I will need every callus I've got (vanity be damned - no pretty toes this summer), walking, spending money at MEC and Atmosphere, walking, deciding on purchases based on their weight .... and the saga continues, endlessly boring anyone who hasn't been in this headspace. Today I selected my rock - it weighs 2 ozs).
Some wonderful things have occurred since last winter. As it turns out, I will be travelling from Canada to St Jean Pied du Port with friends who have walked this route twice before, so they know the drill - new logistics raise my anxiety to unprecedented levels. I'm meeting another friend for the first few days of walking. Then I'm on my own. Orientation, companionship, followed by independence and solitude. Couldn't be better.
A few weeks ago, when I was at a low point in motivation and my belief in myself, I received a call from a friend who offered to connect me with someone who walked the Camino a few years ago. Coincidence or divine intervention? I was so fortunate to spend inspirational time with this person. It reinforced what I've read and heard - the Camino provides. You both know who you are, and I thank you. I will do this thing. I will do it my way - whatever that turns out to be.
I don't know what to expect from this venture, but I hope to figure out (without overthinking) who I am and what I want life to be in my post loss world.
Thanks too to everyone who has encouraged me as I take on this challenge.
Buen Camino.
Being practical, I immediately started thinking about practicalities - the gear I would need (thank you, Brian for everything you taught me about gear - although I usually wasn't listening, I got the message that the right gear is important), my fitness level, my typical ability to get'er done and, most importantly, my intention. My WHY.
Since then I've been walking almost daily, buying boots, getting fitted for orthotics (aging body and all), walking, not getting pedicures cuz I've been told I will need every callus I've got (vanity be damned - no pretty toes this summer), walking, spending money at MEC and Atmosphere, walking, deciding on purchases based on their weight .... and the saga continues, endlessly boring anyone who hasn't been in this headspace. Today I selected my rock - it weighs 2 ozs).
Some wonderful things have occurred since last winter. As it turns out, I will be travelling from Canada to St Jean Pied du Port with friends who have walked this route twice before, so they know the drill - new logistics raise my anxiety to unprecedented levels. I'm meeting another friend for the first few days of walking. Then I'm on my own. Orientation, companionship, followed by independence and solitude. Couldn't be better.
A few weeks ago, when I was at a low point in motivation and my belief in myself, I received a call from a friend who offered to connect me with someone who walked the Camino a few years ago. Coincidence or divine intervention? I was so fortunate to spend inspirational time with this person. It reinforced what I've read and heard - the Camino provides. You both know who you are, and I thank you. I will do this thing. I will do it my way - whatever that turns out to be.
I don't know what to expect from this venture, but I hope to figure out (without overthinking) who I am and what I want life to be in my post loss world.
Thanks too to everyone who has encouraged me as I take on this challenge.
Buen Camino.
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