In less than 3 and 1/2 months I will begin the second leg of my journey to Santiago de Compostela. The Camino has been calling my name for over a year now. I feel excited and fearful of returning. In so many ways I know what to expect. I also know that I know nothing about the Camino and what lays ahead of me.
My traveling companion this second trip is my husband Dan. I can’t wait to share this amazing experience with him. I love that we can do this together. As with marriage it will be awesome, it will be fun, it will be hard, and it will be what we choose to make it.
As people once again ask me why I am doing this, I reply with the answer that leaves them wondering even more…”The Camino calls you”.
During my first journey, I wanted to accomplish this for my dad. The Camino was never in his bucket list but he loved that I searched for adventure. He made it clear that he not only admired this part of me, but never wanted that sense to be extinguished from my heart.
I learned so much about myself during that journey. I learned that in many ways I allow my fears and perceived physical limitations stop me and keep me from accomplishing more in my life. During the last year, I have been learning to master my thoughts, and to really not care about others opinions except mine.
Today I completed 2 miles on the treadmill. It is easy to fall into the trap of thinking that is nothing. However, that is a big victory for me today. Since having pneumonia in November, I have been pretty sedentary and lacking in energy. Mental, physical and spiritual. Slowly I have been pulling my self out of the fog. Today rather than judging me for “only” two miles, I praised myself to 2 miles… The Julie of tomorrow will thank the girl that walked today.
One thought I will keep in mind is that no mater how I progress on my road to Santiago here and in Spain, my prep and my actual Camino is mine and I cannot force my way of walking on anyone other than me. I am grateful for Dan and his love and the sacrifice he is making to also share this journey.
On to practical planning…Bella, Yogi and Simba…
NY RedRose 