I am an ‘official’ pilgrim with a ‘credential’ to prove I have completed the requirements AND a ‘compostella’  as my certificate! My goal has been met and I have more satisfaction than I ever imagined.  Planning began about a year ago with determining the time frame, the budget and route. Next came the physical training and spiritual preparation. I have now learned that my camino began long before I ever put a foot on Spanish soil. I have also learned many other lessons.

I have learned this: Stay in the moment, let things happen and it all works out.  I had prepared for heat, sun and rain on the camino. However, I did not fully prepare for all of the elements during one of my training hikes.  Kathryn and I went up to the Lemon Squeezer on the Appalachian Trail on a very hot day early in August. We had hiked about 2 or 3 miles in and were relaxing when we heard thunder start to roll and the big raindrops fell as we raced back to the car.  It was fun to walk in the rain. Kathryn made it much more fun by seeing the positives and laughing at the. I was NOT prepared for rain; hence, everything in my backpack got wet, including my cellphone.  In the end, I got a newer better cellphone for the trip and I learned the value of covering my backpack with its own rain jacket.

I have learned this: A goal is a dream and humans need dreams.  My Camino originally was a “trip” and turned into a dream come true.  It took time and effort to develop as well as help from my family and friends. A dream can become a life change. Let’s see where this one leads….for now, I have walked to more places in Airmont these past 3 months than I have in 30 years.

 

I have learned this:  If you speak from your heart about what is in your heart, magic happens.  (Thanks for sharing your wisdom, Susie!) My dream was just a seed many months ago. It was a thought, a wish, a yearning, and a  hope.  I shared it with my church ladies during one of our weekends and my darling Sharon immediately picked up on it. Thank you Sharon!

I have learned this:The mind, body and spirit connection when balanced is a strong positive force. I was not sure my aging out of shape body could walk 10 to 15 every day for almost 3 weeks. I am nearly 60 years old! I decided I needed to get strong so I hired a personal trainer, my amazing Nina to work on the muscles.  Dorothea hooked me up with her energetic sister, Ursula to train and build stamina hiking in the mountains.  I worked, I planned, I payed and I prayed.  I feel fit, energized and have a new peace in my soul.

May peace prevail on earth…..and I have learned that peace begins with me.

Time to set my next goal….