If you think your journey will begin when you set your foot on the path, you are wrong.

You've already began it.

From the very minute the idea forms in your head, changes will start their way. You are already working on your future self. Questioning if this is a good idea, if it is suitable for you, if you are capable of doing it.

Well let's find out together. As I've done it multiple times I know how exciting it is to prepare yourself mentally and physically for an experience like that. But besides that it can be overwhelming sometimes (beleive me, there were times I was dreaming about socks and backpacks). From time to time I needed a step back to clear my mind and reduce anxiety, and find my why. I was curious if I would be able to walk all along, just me and my backpack and my thoughts.

It all began in a January planning my year out, and I was thinking about holidays. It's been three years since I've been abroad for a longer time, and I felt the urge to do something big. Don't know where it came from, but two things popped into my mind: climbing the Everest base camp, and doing a camino. Well, for the first one I didn't feel the fitness in myself, so decided to unfold the second idea.

From there everything was a sign pointing in that direction (like the yellow arrows on the path). The next day I found an event where a woman, same age as me, was speaking about her experiences on the Camino Frances. It was a free event, so I had nothing to loose. There I met likeminded people, curious ones and others who have already been on the way. I got some answers, and felt so good in this community.

So I gathered all the things I needed, aksed my boss to let me go for 2 month, and booked my flight. No turning back. I would be lying if I said there were no days when I questioned why I was doing this, or why I thought this was a good idea. But that's all part of it, and never regretted any moments.

After hiking on multiple ways for two months I returned home. I felt more alive, more motivated, and changes started to form inside me. Of course you have to deal with the "camino blues", because after having the same routine for that long time, and being outside in beautiful nature for all day long, it was sometimes a struggle to sit in an office for 9 hours (my feet were thankful for it though, lol).

I learned a lot about myself:
I learned that I can solve problems easier than I would've thought.
I learned to ask for help if needed.
I learned to be alone, but also to connect more with the right people.
I learned that kindness is not lost from this world.
I learned to say no to what I don't like.
I learned to let go. Of plans, of people, of things, of thoughts.
I learned that less is more, and value my belongings more.
I learned to be grateful, for people, for health, for being in this world.
I learned that a good cry doesn't mean weakness.
I learned to adjust.

I spoke to so many people in online groups that had struggeld after coming home, and I think a big part of it is that you can talk about your experiences to your friends and family, and they might enjoy it, but they won't understand because they've never been there. You become unique, on of the community that never lets you go. It's on you if you use it in the right way, or just let it be a great memory. Either way, it will be a part of you forever.

The camino never ends.

Get ready for your next adventure with me!