Hello everyone. Back by popular demand, I am continuing my daily journal entries recording progress and thoughts on my second attempt to finish the Camino de Santiago. Two friends helped me with the migration of my older journal entries from a previous website and they are located in the Camino 1.0 tab.
A couple of questions I’ve been getting about this time around the Camino. 1) Are you going to start it where you left off, or do the entire thing all over again? 2) are you excited? 3) what are you going to do differently this time?
I’m actually going to start about 80 miles ahead of where I left off, so I can get back to the States for some commitments. Since the Camino is about personal exploration, being able to do both it and the things I want to attend to feels true to what I’ve been working toward in my life: balance, purpose, and showing up.
Second question: Are you excited? Yes and No. My memories of the Camino for the most part were really found especially when I go back to old pictures. But there is also an element I remember of the hours and days alone in your thoughts while walking miles and miles- this can be incredibly boring. While I wouldn’t want to fast forward through that part I am looking forward to being done with the Camino. Also, I have found that telling people I have done half of Camino has zero sex appeal… so it needs to get finished :).
What am I going to do differently? Did I get new shoes, socks, or did I expose my body to 100 mile weeks in preparation? Nah. Still using the same gear as before and I could argue that I probably have less hike training on my feet than before. However, I did get a personal trainer that I have been using since January and I am armed with a better appreciation for taking the daily hikes slow versus trying to finish the day as quickly as possible in order to enjoy my afternoon wine.
I think there is a purpose in how everything turns out. There was a reason why I am on this path this year and I have full faith that God is leading me.
Studies have shown that the happiest people in the world have one thing in common and it a close community around them. It’s not fame, wealth, or a strong jaw line… it’s friendship, it’s love. Thank you everyone for encouraging me and being there for me always. Life is hard on its best days, and impossible if you don’t have people around you. I look forward to sharing this journey with you. My journey starts on September 16. Love Ryan
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