Because I can...

[Mary_Atherton]

I was recently asked....why would you attempt a 486.3+ mile walk? I've had some time to reflect on this. I believe it is good to do things out of your comfort zone from time to time. It test your ability to live with discomfort, and it opens your eyes to a wider world. It doesn't have to be every day, but it is good to stretch outside your comfortable life and be part of something different. We get stuck in our familiarity and tend to do things the same way all the time. So my attempt to do a 486.3+ mile walk will put me outside my comfort zone and open my eyes to a wider world view. And for that I am thankful/grateful/and happy to attempt it. So I guess the reply would be "because I can".

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Buen Camino! What wonderful intent and that you appreciate your good fortune in being able to do this.

It's good that you've had time to reflect and consider your reasons for undertaking this pilgrimage. It will be interesting to know your answer to the same question once your Camino is complete.

 

[Mary_Atherton]

Buen Camino! What wonderful intent and that you appreciate your good fortune in being able to do this.

It's good that you've had time to reflect and consider your reasons for undertaking this pilgrimage. It will be interesting to know your answer to the same question once your Camino is complete.

Thank you for your comment. Yes, it will be interesting to know how to answer the same question after the Camino is complete. I'm a bit nervous about it all, but it will be good to get started. Just days away now.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Thank you for your comment. Yes, it will be interesting to know how to answer the same question after the Camino is complete. I'm a bit nervous about it all, but it will be good to get started. Just days away now.

Nerves are good - an indication that you are about to take a step (or a million) into the Unknown. After you've taken that first one you'll be fine.

Go Well

 

[Phoenix]

As I prepare for my time on the CF (Sept/Oct 2016), I think of the "why" often. "Because I can," is always near the top of the list. I'm looking forward to the time on the Camino I will spend with my son after five years away from home in the military, but mostly it will be a million steps of gratitude. I spent eight years of my life unable to walk without the use of walking aids, and had to relearn how to walk normally. Since, I have scaled mountains and have run races ... so, yes, I too look forward to walking the Camino because I can.

I wish you the very best on your Camino adventure.

 

[Mary_Atherton]

As I prepare for my time on the CF (Sept/Oct 2016), I think of the "why" often. "Because I can," is always near the top of the list. I'm looking forward to the time on the Camino I will spend with my son after five years away from home in the military, but mostly it will be a million steps of gratitude. I spent eight years of my life unable to walk without the use of walking aids, and had to relearn how to walk normally. Since, I have scaled mountains and have run races ... so, yes, I too look forward to walking the Camino because I can.

I wish you the very best on your Camino adventure.

Thank you. Your post made me feel really grateful. Not walking for 8 years without aid would certainly be a hard thing to do. I love your post. Yes, it makes me feel really grateful. It is good to say....because I can. I'm walking with a full heart of those who are not able to walk with me, but wish they could.

 

[Zoula]

Thanks Mary_Atherton and Phoenix, you both have spent time reflecting and preparing for your Camino and I am convinced you will both live some great experiences while walking The Way!
Buen Camino!

 

[trecile]

I like this quote that someone posted on the forum recently "life begins where your comfort zone ends"
I'll add "because I can" to my list of quotes

 

[Mary_Atherton]

I like this quote that someone posted on the forum recently "life begins where your comfort zone ends"
I'll add "because I can" to my list of quotes

Thanks. I must have missed that one. I love it...."life begins where your comfort zone ends". Fits perfectly.

 

[Wokabaut_Meri]

Going through a box with the remnants of a past (working) life I found this cartoon which used to sit on my desk and provide inspiration when needed. It made me smile so much when I rediscovered it. How blessed are we - in all manner of ways - to be able to step out of our comfort zones and undertake this amazing journey.

 

[vgen5122]

As I prepare for my time on the CF (Sept/Oct 2016), I think of the "why" often. "Because I can," is always near the top of the list. I'm looking forward to the time on the Camino I will spend with my son after five years away from home in the military, but mostly it will be a million steps of gratitude. I spent eight years of my life unable to walk without the use of walking aids, and had to relearn how to walk normally. Since, I have scaled mountains and have run races ... so, yes, I too look forward to walking the Camino because I can.

I wish you the very best on your Camino adventure.

Your journey would be a great time to think about what inner strength/courage you have to take on theses challenges and how far you have come.
When I walked the Camino it was so out of character for me to do such a thing. I am not a distance walker. I am a turtle that likes to smell the roses as I walk. As I walked the Camino I did not fixate on the 500 mile number. I just put one foot in front of the other and took in the mediation, the challenges, landscapes, the people, and experiences.
My next Camino will challenge me even more as i have had back surgery and although the doctor says it will be fine, I hope I have the strength to complete it.
What a wonderful journey you have ahead of you. Buen Camino.

 

[Mary_Atherton]

Your journey would be a great time to think about what inner strength/courage you have to take on theses challenges and how far you have come.
When I walked the Camino it was so out of character for me to do such a thing. I am not a distance walker. I am a turtle that likes to smell the roses as I walk. As I walked the Camino I did not fixate on the 500 mile number. I just put one foot in front of the other and took in the mediation, the challenges, landscapes, the people, and experiences.
My next Camino will challenge me even more as i have had back surgery and although the doctor says it will be fine, I hope I have the strength to complete it.
What a wonderful journey you have ahead of you. Buen Camino.

Thank you so much. I also am a turtle. I can't imagine trying to do a Camino after back surgery. I will look forward to hearing about your travels.
Buen Camino

 

[Mary_Atherton]

Going through a box with the remnants of a past (working) life I found this cartoon which used to sit on my desk and provide inspiration when needed. It made me smile so much when I rediscovered it. How blessed are we - in all manner of ways - to be able to step out of our comfort zones and undertake this amazing journey.

View attachment 26189

Great cartoon. Yes we are blessed in many way. Thanks for sharing.