Hello, may my heroes journey begin

[MathieuleBleu]

Hi fellow pilgrims,

if all goes well, I will start on the 18th. I quit my job, quit my flat, leaving everything behind, for now.
A part of me is so scared to leave all the outside security behind.
I struggle a lot even with small adventures and this is by no means a small one.
Just making all the decisions about buying the "right" gear is a challenge. I want to do it right.

I hope that in a few weeks or months I will look back and laugh and have something new I am doing or at least have something in mind and feel proud that I took on the journey. A heroes journey if you are familiar with the concept.Already I feel grateful for all the people sharing info here in the forum.

I hope I do board the train in a couple of days. Something in me would rather hide some place that feels safe then enter the unknown.

Hope to meet many of you on the way or here in the forum.

 

[Icacos]

Hi fellow pilgrims,

if all goes well, I will start on the 18th. I quit my job, quit my flat, leaving everything behind, for now.
A part of me is so scared to leave all the outside security behind.
I struggle a lot even with small adventures and this is by no means a small one.
Just making all the decisions about buying the "right" gear is a challenge. I want to do it right.

I hope that in a few weeks or months I will look back and laugh and have something new I am doing or at least have something in mind and feel proud that I took on the journey. A heroes journey if you are familiar with the concept.Already I feel grateful for all the people sharing info here in the forum.

I hope I do board the train in a couple of days. Something in me would rather hide some place that feels safe then enter the unknown.

Hope to meet many of you on the way or here in the forum.

Welcome to the forum @MathieuleBleu. When I read your post, two quotes came to mind, both of which kept me going when I was planning my camino:

Go as far as you can see. When you get there, you will see further.

Every day do something that really scares you. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Buen camino

 

[K_Lynn]

WOW! That's dedication to the Camino!

Have a wonderful time! Buen Camino!

 

[dick bird]

We are the pilgrims, master; we shall go,
Always a little further; it may be,
Beyond that last blue mountain, barred with snow,
Across that angry or that glimmering sea.

James Elroy Flecker

 

[MathieuleBleu]

Welcome to the forum @MathieuleBleu. When I read your post, two quotes came to mind, both of which kept me going when I was planning my camino:

Go as far as you can see. When you get there, you will see further.

Every day do something that really scares you. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Buen camino

We are the pilgrims, master; we shall go,
Always a little further; it may be,
Beyond that last blue mountain, barred with snow,
Across that angry or that glimmering sea.

James Elroy Flecker

Thank you all for your words. My heart warms a little and says, "maybe we can do it for real, one step after the other"

 

[JustJack]

Just making all the decisions about buying the "right" gear is a challenge. I want to do it right.

What I've learned during my relatively long period of planning, and after consulting a ridiculous number of websites/blogs/forums/youtube etc., is that buying the "right" equipment is far less important than you may think right now. Other than shoes - which must be "right" - nothing else matters that much. what kind of clothes, what size of backpack, what size towel, what kind of soap, etc etc etc is mostly a distraction.

You may very well hone in on those smaller details at some point down the road, either before, during, or after this first camino, but at the beginning stage of deciding to go I wouldn't sweat those details. I've read countless accounts of pilgrim's camino experience, and I don't see comments from a pilgrims lamenting their choice of wool vs synthetic, or the size of their backpacks. If those things were as important as they feel to you right now, then they would be a big part of peoples' post-camino reflections. But they aren't, because they aren't that important.

Spend your time focusing on the bigger picture - why you're giving up the comforts of your regular life to do this. Really give that some thought beforehand, and give it more thought while walking. Or focus on the history of the camino, and all the places you will be walking through.

Gear is the simplest problem to solve, so don't sweat that part. Buen Camino!

 

[henrythedog]

Hi fellow pilgrims,

if all goes well, I will start on the 18th. I quit my job, quit my flat, leaving everything behind, for now.
A part of me is so scared to leave all the outside security behind.
I struggle a lot even with small adventures and this is by no means a small one.
Just making all the decisions about buying the "right" gear is a challenge. I want to do it right.

I hope that in a few weeks or months I will look back and laugh and have something new I am doing or at least have something in mind and feel proud that I took on the journey. A heroes journey if you are familiar with the concept.Already I feel grateful for all the people sharing info here in the forum.

I hope I do board the train in a couple of days. Something in me would rather hide some place that feels safe then enter the unknown.

Hope to meet many of you on the way or here in the forum.

Good luck. It’ll be fine.

 

[MathieuleBleu]

What I've learned during my relatively long period of planning, and after consulting a ridiculous number of websites/blogs/forums/youtube etc., is that buying the "right" equipment is far less important than you may think right now. Other than shoes - which must be "right" - nothing else matters that much. what kind of clothes, what size of backpack, what size towel, what kind of soap, etc etc etc is mostly a distraction.

You may very well hone in on those smaller details at some point down the road, either before, during, or after this first camino, but at the beginning stage of deciding to go I wouldn't sweat those details. I've read countless accounts of pilgrim's camino experience, and I don't see comments from a pilgrims lamenting their choice of wool vs synthetic, or the size of their backpacks. If those things were as important as they feel to you right now, then they would be a big part of peoples' post-camino reflections. But they aren't, because they aren't that important.

Spend your time focusing on the bigger picture - why you're giving up the comforts of your regular life to do this. Really give that some thought beforehand, and give it more thought while walking. Or focus on the history of the camino, and all the places you will be walking through.

Gear is the simplest problem to solve, so don't sweat that part. Buen Camino!

Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions. Yes gear is not THE main point.
I guess a part of me wants to run away and another part hopes to get closer to myself with each step on the way. I have a whole list of reasons but right now its just fear of spending so much money and then not going or just being stressed all the time and ending in a worse place then now.

Not sure if this is the right place but here is my list of whys:
- to show myself I can do it, I can make a plan, get stuff, spend money, and actually do it
- get out of my current life and look at it from a distance
- gather experiences
- meet interesting people
- show myself that many fears do not come true (hopefully)
- simplicity
- kind of like a walking retreat (walk, eat, shower/wash, socialize maybe, sleep - repeat)
- check if there is truth to a spiritual message I received (very critical about it but I have to admit it is part of why)
- hopefully explore my highly sensitive person side more
- time in nature
- grounding and moving
- letting go of some stuff
- trying to orient my life towards action instead of waiting for better things to come

 

[JustJack]

Thank you for your thoughts and suggestions. Yes gear is not THE main point.
I guess a part of me wants to run away and another part hopes to get closer to myself with each step on the way. I have a whole list of reasons but right now its just fear of spending so much money and then not going or just being stressed all the time and ending in a worse place then now.

Not sure if this is the right place but here is my list of whys:
- to show myself I can do it, I can make a plan, get stuff, spend money, and actually do it
- get out of my current life and look at it from a distance
- gather experiences
- meet interesting people
- show myself that many fears do not come true (hopefully)
- simplicity
- kind of like a walking retreat (walk, eat, shower/wash, socialize maybe, sleep - repeat)
- check if there is truth to a spiritual message I received (very critical about it but I have to admit it is part of why)
- hopefully explore my highly sensitive person side more
- time in nature
- grounding and moving
- letting go of some stuff
- trying to orient my life towards action instead of waiting for better things to come

Spend more time reading this forum, and reading blogs and watching youtube videos. You will find many many people asking the exact same questions and searching for the same answers as you. Myself included .

 

[MathieuleBleu]

Spend more time reading this forum, and reading blogs and watching youtube videos. You will find many many people asking the exact same questions and searching for the same answers as you. Myself included .

The pile is too big already Yeah we all share a lot.

 

[Tincatinker]

Here I go, ever the contrarian:“Spend more time reading this forum, and reading blogs and watching youtube videos.”

No, no, a thousand times no. You’ve already decided. Now all you have to do is figure out how to get to your starting point and start walking. The Camino will unfold as it always does- differently for everyone.

The only remaining challenge is flight times, overland travel logistics and arriving anywhere, always, in time for lunch. This forum is not that resource and nor is there a single blog, vlog or U-bend video that is any substitute for your local high street Travel Agent or an afternoon on the internet. Buen Camino

 

[Bradypus]

We are the pilgrims, master; we shall go,
Always a little further; it may be,
Beyond that last blue mountain, barred with snow,
Across that angry or that glimmering sea.

James Elroy Flecker

You skipped over my favourite lines! Oddly enough I heard large chunks of the poem this afternoon as they were quoted in an audiobook I am listening to.

"But who are ye in rags and rotten shoes,
You dirty-bearded, blocking up the way?"

 

[MathieuleBleu]

Here I go, ever the contrarian:“Spend more time reading this forum, and reading blogs and watching youtube videos.”

No, no, a thousand times no. You’ve already decided. Now all you have to do is figure out how to get to your starting point and start walking. The Camino will unfold as it always does- differently for everyone.

The only remaining challenge is flight times, overland travel logistics and arriving anywhere, always, in time for lunch. This forum is not that resource and nor is there a single blog, vlog or U-bend video that is any substitute for your local high street Travel Agent or an afternoon on the internet. Buen Camino

Thank you for your input!
Travel logistics is the easy part actually

 

[JustJack]

Here I go, ever the contrarian:“Spend more time reading this forum, and reading blogs and watching youtube videos.”

No, no, a thousand times no. You’ve already decided. Now all you have to do is figure out how to get to your starting point and start walking. The Camino will unfold as it always does- differently for everyone.

We all have our ways of preparing, and none are correct or better than others. Researching and watching videos has been an incredible source of inspiration for me the past three years. It got me through some long difficult times during the pandemic. And even today, when I'm departing in a little over a month, I will watch a quick video on YouTube before bed, because I love seeing the scenery. Pretty sure I'll continue watching those videos when I return as well.

 

[trecile]

Here I go, ever the contrarian:“Spend more time reading this forum, and reading blogs and watching youtube videos.”

No, no, a thousand times no. You’ve already decided. Now all you have to do is figure out how to get to your starting point and start walking. The Camino will unfold as it always does- differently for everyone.

I agree percent!!

 

[David Tallan]

Hi fellow pilgrims,

if all goes well, I will start on the 18th. I quit my job, quit my flat, leaving everything behind, for now.
A part of me is so scared to leave all the outside security behind.
I struggle a lot even with small adventures and this is by no means a small one.
Just making all the decisions about buying the "right" gear is a challenge. I want to do it right.

I hope that in a few weeks or months I will look back and laugh and have something new I am doing or at least have something in mind and feel proud that I took on the journey. A heroes journey if you are familiar with the concept.Already I feel grateful for all the people sharing info here in the forum.

I hope I do board the train in a couple of days. Something in me would rather hide some place that feels safe then enter the unknown.

Hope to meet many of you on the way or here in the forum.

Welcome to the Forums!

My only advice to you is to let go of your desire to "do it right". Or, at least, let go of any worries attached to that desire. There's an Ann Lamott quote (it may not have originated with her and I've also seen it used elsewhere): "Whoever is present are the right people. Whenever it begins is the right time. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened. And when it's over, it's over." In the same vein, however you do it, you are doing it right.

Of course, if you find yourself still worrying about doing it right, by the same token, that worry is obviously the right thing to do.

 

[trecile]

My only advice to you is to let go of your desire to "do it right". Or, at least, let go of any worries attached to that desire. There's an Ann Lamott quote (it may not have originated with her and I've also seen it used elsewhere): "Whoever is present are the right people. Whenever it begins is the right time. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened. And when it's over, it's over." In the same vein, however you do it, you are doing it right

I love that.

Here's a Camino quote that I found that rings true for me.



Picture was from early morning on the Francés after Calzadilla de los Hermanillos.

 

[David Tallan]

I love that.

Here's a Camino quote that I found that rings true for me.

View attachment 144287

Picture was from early morning on the Francés after Calzadilla de los Hermanillos.

I have a distinct memory of repeatedly thinking during my 2016 Camino that, no matter what I (or we) were going through - and there was certainly plenty of pain with a series of medical issues from plantar fasciitis to shot knees and other challenges - at every moment I was exactly where I wanted to be.

 

[MathieuleBleu]

Welcome to the Forums!

My only advice to you is to let go of your desire to "do it right". Or, at least, let go of any worries attached to that desire. There's an Ann Lamott quote (it may not have originated with her and I've also seen it used elsewhere): "Whoever is present are the right people. Whenever it begins is the right time. Whatever happens is the only thing that could have happened. And when it's over, it's over." In the same vein, however you do it, you are doing it right.

Of course, if you find yourself still worrying about doing it right, by the same token, that worry is obviously the right thing to do.

Thank you! Its not so much about doing it right but missing a feeling of internal safety that creates stress and trying to "do it right" so things will go well.
I like the quote.
Letting go is and will be a process

 

[MathieuleBleu]

I love that.

Here's a Camino quote that I found that rings true for me.

View attachment 144287

Picture was from early morning on the Francés after Calzadilla de los Hermanillos.

lovely image
So in your daily life you dont have that feeling anymore?

 

[Icacos]

Here’s another one for you, @MathieuleBleu :

I’ve had a lot of worries in my life, but most of them never happened.
- Mark Twain

 

[trecile]

lovely image
So in your daily life you dont have that feeling anymore?

Not really.

 

[James van Hemert]

Here I go, ever the contrarian:“Spend more time reading this forum, and reading blogs and watching youtube videos.”

No, no, a thousand times no. You’ve already decided. Now all you have to do is figure out how to get to your starting point and start walking. The Camino will unfold as it always does- differently for everyone.

The only remaining challenge is flight times, overland travel logistics and arriving anywhere, always, in time for lunch. This forum is not that resource and nor is there a single blog, vlog or U-bend video that is any substitute for your local high street Travel Agent or an afternoon on the internet. Buen Camino

Right on! At some point more advice and more information just produces more anxiety.

 

[James van Hemert]

Hi fellow pilgrims,

if all goes well, I will start on the 18th. I quit my job, quit my flat, leaving everything behind, for now.
A part of me is so scared to leave all the outside security behind.
I struggle a lot even with small adventures and this is by no means a small one.
Just making all the decisions about buying the "right" gear is a challenge. I want to do it right.

I hope that in a few weeks or months I will look back and laugh and have something new I am doing or at least have something in mind and feel proud that I took on the journey. A heroes journey if you are familiar with the concept.Already I feel grateful for all the people sharing info here in the forum.

I hope I do board the train in a couple of days. Something in me would rather hide some place that feels safe then enter the unknown.

Hope to meet many of you on the way or here in the forum.

You are brave! You may relax about getting everything "right". Nobody does it 100% right (can there be such a thing?). Something will turn out "wrong" or fail to meet your expectations. Consider it part of the pilgrimage experience. There will always be someone or some way to fix things that go amiss or not as expected. A week before my Frances Camino in 2022 I stopped checking in on this Forum and focused on the mechanics of getting myself to St. Jean Pied de Port. You will be OK. Buen camino!

 

[Roscoe]

Here I go, ever the contrarian:“Spend more time reading this forum, and reading blogs and watching youtube videos.”

No, no, a thousand times no. You’ve already decided. Now all you have to do is figure out how to get to your starting point and start walking. The Camino will unfold as it always does- differently for everyone.

The only remaining challenge is flight times, overland travel logistics and arriving anywhere, always, in time for lunch. This forum is not that resource and nor is there a single blog, vlog or U-bend video that is any substitute for your local high street Travel Agent or an afternoon on the internet. Buen Camino

I'm a compulsive planner. For my Camino, I'm revelling in the luxury of just looking forward to the experience. The idea of not knowing what is ahead, stopping where and when I feel like it is very liberating. I've booked my flight and accommodation in SJPP, Borda and Roncesvalles, but after that, nothing. I have the luxury of time and I'll just enjoy seeing where the Way takes me. I've consciously avoided watching videos and reading other people's experiences. I want to experience the Camino first hand.

 

[Bradypus]

I've consciously avoided watching videos and reading other people's experiences. I want to experience the Camino first hand.

I didn't watch any videos before my first Camino and I had seen nothing of the Camino on TV or in cinema either. I had read one book by Laurie Dennett describing a Camino journey and I spoke with one person in my family who had already walked a Camino. I carried a guidebook in Spanish with a small typescript supplement in English. In retrospect having the landscape, the history and the culture slowly revealed in a long chain of surprises was far more powerful an experience than ticking off a list of "must sees" and "must do's" already gleaned through other peoples' blogs and vlogs or even posts on a forum like this.

 

[Mycroft]

Hi fellow pilgrims,

if all goes well, I will start on the 18th. I quit my job, quit my flat, leaving everything behind, for now.
A part of me is so scared to leave all the outside security behind.
I struggle a lot even with small adventures and this is by no means a small one.
Just making all the decisions about buying the "right" gear is a challenge. I want to do it right.

I hope that in a few weeks or months I will look back and laugh and have something new I am doing or at least have something in mind and feel proud that I took on the journey. A heroes journey if you are familiar with the concept.Already I feel grateful for all the people sharing info here in the forum.

I hope I do board the train in a couple of days. Something in me would rather hide some place that feels safe then enter the unknown.

Hope to meet many of you on the way or here in the forum.

I hear you.
"And all manner of things shall be well."

 

[Diane2023]

Hi fellow pilgrims,

if all goes well, I will start on the 18th. I quit my job, quit my flat, leaving everything behind, for now.
A part of me is so scared to leave all the outside security behind.
I struggle a lot even with small adventures and this is by no means a small one.
Just making all the decisions about buying the "right" gear is a challenge. I want to do it right.

I hope that in a few weeks or months I will look back and laugh and have something new I am doing or at least have something in mind and feel proud that I took on the journey. A heroes journey if you are familiar with the concept.Already I feel grateful for all the people sharing info here in the forum.

I hope I do board the train in a couple of days. Something in me would rather hide some place that feels safe then enter the unknown.

Hope to meet many of you on the way or here in the forum.

Hello
Where are you starting your Camino?

 

[MathieuleBleu]

You are brave! You may relax about getting everything "right". Nobody does it 100% right (can there be such a thing?). Something will turn out "wrong" or fail to meet your expectations. Consider it part of the pilgrimage experience. There will always be someone or some way to fix things that go amiss or not as expected. A week before my Frances Camino in 2022 I stopped checking in on this Forum and focused on the mechanics of getting myself to St. Jean Pied de Port. You will be OK. Buen camino!

Thank you

 

[MathieuleBleu]

I'm a compulsive planner. For my Camino, I'm revelling in the luxury of just looking forward to the experience. The idea of not knowing what is ahead, stopping where and when I feel like it is very liberating. I've booked my flight and accommodation in SJPP, Borda and Roncesvalles, but after that, nothing. I have the luxury of time and I'll just enjoy seeing where the Way takes me. I've consciously avoided watching videos and reading other people's experiences. I want to experience the Camino first hand.

Sounds good, maybe we'll meet on the way

 

[MathieuleBleu]

I didn't watch any videos before my first Camino and I had seen nothing of the Camino on TV or in cinema either. I had read one book by Laurie Dennett describing a Camino journey and I spoke with one person in my family who had already walked a Camino. I carried a guidebook in Spanish with a small typescript supplement in English. In retrospect having the landscape, the history and the culture slowly revealed in a long chain of surprises was far more powerful an experience than ticking off a list of "must sees" and "must do's" already gleaned through other peoples' blogs and vlogs or even posts on a forum like this.

Yeah thats how I wanna do it. I read a lot about gear and albergues etc but I dont have a list of must dos and must sees (not even the wine fountain someone told me about). I am not going primarily for sights but for me. I assume that makes it easier to not fear missing out on something "important" anything is welcome

 

[MathieuleBleu]

Hello
Where are you starting your Camino?

I start in SJPDP on the 19th, arriving on the 18th, if the trains do their job

 

[alwalker]

Welcome to the forum @MathieuleBleu. When I read your post, two quotes came to mind, both of which kept me going when I was planning my camino:

Go as far as you can see. When you get there, you will see further.

Every day do something that really scares you. (Eleanor Roosevelt)

Buen camino

The hardest part is done - Making the decision - Once you start it gets so much easier. For me going into the unknown is the reason I do it - for you scary - you are braver than me, well done.

 

[MathieuleBleu]

The hardest part is done - Making the decision - Once you start it gets so much easier. For me going into the unknown is the reason I do it - for you scary - you are braver than me, well done.

Thanks Al. You got the perfect name