Solo Camino May 2018--Not really alone

[easygoing]

Life is a journey, not a destination. And the best journey ever is walking along the Camino with so many special people. During my 5 Caminos I have walked at times with my granddaughter, a friend, my husband and my daughter. On my last walk my daughter told me “let’s do what you want”, but I had no idea what that meant. After much thought I realized my happiness fluctuated with the reactions of other people.

I leave May 8th from Seattle to walk alone to not only discover what I like and want but to replace the hurts from my lonely abused childhood with new memories. I am afraid, but not of getting lost or harm. As I prepare for my journey I have flashbacks of being friendless and unwanted but in my heart I know that the Camino provides everything you need including friends that understand these feelings.

And this May I'll not really be alone I will be walking with my 15 year old self. It was at that age I lost my identity so I am bringing a picture of teenage Sharon (me) and showing her the best time ever. This time she will meet people with a support of a very loving friend. My life search has been looking for approval yet I have finally learned that if I don't like myself, it doesn't matter how many other people like me. My friends at home have received a card with my teenage picture and I will bring them on the Camino to make as many friends as are willing. Look for me May 13 in Pamplona—I wear a sunflower on my cap and carry one outside my pack. Please follow me on my journey and be my friend.

 

[easygoing]

Life is a journey, not a destination. And the best journey ever is walking along the Camino with so many special people. During my 5 Caminos I have walked at times with my granddaughter, a friend, my husband and my daughter. On my last walk my daughter told me “let’s do what you want”, but I had no idea what that meant. After much thought I realized my happiness fluctuated with the reactions of other people.

I leave May 8th from Seattle to walk alone to not only discover what I like and want but to replace the hurts from my lonely abused childhood with new memories. I am afraid, but not of getting lost or harm. As I prepare for my journey I have flashbacks of being friendless and unwanted but in my heart I know that the Camino provides everything you need including friends that understand these feelings.

And this May I'll not really be alone I will be walking with my 15 year old self. It was at that age I lost my identity so I am bringing a picture of teenage Sharon (me) and showing her the best time ever. This time she will meet people with a support of a very loving friend. My life search has been looking for approval yet I have finally learned that if I don't like myself, it doesn't matter how many other people like me. My friends at home have received a card with my teenage picture and I will bring them on the Camino to make as many friends as are willing. Look for me May 13 in Pamplona—I wear a sunflower on my cap and carry one outside my pack. Please follow me on my journey and be my friend.

Buen Camino 15 year old Sharon. It took courage to post your feelings on the public Camino forum. Great job. But, I know that you have been checking your post many times a day and no one has wished you a buen Camino or said they hope to see you. And now you feel discouraged, hurt and ashamed that encouragement means so much to you. Well Sharon, don't be ashamed. Of course you want to be accepted but you are looking for acceptance in the wrong place. First you must accept yourself. Isn't this the reason you are walking the Camino?
Of course, you worry that you are still too shy, sensitive and clueless abut social skills to replace memories of rejection with new experiences of the acceptance. However, know that this journey will be different because this time you are solo, but not alone. A creative, confident, strong and smart best friend will be walking with you. People are attracted to her and want to know her. 72 year old Sharon is a force to be reckoned with, as so are you. And know 15 year old Sharon, except for a few young children and an occasional Yorkie, you will be the most adorable pilgrim on the 2018 best Camino ever.

 

[AnnaWalks123]

BUEN CAMINO!!!!!!!

 

[easygoing]

Thanks I appreciate the all caps and exclamation points. It made me feel like I have a cheering section.

 

[AnnaWalks123]

I will follow your progress if you share it here! Start my own Camino May 18, doing the Portuguese route. We can cheer each other on in spirit after I head out.

 

[easygoing]

I will follow your progress if you share it here! Start my own Camino May 18, doing the Portuguese route. We can cheer each other on in spirit after I head out.

Hi Anna, I am spending some time on the Camino Baztan with my Spanish friend Carmen (from Pamplona) and then will walk to Santiago from Pamplona staring May 14. Maybe we will meet in Santiago.
Yes, I plan to post about my journey. Not sure yet how to do that yet. I usually just answer questions. As for cheering ourselves on in spirit, yes that will be helpful.
BUEN CAMINO!!!!!!!!!

 

[Anniesantiago]

I will just miss you.
I get into Pamplona on May 16.
Buen Camino!

 

[Nancy McD]

Life is a journey, not a destination. And the best journey ever is walking along the Camino with so many special people. During my 5 Caminos I have walked at times with my granddaughter, a friend, my husband and my daughter. On my last walk my daughter told me “let’s do what you want”, but I had no idea what that meant. After much thought I realized my happiness fluctuated with the reactions of other people.

I leave May 8th from Seattle to walk alone to not only discover what I like and want but to replace the hurts from my lonely abused childhood with new memories. I am afraid, but not of getting lost or harm. As I prepare for my journey I have flashbacks of being friendless and unwanted but in my heart I know that the Camino provides everything you need including friends that understand these feelings.

And this May I'll not really be alone I will be walking with my 15 year old self. It was at that age I lost my identity so I am bringing a picture of teenage Sharon (me) and showing her the best time ever. This time she will meet people with a support of a very loving friend. My life search has been looking for approval yet I have finally learned that if I don't like myself, it doesn't matter how many other people like me. My friends at home have received a card with my teenage picture and I will bring them on the Camino to make as many friends as are willing. Look for me May 13 in Pamplona—I wear a sunflower on my cap and carry one outside my pack. Please follow me on my journey and be my friend.

Life is a journey, not a destination. And the best journey ever is walking along the Camino with so many special people. During my 5 Caminos I have walked at times with my granddaughter, a friend, my husband and my daughter. On my last walk my daughter told me “let’s do what you want”, but I had no idea what that meant. After much thought I realized my happiness fluctuated with the reactions of other people.

I leave May 8th from Seattle to walk alone to not only discover what I like and want but to replace the hurts from my lonely abused childhood with new memories. I am afraid, but not of getting lost or harm. As I prepare for my journey I have flashbacks of being friendless and unwanted but in my heart I know that the Camino provides everything you need including friends that understand these feelings.

And this May I'll not really be alone I will be walking with my 15 year old self. It was at that age I lost my identity so I am bringing a picture of teenage Sharon (me) and showing her the best time ever. This time she will meet people with a support of a very loving friend. My life search has been looking for approval yet I have finally learned that if I don't like myself, it doesn't matter how many other people like me. My friends at home have received a card with my teenage picture and I will bring them on the Camino to make as many friends as are willing. Look for me May 13 in Pamplona—I wear a sunflower on my cap and carry one outside my pack. Please follow me on my journey and be my friend.

I am leaving from Seattle on 8 May as well. I will watch for you. And will also be starting from Pamplona on 12 May

 

[surya8]

May you find inner peace and love for yourself on this journey! Bom Caminho!

 

[easygoing]

I am leaving from Seattle on 8 May as well. I will watch for you. And will also be starting from Pamplona on 12 May

Hi Nancy. I will watch for you too. I leave on the 0954 flight and change planes in DFW. I leave from Pamplona a day later than you do but we probably will meet up on the way because I have planned a few longer days. Buen Camino

 

[Nancy McD]

I am on the nonstop to Paris at 1310 and then on to Madrid and take the train to Pamplona the next day.

 

[easygoing]

I am on the nonstop to Paris at 1310 and then on to Madrid and take the train to Pamplona the next day.

I take the 1130 train to Pamplona on 5/9

 

[Spammy]

Life is a journey, not a destination. And the best journey ever is walking along the Camino with so many special people. During my 5 Caminos I have walked at times with my granddaughter, a friend, my husband and my daughter. On my last walk my daughter told me “let’s do what you want”, but I had no idea what that meant. After much thought I realized my happiness fluctuated with the reactions of other people.

I leave May 8th from Seattle to walk alone to not only discover what I like and want but to replace the hurts from my lonely abused childhood with new memories. I am afraid, but not of getting lost or harm. As I prepare for my journey I have flashbacks of being friendless and unwanted but in my heart I know that the Camino provides everything you need including friends that understand these feelings.

And this May I'll not really be alone I will be walking with my 15 year old self. It was at that age I lost my identity so I am bringing a picture of teenage Sharon (me) and showing her the best time ever. This time she will meet people with a support of a very loving friend. My life search has been looking for approval yet I have finally learned that if I don't like myself, it doesn't matter how many other people like me. My friends at home have received a card with my teenage picture and I will bring them on the Camino to make as many friends as are willing. Look for me May 13 in Pamplona—I wear a sunflower on my cap and carry one outside my pack. Please follow me on my journey and be my friend.

You will find yourself and LOTD of new friends on your camino. Good luck and enjoy yourself. Buen Camino!

 

[Nancy McD]

I take the 1130 train to Pamplona on 5/9

Me too

 

[Nancy McD]

Me too

No, I lied but not intentionally. I go to Pamplona on the 10th