Very early excitement

[rickyt]

So, about 4 years ago I was all set to go on my first Camino. I had all of my gear set, money set aside, and had received preliminary approval from work to take the time off. Just prior to purchasing my plane tickets I was told that I could only have two weeks off of work. I know many people walk in stages but that was not feasible for me. So, my dream was put on hold. As disappointed as I was at the time, it has probably worked out more in my favor than I realized at the time. Since that time I have changed jobs, lost 100 pounds, and did some much needed work on myself physically and emotionally. I am in a better headspace now. This all brings us to present day. A few weeks back I met with the chairperson of our Board of Directors, who is essentially my boss. After discussing the necessary work stuff I brought up the Camino and asked if he had ever heard of it. To my delight he not only knew about it but shared that he and a friend planned to walk themselves someday. So, that was my opening to inquire about how he would feel about me taking the necessary time off to walk. He replied that he would have no problem with that and that he feels as if it people have things like that that are important to them, then they should act on it. I left that meeting on cloud nine. I had resolved that walking was probably going to have to be something that I put off until I retire in 12 years. I am planning to go in the fall of next year, 2023.
So, here I am excited beyond belief but also trying hard to temper that excitement knowing that there is a lot of time before I can actually go and a lot can happen in that time. I am a big believer in things happening for a reason but if the rug gets pulled out from under me again, I am not sure how I will handle that. For those of you who may have be in a similar situation as me, how did you cope?

 

[everyday.journeys]

Hey Ricky T - Similar to you, we thought that we would have to wait until at least the kids had moved out (another 8+ years at the time) and then a diagnosis of Stage 3 Prostate Cancer made us go...sh*t to this, we are going to get the bucket list done NOW! And here we are, currently on Day 15 of the Camino Frances with two of our children (11 & 15) and loving every minute of it. We know your excitement as we have had it and are still having it now as we walk each day. Enjoy your prep time

We are sharing our journey on YouTube if you fancy watching our experiences in the meantime? (Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FWJOFBQs53u-846958UNQ).

 

[rickyt]

Hey Ricky T - Similar to you, we thought that we would have to wait until at least the kids had moved out (another 8+ years at the time) and then a diagnosis of Stage 3 Prostate Cancer made us go...sh*t to this, we are going to get the bucket list done NOW! And here we are, currently on Day 15 of the Camino Frances with two of our children (11 & 15) and loving every minute of it. We know your excitement as we have had it and are still having it now as we walk each day. Enjoy your prep time

We are sharing our journey on YouTube if you fancy watching our experiences in the meantime? (Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FWJOFBQs53u-846958UNQ).

Thank you so much for your reply. I will most definitely check out your YouTube channel. Sending you positive vibes not only on your Camino but also for your health. Buen Camino!

 

[J Willhaus]

@rickyt The answer is that the Camino will be there when you are ready. Buen Camino and may it work out as you wish.

 

[Meggins]

I left that meeting on cloud nine. I had resolved that walking was probably going to have to be something that I put off until I retire in 12 years. I am planning to go in the fall of next year, 2023.
So, here I am excited beyond belief but also trying hard to temper that excitement knowing that there is a lot of time before I can actually go and a lot can happen in that time. I am a big believer in things happening for a reason but if the rug gets pulled out from under me again, I am not sure how I will handle that. For those of you who may have be in a similar situation as me, how did you cope?

Bravo Ricky! Maybe I'll see you out there as I hope to walk Sept/Oct 2023!

I once had a life goal to walk the Appalachian Trail - 3 timrs I was all set and each time I couldn't go as each of my 3 children had an emergency then. Haven't done that but Love the Camino - been several times. Years in between I hike with a group of friends all over the place. UK, Provence, Tuscany, N.Zealand etc (pre-covid) most recently Sardinia. Happy me!

 

[bullingtonce]

So, about 4 years ago I was all set to go on my first Camino. I had all of my gear set, money set aside, and had received preliminary approval from work to take the time off. Just prior to purchasing my plane tickets I was told that I could only have two weeks off of work. I know many people walk in stages but that was not feasible for me. So, my dream was put on hold. As disappointed as I was at the time, it has probably worked out more in my favor than I realized at the time. Since that time I have changed jobs, lost 100 pounds, and did some much needed work on myself physically and emotionally. I am in a better headspace now. This all brings us to present day. A few weeks back I met with the chairperson of our Board of Directors, who is essentially my boss. After discussing the necessary work stuff I brought up the Camino and asked if he had ever heard of it. To my delight he not only knew about it but shared that he and a friend planned to walk themselves someday. So, that was my opening to inquire about how he would feel about me taking the necessary time off to walk. He replied that he would have no problem with that and that he feels as if it people have things like that that are important to them, then they should act on it. I left that meeting on cloud nine. I had resolved that walking was probably going to have to be something that I put off until I retire in 12 years. I am planning to go in the fall of next year, 2023.
So, here I am excited beyond belief but also trying hard to temper that excitement knowing that there is a lot of time before I can actually go and a lot can happen in that time. I am a big believer in things happening for a reason but if the rug gets pulled out from under me again, I am not sure how I will handle that. For those of you who may have be in a similar situation as me, how did you cope?

Isn't that interesting how life can disappoint you at one point in time but then again re-surfaces and brings about an outcome that is greater and even more meaningful. Changing jobs was a blessing and disguise and, for some reason, motivated you to lose an awful amount of work and to end up with a new boss who knew of the Camino and supported you . . . ! What can one say? So happy for you. However, do not be taken aback when you do get on the Camino and life throws you a twist or turn. Even if it does, life is a blessing. Blessings to you for when you take your first step on your Camino although it has to be acknowledged you have already taken many steps on this journey even without having set foot in Spain.
Chuck

 

[lt56ny]

Buen Camino Ricky, just like the Camino you gave yourself what you needed not what you wanted. You needed to walk a 4 year camino to get your body, mind and spirit it a wonderful and enriching place. You surrounded yourself with fantastic positive energy, emotion to find the emotional, spiritual and physical to place yourself in a situation where you have a million dollar boss and working environment you enjoy as you prepare for 2023. Keep it up I have a feeling you will soar next year. Buen Camino.
Don't allow the thoughts of a slippery rug invade your thoughts you have come this far keeping looking forward.

 

[JulesCAinMA]

Hey Ricky T - Similar to you, we thought that we would have to wait until at least the kids had moved out (another 8+ years at the time) and then a diagnosis of Stage 3 Prostate Cancer made us go...sh*t to this, we are going to get the bucket list done NOW! And here we are, currently on Day 15 of the Camino Frances with two of our children (11 & 15) and loving every minute of it. We know your excitement as we have had it and are still having it now as we walk each day. Enjoy your prep time

We are sharing our journey on YouTube if you fancy watching our experiences in the meantime? (Subscribe here: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FWJOFBQs53u-846958UNQ).

How long do you anticipate it will take your family to walk the entire length of the Camino?

 

[rickyt]

Bravo Ricky! Maybe I'll see you out there as I hope to walk Sept/Oct 2023!

I once had a life goal to walk the Appalachian Trail - 3 timrs I was all set and each time I couldn't go as each of my 3 children had an emergency then. Haven't done that but Love the Camino - been several times. Years in between I hike with a group of friends all over the place. UK, Provence, Tuscany, N.Zealand etc (pre-covid) most recently Sardinia. Happy me!

I am also hoping for Sept/Oct 2023.

It is funny my brother recently asked me if I would be interested in hiking the Appalachian Trail with him. I have to say that that has never appealed to me but I am in awe of people who have completed it. So, we came with an alternative plan to hike all over South Dakota. It will be fun but the Camino is what calls to me.

 

[everyday.journeys]

How long do you anticipate it will take your family to walk the entire length of the Camino?

We are hoping to hit Santiago around the 26th June (we started on the 19th May 2022). If you fancy following our journey, we are capturing it and sharing on YouTube (https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_FWJOFBQs53u-846958UNQ).

 

[rickyt]

Isn't that interesting how life can disappoint you at one point in time but then again re-surfaces and brings about an outcome that is greater and even more meaningful. Changing jobs was a blessing and disguise and, for some reason, motivated you to lose an awful amount of work and to end up with a new boss who knew of the Camino and supported you . . . ! What can one say? So happy for you. However, do not be taken aback when you do get on the Camino and life throws you a twist or turn. Even if it does, life is a blessing. Blessings to you for when you take your first step on your Camino although it has to be acknowledged you have already taken many steps on this journey even without having set foot in Spain.
Chuck

Chuck, thank you so much for your words. You are so right! It is often so difficult to notice the blessings among he disappointments but they are there if I open my eyes to them.

 

[rickyt]

Buen Camino Ricky, just like the Camino you gave yourself what you needed not what you wanted. You needed to walk a 4 year camino to get your body, mind and spirit it a wonderful and enriching place. You surrounded yourself with fantastic positive energy, emotion to find the emotional, spiritual and physical to place yourself in a situation where you have a million dollar boss and working environment you enjoy as you prepare for 2023. Keep it up I have a feeling you will soar next year. Buen Camino.
Don't allow the thoughts of a slippery rug invade your thoughts you have come this far keeping looking forward.

Thank you so much. I love how you reframed what I viewed as a major disappointment into the realization that I have just been on a 4 year Camino. I wish I would have thought of that back then but I really appreciate hearing it now!