Can't seem to press the button...

[karenfromcali]

I've been dreaming of and planning for this camino for some time. I've searched flights, hostels, trains and buses until I could write a book. I feel like a professional hiking boot authority and REI is going to give me a sleeping bag so I can move in. lol. I have found flights that work but I'm having a really hard time pushing the button to purchase my flights. I want, maybe even need, to walk this camino but I have never been away from my family for so long. I keep going through the what if syndrome. What if something happens while I'm away, will the kids be ok? (they're 28, 26 and 22 lol.) Will my hubby starve to death etc... Has anyone else experienced this or am I just being a chicken...............?

 

[vicrev]

I think we have all been there....when you press that button,your attitude changes ,all of a sudden you realise I AM REALLY GOING.......YIPEEE !!!...........all I can say is GO FOR IT !!!!...............Vicrev

 

[Caplen]

Has anyone else experienced this..............

Yes

.................or am I just being a chicken...............?

Yes


Ahhh, ignore me. I'm just jealous. I have to wait a whole freakin' 18 months for my next camino.

Cheers! You'll do great!

 

[Kiwi-family]

I get butterflies in my tummy as I'm about to hit the button, and I have to go back and check all the details are correct...but then you just have to do it! I did it this morning to send my 14 and 16 year olds to India while I walk in Spain next year - you can do it too!

 

[mralisn]

Been traveling for near 15 years, 31 countries, 3 Caminos, and many countries several times over. Just like you, I can stare at the screen with all my payment info entered just waiting for me to hit that one last button. Nerve racking for sure.

A deep breath and a sip of wine always brings relief and a smile. Have never regretted one trip.

It seems you have the support of your family, your planning has paid off, your pack list is near complete.

You'll have a journey of a lifetime. We'll all be cheering for you.

Push the button!

 

[MichaelB10398]

Hello Karen,
It really does not matter what others experience; the fact that you experience it is enough. The Camino calls to many people and she does not give up calling. Her voice may become as quiet as the last echo, but it will reverberate without end until there is a response. Have no fear; many things will happen and you are not in charge; you are not the director of your life. What you are responsible for are your choices. Take things one step at a time and know that all things will work out for your good. Good things will happen and bad things will happen. You will laugh and you will cry. Most importantly, you will live and experience a new life. She has called you and it is time to respond. Do that today.

Buen Camino

 

[Alexster66]

Hi Karen,
absolutely yes. When I finally pushed that button (after weeks of staring at it) I received an email saying my payment couldn't go through.
I was crushed, then it took over a week to go through the motions again (was I bring tested?). My palms got sweaty, heart raced, then I thought if I can't book a dash ticket how will I walk the Camino alone.
The urge to walk became greater than my fears and I re-pushed that button woohoo
You'll do great
Cheers
Alex

 

[Annie Little]

You will be doing your family a favour.......when one empowers oneself.....one also allows others to be empowered......

 

[piogaw]

Karen,

You have already started your camino, just push the botton. You will never regret it.

Good luck on your camino and god bless.

 

[Sixwheeler]

DO IT! Then you will start being excited.
Ultreïa.

 

[LTfit]

Please come back and tells us how you felt after you pushed the button! We're waiting!!!

 

[Dan]

Karen, our kids span the same age groups. Your fears were ours. They disappeared (the fears that is!) when we took the first step out of St Jean. Just about everyone has the same experience. The family will simply love you and respect you for it. Don't hesitate any longer.

We met a couple of guys from Belgium over coffee around a fire on a cold morning out of Portomarin. One was 75 the other 71. The older one had done the Camino 5 times and his mate 3 times.

On our return we heard the saying: "What makes you want to do the Camino again? - Answer: doing it the first time". Now we nod knowingly. We are off again in April next.

 

[wayfarer]

Go on ... you know you want to.

 

[nalod]

"Planning a trip can take a lot of time and often the journey starts in front of a computer many months in advance. The purchase of the guide books, the choosing of dates and then the booking of the outbound flight. The flight booking focuses the mind."
I have recently wrote a blog and the above is an exact quote of what I have written in it. I have done a lot of Camino's in last three years and just recently returned from the Pyrénées, I know what you mean, but the actual booking takes it to a different level. www.dermotdolan.blogspot.ie

 

[Stephen Nicholls]

On a practical basis, remember that there are over thirty different caminos, all ending in Santiago. The French is one of the longest. If you REALLY have fear of being away for so long, why not consider one of the shorter caminos to start with? The Camino Ingles can comfortable be completed in just over a week. Or start the French camino closer to Santiago. Don't let the fear of 'deserting' your family put you off what will end up being the most happy, exciting adventure of your life!
Buen camino Karen!

 

[Rosemaryk1]

Karen , breathe deep and know that pushing that button starts the actual first day of your Camino. I immediately felt the journey begin when I did!
Buen Camino!
Rosemary

 

[Kathy F.]

Dear Karen,
This is your conscience talking.
The children will be fine. The husband will be fine. They will miss you, worry about you, need you in ways they can't anticipate yet. They will, in the end, admire and respect you for this.
You are doing this for yourself and this is not selfish. You will be a better person for doing this, and will be a better person for your family, your friends, and your community because of it.
The Camino and the many people you will meet along the way will take care of you. Your needs will be met. You will face challenges and will overcome them all. Your common sense and experience will keep you safe.
The Camino is pushing all your buttons.
It's time you pushed the button, too.
Buen Camino.
Love,
Your Conscience

 

[camino-david]

Hi Karen,
If perchance you reach a ripe old age and you haven't walked a Camino, it could be the biggest regret of your life. And by then you may not physically be able to do it and it is too late. So just do it, and if on completion you did not like it, so what. You will have learned a valuable lesson about yourself.
I have been there as well. Most of my life I dreamed of sailing around the world, and bought a yacht suitable to do so. But at the last moment I lacked confidence in myself and never fulfilled my dream - to my lasting regret.

 

[Olivares]

Therein lies the most compelling reason WHY you REALLY need to "press that button"... Just do it. Anything that happens afterwards you WILL manage.

 

[DeadFred]

Every Day

 

[ValPereira]

Karen,
I have a 13 year old son, husband and a job. I choose to walk the last 100km. I talked about the camino for so long that my friends and family thought I was never going to do it. I walked last Aug/Sept. The best experience in my life. My family was ok .. Wish I had done sooner and the entire way. I will go back...
I am glad you have a good hiking boots.. You will need it.
Press that button. Buen camino!

 

[Gailsie]

I walked the Frances in Sept/Oct 09 after my retirement. My mother was elderly and I was concerned about her being alone, although my husband would be next door and would make sure that she was OK. When I expressed my concern she told me to go, that it was my journey and not to worry, even if something was to happen to keep going and not come home early. I was away for 7 weeks as I went to southern Spain after Santiago. It was the best decision, next to picking the absolute best partner in the world, that I have made. Planning to walk for my 65th birthday present to myself and dedicate it to my Mom, a world traveller, who passed away in 2011.

 

[alexwalker]

The Camino is pushing all your buttons.
It's time you pushed the button, too.

Thanks for the laugh! It is SO true. It is pushing all my buttons right now. And Karens buttons are surely pushed. For some months, I have known that I shall walk from mid-April next year. I just know I have to. The Camino is calling me back.

Karen, you have a completely legitimate concern. I had also, the first time, too. But now that I know what I am entering into, my threshold is lower. So, this thread has actually made me decide to order the flight for April now. Point of no return. And then, the planning becomes real, and your surroundings will also have to plan for your absense. And as many say: When you are there, you will enjoy your new life and insight into yourself, your life, your dearest, and your future, with your newly found insight into yourself. And when you get home, you may hear a faint calling, wanting you to return to your Camino life. And maybe, like me, you will go for it again

Jump!

And then, come back hareand share your new excitement with us

PS: Karen: Read your own signature line very carefully... DS.

 

[whariwharangi]

I've been dreaming of and planning for this camino for some time. I've searched flights, hostels, trains and buses until I could write a book. I feel like a professional hiking boot authority and REI is going to give me a sleeping bag so I can move in. lol. I have found flights that work but I'm having a really hard time pushing the button to purchase my flights. I want, maybe even need, to walk this camino but I have never been away from my family for so long. I keep going through the what if syndrome. What if something happens while I'm away, will the kids be ok? (they're 28, 26 and 22 lol.) Will my hubby starve to death etc... Has anyone else experienced this or am I just being a chicken...............?

There is an ancient saying: "the hardest step on a thousand mile journey is the first one".

 

[karenfromcali]

Seriously.. you guys are the best. Thank you for the encouragement. I think I've been through every range of emotion reading your posts. Some of you really made me laugh out loud and others smile and others reflect on what I need to do. With all our different personalities, pilgrims really are the best encouragers and cheerleaders of one another. I will keep you posted
Thank you.

 

[LTfit]

@whariwharangi I thought that the quote was "A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step". Lao Tse

Step...button, just semantics.

 

[karenfromcali]

Hi Karen,
If perchance you reach a ripe old age and you haven't walked a Camino, it could be the biggest regret of your life. And by then you may not physically be able to do it and it is too late. So just do it, and if on completion you did not like it, so what. You will have learned a valuable lesson about yourself.
I have been there as well. Most of my life I dreamed of sailing around the world, and bought a yacht suitable to do so. But at the last moment I lacked confidence in myself and never fulfilled my dream - to my lasting regret.

David. I struggle with confidence too. But if I can walk this camino. You can begin your round the world trip. Better to try and fail than not to try at all. Don't live with this regret. Please do it.
Karen

 

[whariwharangi]

@whariwharangi I thought that the quote was "A journey of a thousand miles begins with the first step". Lao Tse

Step...button, just semantics.

I meant this: "the hardest step on a thousand mile journey is the first one". Which has shades of meaning I don't think are intended in your quote. I can't attribute the quote; I merely recall reading it somewhere.

 

[wayfarer]

Thanks for the laugh! It is SO true. It is pushing all my buttons right now. And Karens buttons are surely pushed. For some months, I have known that I shall walk from mid-April next year. I just know I have to. The Camino is calling me back.

Karen, you have a completely legitimate concern. I had also, the first time, too. But now that I know what I am entering into, my threshold is lower. So, this thread has actually made me decide to order the flight for April now. Point of no return. And then, the planning becomes real, and your surroundings will also have to plan for your absense. And as many say: When you are there, you will enjoy your new life and insight into yourself, your life, your dearest, and your future, with your newly found insight into yourself. And when you get home, you may hear a faint calling, wanting you to return to your Camino life. And maybe, like me, you will go for it again

Jump!

And then, come back hareand share your new excitement with us

PS: Karen: Read your own signature line very carefully... DS.

If God spares me Alex I might meet you on that camino as I plan to do another to mark my 60th, hopefuly starting mid April 2014. Time will tell.

Press that button Karen

 

[alexwalker]

If God spares me Alex I might meet you on that camino as I plan to do another to mark my 60th, hopefuly starting mid April 2014. Time will tell.

God willing, I will hit 60 next March, and march in April Will be looking for you. Must get Ivar's forum badge, methinks.

Karen, do you notice how pilgrims befriend each other so easily? Come over and join the flock

 

[wayfarer]

Yea me too, March 11th. I have Ivars patch on the rucksack. Sport your Norwegian flag and I will keep an eye out.

 

[jpflavin1]

Karen:

What you should be worried about is what happens each following year. I pushed the button once and now am about to push it for the fifth year in a row^^. The problem is once you start it is hard to stop.

I am sure you will make the best decision for you.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[JennyH94]

Hi Karen -
The following quote from Mark Twain, which first came to my attention via Nicole Fisher (Forum member, and thanks to Nicole for this great quote) who walked The Way earlier this year, may help you to push the button ... Here it is -
“20 years from now you will be more disappointed by the things that you didn’t do than by the ones you did do. So throw off the bowlines. Sail away from the safe harbour. Catch the tradewinds in your sails. Explore. Dream. Discover”.
You will not be sorry! Buen Camino Karen!
Cheers - Jenny

 

[alexwalker]

Karen: As you may or may not understand, this is all about letting go of your ordinary life, at least for a while, and experience personal freedom at another level. In ways you can not imagine right now. If you are comfortable/happy with your life as it has always been; stay at home. If you want a lifetime experience of personal freedom and new insight into your life; hit the button, go into the unknown world, which is pretty nice, exciting, adventurous, and welcoming, and get prepared for a new life. Meet new and friendly people that you would never meet on other walks of life. I hope, for your sake, that you hit that button and join our group of pilgrims. You will be most welcome.

Buen Camino!

 

[Kiwi-family]

OK Karen, you could always ask your hubby to press it for you! Or maybe he'd like to come with you?

 

[jennyleinbach]

You will be doing your family a favour.......when one empowers oneself.....one also allows others to be empowered......

ABSOLUTELY! The thought that I would be setting an example of adventure and inspiring my teenaged sons by walking the Camino is what convinced me that I was doing the right thing! You ARE doing the right thing. Especially as a woman.

 

[karenfromcali]

OK Karen, you could always ask your hubby to press it for you! Or maybe he'd like to come with you?

He's not interested in walking but supportive of me doing it. (Maybe looking for some peace and quiet for 6 weeks. LOL!)

 

[Phillypilgrim]

It turns out the husbands left at home are on their own Camino! Choose your flight, and give yourself enough time to walk comfortably and successfully! You will not be disappointed.

 

[piogaw]

I walked the Frances in Sept/Oct 09 after my retirement. My mother was elderly and I was concerned about her being alone, although my husband would be next door and would make sure that she was OK. When I expressed my concern she told me to go, that it was my journey and not to worry, even if something was to happen to keep going and not come home early. I was away for 7 weeks as I went to southern Spain after Santiago. It was the best decision, next to picking the absolute best partner in the world, that I have made. Planning to walk for my 65th birthday present to myself and dedicate it to my Mom, a world traveller, who passed away in 2011.

Hello gailsie,

On your next walk, ask the oficina del peregrino to also put your mother's name in the compostela either in memory or in substitute. Just tell them you are dedicating this camino to your mother.

Buen camino and god bless.

 

[peregrina2000]

I hadn't looked at this thread because I thought it had something to do with a technical problem using the forum, that Karen couldn't figure out how to press one button or another to post something or upload something, etc. Then when I saw there were 40 responses, I thought that something else must be going on. Duh.

I walked my first Camino when my younger son was only 16 and still at home in high school. I have an indelible memory of the moment 13 years ago when I said goodbye to him and my husband. I was scared, but they both had convinced me that I should do it, that I would regret it if I didn't, that they would be fine, etc etc. That was nice to know, but I was still scared. Thirteen years later, I am a camino addict, still walking, and still wearing the green fleece my then 16 year old son gave me as I was on my way out the door to the plane.

Karen, walk with the blessing and support of your family and carry them with you. I love my family and I love my life here in the "real world", but for me the Camino is an undeserved bonus, and when I walk I give thanks and just live in each irreplaceable moment.

 

[karenfromcali]

Thanks everyone for your support. I think my husband and I nailed down a good itinerary this evening so I'm going to sleep on it and then decide for sure tomorrow. It doesn't help that I am also terrified of flying! But my husband has convinced me that this will be good for me to do. I know he is right. I also know that something could happen to my family any day of the week. It's the just being so far away...
So almost there I feel the butterflies in my tummy already!

 

[Gailsie]

Hello gailsie,

On your next walk, ask the oficina del peregrino to also put your mother's name in the compostela either in memory or in substitute. Just tell them you are dedicating this camino to your mother.

Buen camino and god bless.

Thanks. I had not thought of doing that. In the fall of 09 I walked in memory of a younger sister who had died of breast cancer. Since my last walk I have lost a sister in law and a brother in law as well of my Mom. However my Mom was the real traveller so I will walk for her.

 

[karenfromcali]

hadn't looked at this thread because I thought it had something to do with a technical problem using the forum, that Karen couldn't figure out how to press one button or another to post something or upload something, etc.

There would be nothing unusual in that either!!! lol

 

[Shefollowsarrows]

Hello Karen,
It really does not matter what others experience; the fact that you experience it is enough. The Camino calls to many people and she does not give up calling. Her voice may become as quiet as the last echo, but it will reverberate without end until there is a response. Have no fear; many things will happen and you are not in charge; you are not the director of your life. What you are responsible for are your choices. Take things one step at a time and know that all things will work out for your good. Good things will happen and bad things will happen. You will laugh and you will cry. Most importantly, you will live and experience a new life. She has called you and it is time to respond. Do that today.

Buen Camino

Perfectly said

 

[piogaw]

Thanks. I had not thought of doing that. In the fall of 09 I walked in memory of a younger sister who had died of breast cancer. Since my last walk I have lost a sister in law and a brother in law as well of my Mom. However my Mom was the real traveller so I will walk for her.

Hello gailsie,

I also believe you may asked to have more names inserted into your compostela in memory for someone, although i have not encountered anyone asking to have more names placed in memory.

Buen camino and god bless.

 

[Thomas1962]

I keep going through the what if syndrome. What if something happens while I'm away, will the kids be ok? (they're 28, 26 and 22 lol.) Will my hubby starve to death etc... Has anyone else experienced this or am I just being a chicken...............?

I can recognize all your fears.
But in the end what if....in all these cases you can take a plane and go home again!
My experience is that fears disappear while I have my feet on the ground on the camino and experience

 

[karenfromcali]

I can recognize all your fears.
But in the end what if....in all these cases you can take a plane and go home again!
My experience is that fears disappear while I have my feet on the ground on the camino and experience

Thanks Thomas. I hope that will be the case for me, that all will feel ok when i get there. I am such a chronic worrier! lol

 

[obinjatoo@yahoo.com]

Trust. The Camino will provide. PUSH DA BUT'N!!!!!!

 

[Thomas1962]

I am such a chronic worrier! lol

But that's a big advance? You'll worry before pushing the button, and for sure you'll wory after too! It just doesn't matter, just push it!
And you'll keep the freedom not to go.

 

[pikku04]

I totally understand your hesitation. I'm going through the same state right now. The camino is in my head for a few years now, but I kinda forgot about it. Last week it came to my mind again. And as my mother asked, what I want for my birthday, I heard myself saying "hiking boots". I was very surprised about myself.
Last week I also found myself looking at the holiday-calender at work and thinking about when it would be possible to have 5-6 weeks off. Yesterday I went for a break outside, feeling the wind and the rain... and I just decided, that I will do it. Later I just walked in my bosses office and asked for an appointment on monday. I didn't say that I wanna discuss the possibility to have several weeks off next year... in case the courage I felt is gone until monday. If so, I can blow the whole thing off.
Well, and now I'm really not sure what to do. No, that's not true: I am sure, but I'm very nervous and anxious about this "what if"-situations... like you said.
But then I think, planning the trip doesn't mean that I HAVE to do it. And even when I'm there, I could go home again whenever I want.
A friend of mine told me some wise words a few days ago: "You have your goal. Follow it. It's normal to be anxious from time to time. But this fear won't last."
I think my camino is starting right now, but I also know that I can turn around whenever I want.

 

[Mark M]

i feel so privelieged to be able to take this journey.