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I totally get the all or nothing. I feel the same way. Simply because the entire Camino frances is talking to me. I’ve waited almost 20 years to be able to do mine which is next spring If you are as determined as you sound you will have your time. In the meantime do all that is in your power to stay healthy and present in your daily life. You WILL absolutely get there. With good health time will be on your side.Thank you all for your comments and advice; I have missed that while I have been away. Just a few words to add some context to my situation. I am the CEO of a small non-profit social services agency serving individuals with disabilities. And although I am the head of the agency everyone has a boss, including me. This is why my request had to go through the board of directors. And while I have certainly over the years contemplated throwing in the towel and figuring out the next steps as they come, I cannot do that. If it were just me, then maybe, but with a family depending on me it is not a feasible option for me.
I did give some serious thought to taking the two weeks and either doing a part of the CF or possibly walking one of the other routes. In the end I decided that the CF was the route I was drawn to currently. And doing it in two week chunks was not something I desired due to the cost of travel. This is one of those times I wished I lived in Europe so that travel would not be such a big deal.
So, I think my best option at this point is just to do a better job of making my case to the board. Board leadership changes hands as terms end so I plan to just be a little more strategic regarding when I make my request. Hopefully with a better plan presented to a more understanding chairperson, my results will be better. And, if not, as many of you have stated, the Camino is not going anywhere. Someone else mentioned that I was having a pity party and although that initially set me back bit to read those words, it is probably pretty accurate. The level of my disappointment was and continues to be very high. But, hearing from you all have helped me put things back into perspective. Instead of being mad that I have to work and can't get the time off, I need to be thankful that I have a job and a good one at that.
Thank you all; this forum is the best!
I understand your preference. However, don't let the "best" be the enemy of the good. I think it is a good idea to re-group and present your proposal again for the full time off. However, if that isn't accepted, please reconsider the 2-week option. The additional cost of coming back again is only the airfare. Maybe having a 2-week experience will give you patience for another year or two until you have time. Better to do the 2 weeks than nothing. You would not regret it!doing it in two week chunks was not something I desired due to the cost of travel.
I understand your preference. However, don't let the "best" be the enemy of the good. I think it is a good idea to re-group and present your proposal again for the full time off. However, if that isn't accepted, please reconsider the 2-week option. The additional cost of coming back again is only the airfare. Maybe having a 2-week experience will give you patience for another year or two until you have time. Better to do the 2 weeks than nothing. You would not regret it!
Great! Let the planning resume!I agree. My plan of attack for sometime in the future is to present a new proposal for the full time off but if I am again turned down, I will most likely do what I can in the two weeks I am allotted. But, hopefully that contingency plan won't be needed.
Amazing insight and suggestions Jenny. Spot on and wow!!!Hi rickyt -
Welcome back to the Forum - this step alone is getting you closer to your longed-for camino. Take heart from being a part of our global pilgrim community.
A couple of suggestions:
While your camino start date is unknown at this stage, you’ve already set the intention to go on camino, so, if you’ve stopped training, restart that training. You’ll be fitter and stronger and as you walk you will know that you’re getting closer to your camino.
What about hosting for your Board a screening of “I’ll Push You” - the inspirational documentary of two life-long friends - Justin and Patrick - who ‘walked’ the Camino together a few years back? Justin has MND - Patrick pushed him in a specially-made wheelchair from St Jean to Santiago. They were helped by many pilgrims along The Way and not only does this film show the devotion the two friends have for each other it shows the wonderful camino community - selfless and wanting to help. Your Board cannot fail to see how powerful the Camino is and how your non-profit organisation could benefit from the experience you will have - insights - new ideas - and grant you the time you need. You could even perhaps make it into a fundraiser for your organisation and for Justin’s and Patrick’s chosen charity. Google “I’ll Push You the movie” for further information.
Take joy in every step in your training and Buen Camino -
Cheers from Oz -
Jenny
The op never referenced family commitments in original post. I too love the spontaneity but in light of what we now know I agree regarding priorities and top of that list should be oneself, I've been there and left directorship of successful family business which turned out, in hindsight to be toxic and not my purpose.I love the spontaneity of those who say "just go!" but having been in the situation you are in - i.e. commitment to family - I agree with your priorities
Hi rickytHello all,
Today is the first time I have been back in several months. I had been planning to walk for the first time in May of this year. I had made preparations, bought equipment, pretty much everything short of buying plan tickets. Oh, and getting permission from my work to take the time off. I had stockpiled my vacation time to cover and made plans for coverage for when I was to be gone. I then made my case to the chairperson of the board of directors, my boss, to take the time off. She was at first very supportive and even sounded excited about it but said she wanted to bounce it off of the rest of the executive committee of the board. Well, a week later she came back to me to let me know that they would only allow me to take two weeks off which then rendered my Camino an impossibility. I then entered into a real funk. I had been planning for over a year and was truly excited and I felt like the rug had been pulled out from under me. I returned equipment and what I couldnt return I boxed up and put it in my basement. I stopped reading anything Camino related and I stopped coming to this forum. This occurred in February.
Today is my first day back on the forum. I am not sure why exactly I decided to come back today but, like with the camino itself, I felt drawn. I am still pretty salty about not being able to go and I am trying to come to terms with the reality that the only way I am going to be able to is to find another job and go during the time in between or wait until I retire. Neither of which are very appealing options, but it is what it is I suppose.
Which brings me to the point of this long winded post. Have any of you every gone through something similar? If so, how did you process it? I do not want to spend my time bitter and angry but every time I think about it, that is what happens. So, any of you zen masters out there have any advice for this wannabee pilgrim?
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