Getting nervous

[johnnyman]

OK, I leave for Spain a week from tomorrow, and I think I'm starting to get nervous. It seems to be a subtle thing, but I think a little fear and doubt is creeping in, making me kinda cranky. Any thoughts?

 

[markss]

Nervousness is very typical. You will find it quickly becoming exhilaration!

 

[McAleerSherry]

I am afraid that we hit the exhiliration point as we reached the airport. Nervousness only crept in on a few bad etapes (albergues, etc.), which only confirmed how great the rest of the pilgrimage was.

Except, perhaps, for language barriers there are no real problems other than physical ones and weather. Everyone else seems to be going the same way you are haeding, and authomatically an interesting acquaintance and colleage.

We envy you.

 

[Cmeckley]

Hi, Johnnyman! I'm leaving just a few days behind you. Last night, I misplaced my "to do list" (packed with a million little outstanding things required to organize my family in my absence.), and it literally brought me to tears. I felt overwhelmingly nervous and stressed, which is generally contrary to my nature. I vowed that I would no longer think about the Camino, search the forum, etc. Perhaps it was the release I needed, because this morning I woke up calm, and with renewed excitement for the trip. I'm hoping this peace lasts until I leave

 

[jpflavin1]

Johnnyman/cmeckley:

A little apprehension of the unknown is perfectly normal. I just walked this Spring from SJPdP to Santiago. I will offer you two pieces of advice. Pack light and start slowly, the Camino will take care of the rest.

Ultreya,
Joe

 

[WolverineDG]

Everyone gets butterflies, even repeat offenders like me. It's all part of the process. Have a great trip!

Buen Camino!

Kelly

 

[ksam]

Greetings from Leon!

Breathe, just breathe, you´ll do fine! I did :shock: ! The pack is just part of me now. Things sort of fall into their places, it falls on my back and my feet move forward. Sleep and repeat. If I can, you can, promise!

Wishing you well from the road, Karin

 

[+@^^]

@johnnyman
theres a thread on this site about "fear"
many pages list the fears of many pilgrims
i still have to read anything about any of those fears having happened
.
so im sure you have prepared as well as you can
so if shi7e does happen
youve trained
and lowered the odds
.
after that, its karma

 

[Pibicamino]

I'm leaving in 10 days.. I'm starting to get really nervous too But in a good way though.. Blisters and that kind of things I can't do anything about.. so I'm just trying to take care of everything that I can prepare..
I just can't wait, soon soon I will be on the camino

 

[jennysa]

Dont worry, its quite normal. Once you get started and into the rhythm of the Camino, you will be on your journey of a life-time.

 

[woody]

Hi I will be starting the camino early August with my son. I am only doing part of the way possibly he is going the full way. Getting excited about it just want to make sure i have all i need.
Woody

 

[dutchpilgrim]

Getting excited about it just want to make sure i have all i need.
Woody

Yep.
You'll have anything you'll need.
And if you don't, it's fore sale over there.
And if it isn't for sale over there, they don't need it, and so won't you.

Ultreya,
Carli Di Bortolo

 

[wawpdx]

... just want to make sure i have all i need.
Woody

Be careful! These are dangerous words. Weigh every single item. Start with the weight of your empty pack and get that down as low as possible. Believe every word on this forum that says "do not bring anything you 'might need'". Dutchpilgrim's words are very wise.

And, to respond to the original post: I have two journals -- the one I actually took with me and the one I wrote in the days right before I left. That thin journal has pages and pages of "What do I think I am doing??!!" "How can I think that I am a pilgrim?" "What makes a person a pilgrim??" etc. etc. etc. The postcards I wrote in Pamplona while I waited to catch the bus to Roncesvalles were filled with the same doubts. By then I was already regretting that my pack was too full (even though I had weighed and considered each item) -- those were whiny little postcards.

Just begin.
Nancy

 

[RaphaelHythloday]

The camino is one of those rare cases on which is better to have less than you need that more.

 

[Anniesantiago]

Getting excited about it just want to make sure i have all i need.
Woody

Woody.. do yourself a favor and just take the minimum of 'things'
Otherwise, and I PROMISE YOU, you will be either dumping gear (therefore $$$) in free boxes or shipping them home at great expense.

Spain is not a third world country.
Go LIGHT.
There is nothing you need you can not buy there.

You will live simply and easily out of a small pack weighing 10% of your body weight.

You might want to post your packing list and get some feedback from those of us who have walked?

Buen Camino!
Annie

 

[F.Slattery]

We leave this Thursday, June 9. I feel the same way. The fear hits me in waves. I love this forum because I can read about others who feel the same as I do and also, read reassuring words to alleviate the anxiety, thanks for the posts.