Starting CF on Sunday 28 April. (Mixed feelings.)

[Deleted member 87865]

Dear All,

The road beckons, once again.

It's strange, technically this will be my fourth outing but for some reason, returning to the Frances for the first time since 2014 feels like my pilgrimage is reborn.

Paulo Coelho's Diary of a Magus has some inspirational statements included near the end by Thich Nhat Hanh, and in order to combat my trepidation, I think I will try to heed at least two of them:
1) You have already arrived. Feel the pleasure in each step and don't worry about things you still have to face. We have nothing before us, just a road to be traveled at each moment with joy.
2) For that reason, always smile when you walk...Get used to smiling and you will end up happy. (trans. A.R. Clarke 1992)

Back in 2014, stopping by the University of Navarra for a sello, I received a booklet by, I think, Josemaría Escrivá, and it spoke of the 'Heroic Minute', the decisive moment when you put an intention into action. For me, on CdS, there are at least two such minutes, one when you resolve to start and the other when you resolve not to quit. Each is a source of joy and a wellspring of adrenaline, and I would like to wish everyone starting their path to Compostela in April good fortune, strength, and clear skies.

P.

 

[Former member 49149]

You are a new member, but not a new pilgrim, so you know the score. Buen camino, and may the road rise before you.

 

[Deleted member 67185]

Dear All,

The road beckons, once again.

It's strange, technically this will be my fourth outing but for some reason, returning to the Frances for the first time since 2014 feels like my pilgrimage is reborn.

Paulo Coelho's Diary of a Magus has some inspirational statements included near the end by Thich Nhat Hanh, and in order to combat my trepidation, I think I will try to heed at least two of them:
1) You have already arrived. Feel the pleasure in each step and don't worry about things you still have to face. We have nothing before us, just a road to be traveled at each moment with joy.
2) For that reason, always smile when you walk...Get used to smiling and you will end up happy. (trans. A.R. Clarke 1992)

Back in 2014, stopping by the University of Navarra for a sello, I received a booklet by, I think, Josemaría Escrivá, and it spoke of the 'Heroic Minute', the decisive moment when you put an intention into action. For me, on CdS, there are at least two such minutes, one when you resolve to start and the other when you resolve not to quit. Each is a source of joy and a wellspring of adrenaline, and I would like to wish everyone starting their path to Compostela in April good fortune, strength, and clear skies.

P.

A warm welcome to the Forum. I offer you a Buen Camino, and Ultreia, as you proceed on your fourth pilgrimage.

 

[Tincatinker]

Buen camino.

I remember with warm affection the welcome at the Porters Lodge at the University. Busy, busy people scurrying in all directions and suddenly - a pilgrim - we'll make time for a pilgrim. And please make time for us. Read this when you have time...

 

[domigee]

Mixed feelings? I can relate to that. In my experience, always happens before starting a Camino, doesn’t matter how many you’ve done before.
You’ll be fine.
Buen camino and ultreia!

 

[Deleted member 87865]

Mixed feelings? I can relate to that. In my experience, always happens before starting a Camino, doesn’t matter how many you’ve done before.
You’ll be fine.
Buen camino and ultreia!

Many thanks, Domigee.

 

[nycwalking]

Buen camino.

 

[VNwalking]

Sometimes there are more mixed feelings when you know what you're in for, and you definitely do.
Embrace the moment - whatever it brings - and that will bring you home.
Heartfelt welcome here and buen camino, peregrino!

 

[Robo]

I think we all know those mixed feelings well.

All of the things that 'might' happen and rarely do.

And all of those wonderful moments that we never expected, but seem to show up just when we need them!

Have Fun

 

[Deleted member 87865]

And here I am, on my own again, about to set off (again), in dismal December. April/May on the CF was a special time, not at all like I intended. What does CF have in store for me this time?

¡Ánimo!