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We read that a lot on the forum! It is very common to have last minute nerves. Once you get on that flight, try to relax a bit, and by arrival you will be tired but excited in a positive way.Has anyone experienced this before leaving?
Elle, you are going to be fine. Relax and enjoy the experience. There will be plenty of fellow pilgrims there to help you.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
I was in your shoes a week ago. I found that the fear becomes excitement and then suddenly back to fear again. Getting on the flight was a sense of accomplishment having finally packed and all so we were back to excitement. Landing In Paris sends one into survival mode so no room for fear there! The adventure then becomes excitement again.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
Absolutely felt the same way on my first Camino. Basically, "what the heck am I getting into". It's all good. Buen Camino!!!So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
Yes I felt the same especially after day one on my first Camino. Solved it by silencing the inner critic. And made up a mentor encouraging me on my way. "You can do it" was one of my favorites. Best to your Camino.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
I'm sorry to hear you're feeling this way, but rest assured lots of people feel like this before they go...and I'd say nearly all end not wanting to leave once we finish! I've walked several caminos and still get nervous before I go. Rest assured there will be lots of people in the same boat as you, nervous and wanting to make friends. It is truly a magical place for travelling solo. So many people do it on there own and are open to friendships, I promise you'll be fine. Try to think of one day ahead, rather than the whole route.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
What a lovely responseHey Elle its completely normal. It must be a natural instinct when we are faced with the unknown
Think about why you decided to do this trip, focus on those reasons because they were obviously important enough to encourage you to take this leap of faith.
Be as organised as you can, check all your stuff and then leave your bag in another room and relax. Do something nice for the day to celebrate your courage.
Break the journey down. You get on the plane... You have to get off at the other endthe decision is made for you.
If you arrive the evening before you start try and do a little tour of the town to see where the first marker is so you are familiar with it in the morning. Maybe get a small bit of food for your bag so you dont have to worry about that.
Next morning grab yourself a nice breakfast, celebrate your wonderfulnessand find your first marker.
I get those nerves too..but within a few kilometres you'll settle down. You'll realise that whenever you need a marker the little yellow sign will be somewhere waving at you. Its a great way to travel and its all very organised
Life is for living...and when we are all sitting on our couches in the dark days of winter these memories will burn bright for us all
Daniel Boone said:So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
These are the feelings that confirm that you are alive, and all is as it should be. This particular feeling you have now is very human; it is normal. It is not something you need to embrace or over-indulge in. It just is. Move through it knowing that you are committed to something far greater than you are. You will walk where others have walked for a thousand years. You are joining many others that will be on the same path as you when you arrive. Together you will lift one another up and serve those that are at a point of weakness.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
As you can see here, last minute nerves are a common experience, part of the price we pay for being human. Betcha can't wait to get to SJPDP to see and feel everything you've read/thought/dreamed about come to life in front of and all around you. Than you'll be absolutely fine. Just think of it this way:-You should be happy that you're able to afford the travel, that you're fit and able enough to be able to walk, and that you've been lucky enough to have heard about the Camino and been sufficiently inspired to want to do it. For some it will always ever be a dream. I did it in Sept/Oct 2019 and had an absolutely fabulous time, all the way through to Finisterre. Here's hoping you have a similarly wonderful time.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
I did! I’m here now and before I started I had overwhelming anxiety. I don’t usually get anxiety. I thought, “why the heck am I doing this? Who do I think I am?” Then I also had terrible fear that I wouldn’t start this or finish it. I’m now on day 5 and no regrets. I’m still trying to figure out why I’m here. But I have lots of time to think about it and figure it out. You may well regret this if you don’t do it. Buen Camino.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
Hi there,So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
Believe it or not, this is excellent because it is an indication you are not undertaking this Camino superficialy. Take the plunge! You will come out of this stronger and will discover a depth to yourself you have not previously encountered. Move forward, one step at a time, both figuratively and literally. I wish I were in your shoes.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
We are on the Camino Del Norte. We left Florida Monday morning Aug. 29. As I took a shower before leaving for the airport I was filled with misgivings. What are we doing? I don’t want to go!So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
It might help to frame it differently: you’re not embarking on a set adventure. You have control, it’s your Camino. If you’re too tired, you can rest a day; If your pack is too heavy, you can have it transported for you; If you don’t like a stage or are not feeling it, you can take a taxi to your next stop. And finally, if you decide it’s not for you, you can ultimately end it and go home (I guarantee that won’t happenSo I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
Love your honesty and vulnerability. Remember, we have all been there and most of us had feelings from trepidation, anxiety, fear etc. Bottom line is these feelings are healthy. Suggestions for you:So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
Elle532,So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
I start from Lisbon on September 15th and have been feeling the same way. I walked the Camino Primitivo last year with my cousin but this year I am starting out alone so I think a little anxiety is normal. I know this, that I will get on the plane next week and when I step off then I will start my journey. Last years Camino taught me that it is all about just taking the next step. I was told by a wise peregrino not to worry because “the Camino will provide for all I need” and she was correct.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
No need to be afraid, embrace this adventure because it will be one you will never forget. I felt nervous on my first day (in May this year) and already I’m desperate to go back and do it all over again. Buen CaminoSo I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
I bet virtually everyone has experienced the fear of the unknown before your first camino. I am getting ready for Camino 7 and even with 6,000 K under my feet I am still getting feelings of doubt before October 21st when I take my first step in Somport. It melts away before my 4th step. For a first time pilgrim with each step you take the fear will also begin to fade. A little slowly at first but then you will say “wow this is the best decision I ever made and boy do I have this.”So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
Hi Elle, I'm also leaving tomorrow, and all that you've said resonates with me. I'll be starting a day later than you as I'll be overnighting in Bayonne for a, hopefully, decent sleep, before making my way to SJPdP on the 9th, and beginning my journey the next day. So filled with nerves/dread/doubt, but also hopefulness that it will all work out as it should, even if it's not exactly as I hope. I wish you the best and hope we both find what we were looking for when we first got this crazy idea into our heads.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
BREATHE! You will be fine. We were all terrified or nervous before heading out. I think there needs to be a bit of trepidation prior to heading out on Camino (or any adventure). You will have an amazing time, most of which will be appreciated after you finish.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
I think a normal reaction but once you arrive at SJPP [assume you are starting there] you will get caught up in the excitement of the other pilgrims. But wherever you start the moment you start walking all will be well and the enjoyment starts.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
I am feeling the same way Elle. I leave on the 9th for Sarria and also wondering....So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
Just walk, it’s the one of the best treatments for most thingsSo I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
By now I think you are on your plane, but I wanted to thank you for your post and for the fellow pilgrims who shared their comments.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
Being uncomfortable is just a temporary feeling. If you give in to it, you miss out on so much - and the more you give in to fear, the harder it is to break free if it. That's how the world gets smaller and smaller. If we'd stayed home from the camino after feeling spooked by the thought of doing it, those of us who now love the experience would have been deprived of it.If you feel uncomfortable you should stay at home.
It would solve the bed race; as the two dozen pilgrims a year who are not nervous or anxious will have loads of choice!!If you feel uncomfortable you should stay at home. There is no obligation for anything. You are free not to go. If you don't feel to go it is the best decision.
So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
After a year of planning, i bought my plane ticket and had a panic attack! i have traveled the world and never had this experience. I called a friend. She gave me great advice and it worked: “ just breathe”.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
Buen Camino! I went alone in the spring and once I got there and started walking I was fineSo I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
I’m at the train station in Atocha now, waiting for train to Pamplona, and it’s all a little frightening. Wondering why I thought this was a good idea to do solo. Every step is getting a little easier though. Try not to overthink it. Buen Camino!So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
Most of us do! It is normal... Your fear will go as soon as you are in your first albergue. Believe me! Buen Camino.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
Just walk, it’s the one of the best treatments for most things
I felt the same way last year when I went through security at the airport. I thought…what am I doing?….going to a foreign country where I speak only a few words of the language….by myself! After completing the walk and meeting wonderful friends I went by the same security line when I arrived home and I thought….why was I so worried? Have a wonderful Camino!So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
Love the idea of a made up mentor or guide with a yiu can do it spirit! Thanks that helps me too! I’m leaving on Monday the 12th and I’m feeling the same way as Elise! Took a precautionary COVID test and was already imagining what to do if it was positive. Nope ! Negative … so I am on my way!Yes I felt the same especially after day one on my first Camino. Solved it by silencing the inner critic. And made up a mentor encouraging me on my way. "You can do it" was one of my favorites. Best to your Camino.
Meditation helps with fear under any circumstance. Also check you thoughts. If you dwell on all the "terrible" things that could happen, your feelings of fear will be out of control and just feed on itself. If you don't get that under control it could ruin your spiritual journey or maybe that is you journey. Be open and have faith.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
As others have noted, while you may be walking by yourself you are never alone...the Camino villages have been providing hospitality for over 1000 years and want you to have a deep and meaningful experience. If you're journaling/blogging you will delight yourself as you discover yourself. I walked in September/October 2015, and I had over-planned. All you really need is an open mind and heart, and your fears will fall away. And, just to make a point....have a few Euros in your pocket, and if you get somewhere and are tired, don't want to walk any more and the Alberge is 'completo' (full) just get a cab to the next village. It never happened to me, just sayin' Buen Camino. David in Nova ScotiaSo I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
I had the very same feeling that was April, I start my second camino this year on Tuesday 13th September, guess what same feelingSo I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
You will discover your reason for walking the Camino as you are walking the Camino.So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
This helps. I'm leaving for my Camino in two days. Glad I checked-in.Smile. Take a few deep breaths. And surrender to the fact you are about to embark on an adventure of a lifetime. You’ll be fine.
I hope you have adjusted by now! Sorry. Just seeing your post. But I don't leave until late May and every once in awhile I catch myself saying "Am I really doing this? haha"So I leave for France tomorrow to start my Camino on September 9 and I'm suddenly feeling overwhelmed with fear. I was excited yesterday but now I can't answer why I am doing this and am feeling dread. Has anyone experienced this before leaving? I realize I'm headed into the total unknown, which was appealing up until now.
you are tough Canuck Elle.. at times things will be tough on the camino , but it all get better in the end. Wishing you happy journey.Hey everyone! Thanks for all the support and encouragement! Your replies meant a great deal. I’ll reply in more detail but I wanted to give a quick update. I’m now walking the Camino!! I’m currently in Viana on the way to Logroño. Things are going well. I won’t say it’s easy but it’s beautiful and I’m glad I made it.
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