Mi Camino, Part C: Why?

Choosing to embark on a trek on El Camino was not taken lightly, though not for the reasons you might think. Rather than hesitating at the time, or the distance, or the sheer determination that must be mustered, I balked at this trip for fear of selfishness. It seemed self-centered to take a solo trip to Europe for the singular purpose of enjoying myself; no churches to be built or clinics to be held or chalkboards to be writ. I did a long bit of soul-searching and hemming & hawing before pulling the trigger on a ticket purchase.

As I physically prepare for a 228 mile journey by foot - squats and lunges and hydrants, as well as clocking 30+ miles on my new boots (while wearing a pack weighted with a large fur blanket and a half-case of canned Fri-Chik) - I realize the greatest challenge will be the preparation mentally.

El Camino is more than a thru-hike. It is a pilgrimage. As such, I am eager and anxious to prepare myself for an environment that encourages change through an entirely new and unfamiliar environment of discomfort. I believe I will receive the greatest benefit from this environment if I go prepared with a list of things I wish to accomplish, sort out, or ponder while my sole requirement of the day is to put one foot in front of the other, again and again and again... and again.

Here's a rudimentary list, because I know if someone else knows about it, I'm more likely to stick to it:

1. Stretch Every Day More than muscle stretching: comfort zone stretching. I will do at least one soul-stretching, discomfiting thing daily.
2. Encontrar Amigos At least 15 photos (average of every other day) with or of new companions, whose life journeys and experiences will be sources for me to enrich my own.
3. The Word Game Daily verses committed to memory, or perhaps longer passages weekly.
4. Activeness to replace Idol-ness Examine my life to find idols that I prioritize over fostering my relationship with God. I will also determine practical ways to address these idols and remove them from my life.
5. eVALUEate Re-evaluate my goals and priorities, and determine which are most a part of the fabric of my being. Assess whether my life practices align with these values. Develop practical ways to improve my goal to value agreement.
6. Five-year Finish Am I running the rat race out of habit, necessity, or laziness? What could or should or would I be doing in 5 years if I allowed myself to dream?
7. Ponder my Purpose Am I living according to my God-given purpose? Am I on the path to what God created me to be? Will I continue to be a clinic PT, or pursue teaching, or leave it all to become a volunteer?

This list is in the brainstorming stage. It is in no particular order, and may be more specifically assigned by week or day in order to help me set more tangible goals.

I am earnestly soliciting any items you would add to the list if you were preparing to take a 3-week walk. Comment below, or message me! 😊