 What are you waiting for? It is time to claim your power!
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 Three simple words that we forget often.
It is true, life around us is under a constant microscope. Our stories change in each moment that passes us by. At some point there were rules created for no reason other than to mix up the scenario. But the bottom line is that you decide your own story. Emotions are diverse representations of your story. So, remember, you can be all the emotions in the same instant, within the same story and still be present to the journey forward. It doesn't define you as weak, broken, crazy or unreliable. It does define you as human. And, honestly, I want to the know the person who is able to feel all of the emotions and stand before me as honest as their breath.  I went for a walk across Spain.
When I began this journey originally it was to walk the entire Camino de Santiago, then due to time and financial constraints I didn’t want to wait any longer and chose to start my walk with the last leg, Sarria to Santiago. I wasn’t sure what I was looking to receive. As I have shared prior, it was at the request of a friend who previously walked THE WAY that I walk this journey. It was always in the back of my mind to accomplish her request, but I don’t think I ever truly understood the ultimate walk until my feet hit the trail in Spain this past month. There was no amount of training, reading or listening to others’ stories to know what this experience was going to mean for me. I just knew it was time. It may seem like just a walk at first glance; a known novelty. I became deeply aware that each person that crossed my path had a reason they were walking; a spiritual pilgrimage, a personal journey or simply searching for meaning in their life. I am reminded by the movie THE WAY when asked, ‘Why are you walking?’ The answer that followed was for the memory of his son. He responds, ‘You don't walk THE WAY for someone.” You only walk it for you, only for you.’ Then he admits that he didn’t know why he was walking it. I felt this in my soul and within each step as I began. As I listened to other pilgrims along the way through the days, I realized early on that my way had not yet been revealed. I knew prayers would accompany me for the steps of my journey, but I would quickly learn to discover THE WAY reveals itself in its own time. As the sun rose each morning, there began a daily ritual; praying, packing, breakfast and the next leg of my journey. I became distinctly aware of the first steps what I would let go of each day and didn’t need to carry in my ‘pack.’ The silence of the morning is sacred; I welcomed it as the day unfolds. There is no need to be connected to a device; there is peace with this knowledge. Each day is different than the next. One moment I am walking with crowds of people; the next not a soul in front or behind me. I find gratitude in both. This is the rhythm of the Camino. There are no two mornings alike. The paths can be unforgiving at times; but their beauty lifts me when exhaustion sets in. The hills seem to be one after the other on the days when my lungs just couldn’t take any more. While blessed with cooler temperatures, two days of rain and trekking through deep mud taught me lessons I never knew I needed to learn. The smell of the eucalyptus forests eased my asthma as I pushed through. Almost always, the day would get easier as I walked, to only come across another hill. I silently asked within, what is the lesson I was to learn with these steps. The answer didn’t always come in the moment, but when it did come a prayer of gratitude would follow. The path provides its unassuming challenges; some walk fast, others slowly and carefully. An occasional runner or biker passes you by and you can’t help but find amazement at all the life around you. I glance up at each person as they pass me by and love to imagine the stories within their steps. As I just started out, a group of young teenagers walk by praying the rosary, it warms my heart. In one small town I step into a lone church and find myself sitting in reverence with two young men pausing for a prayer. Then climbing hill after hill, I paused for just a moment appreciating the beauty all around me in the rolling green hills with soft clouds hovering within the valleys as the day began. Further down the path I hold in prayer an older woman who had to be picked up by an ambulance. It is never taken for granted the gift to experience THE WAY. I discovered early on that I must find my own pace. Two aluminum poles that guide me step by step. When I tried to keep up with others, my asthma would tell me quickly to slow down. There are lessons in the slowing down. I am reminded of my life mantra to listen to my body; it speaks to me what it needs and offers me gifts as I walk. I count my blessings within my steps. Sometimes when I slow down, pilgrims slow down to talk with me and I am blessed with the gift of their stories. Each step I would take, I attempted to ask pilgrims passing what brings them to THE WAY. I listen, each story unique. And in the end as I arrive at our stop, I would see all these pilgrims at the evening rests and meals. ‘Buen Camino’ the greeting that unites all pilgrims on the way. It is a greeting that brings indescribable peace and connection, reminding you that you are never alone on the Camino. You will hear it dozens of times if not more, daily. I walk by churches with the smell of lingering incense, mini shrines on the road for those who died walking THE WAY, family cemeteries, countless farms and homes, markers of the life and death that came and exists along THE WAY. Listening to the beautiful Spanish language more than any other brings a connection to the land that has allowed me to be a part of its existence for just a little bit of time. Church bells ringing echoing through the hills and towns remind me of the faithful who live among the trails. Smells of fireplaces burning, meals cooking; we are guests in their home. My heart was full thinking about the stories that breathe along THE WAY. As an immersion traveler I am excited to eat and drink all the foods of each town; a welcome and grateful guest. I am eager to learn their history and embrace the beautiful people. You can’t always communicate in words, but a simple nod, a smile and a ‘Buen Camino’ connects you to a person from a far-off land. I carry a Pilgrim Credential where I receive a stamp marking my steps from church to church, town to town and homes along the THE WAY. It is the sign that marks your steps when you reach the Cathedral to receive your certificate. There are markers of the infamous yellow shell and arrows that direct you in the right direction. It is your silent guide that connects us all to the path. Pilgrims often attach a shell to their pack marking their spiritual journey. People will place rocks, a prayer card, and a memory on top of the stone markers signifying a prayer they want to leave behind. These are found endlessly from mile to mile. As we walk through countless towns, we find places to stop and savor the country’s delights; cafe con leche with homemade bread and Spanish seafood delicacies, a traditional vegetable soup that soothes your soul, a beautiful red glass of wine with lentils or cheeses of the land, Galician beer which can be just what you need on a hot day as you rest your aching feet before those last few kilometers. I sit in one café resting, amused listening to four women all from different countries united speaking English. When the day arrived where I walked through the streets of Santiago to the Cathedral, I was a mix of emotions. I savored the moment; I embraced the energy of other pilgrims walking into the square and I took the time to find gratitude in the sacred space. In the early morning hours, the following day when the stillness was still present, I visited the Cathedral, St. James, lit my candles and savored the silence in prayers. I knew at that moment my steps were not done. This pilgrimage didn’t look like what I envisioned, but this time has brought me closer to my core and center. It’s brought me to a place within my faith that I hold dear. It didn’t happen all at once and the journey isn’t done now that I am home. The Camino doesn’t end in Spain. You bring it home wherever you are; you bring it back when you continue to walk more of the journey. I undoubtedly will return sooner than later, for my Camino is still alive within my steps. I fondly remember the beautiful pilgrims I met along THE WAY; Ohio, Virginia, California, Chicago, Spain, Italy, Quebec, Australia, New Zealand, Ireland, France and a reminder the world is so much smaller than we realize with the gentleman who hiked the Appalachian Trail and actually visited my tiny town of Damascus. Until the next Camino calls me, Buen Camino!  We are all guilty of denying ourselves presence.
We live in a world where we measure our productivity with lists, goals, and most times unrealistic expectations. Somewhere along the way we lost the gift of pause, presence, and awareness. I was reminded of presence recently as I was walking on the Camino in Spain. I would watch as people would sprint by me and the only thing that came to my mind was their ability to miss the point of the entire journey. Ironically, I hiked at a snail's pace due to my asthma. And every time I would try to keep up with others, I would find myself in physical distress. I would then be forced to take a break and within that precious moment as I found the air returning to my lungs, I looked up and saw the most precious beauty all around me. Presence. Today, I challenge you to stop every so often within your day. Pause. Look around you and find the beauty in presence.  Where do you go often in your mind?
I know for myself there was a time when my mind was my greatest enemy. My thoughts consumed me in the worst way. Our mind is a powerful tool. It can mold the steps we walk and create the story we want to write. But too often we are our own worst enemy. What if we saw our mind as the place that could heal our wounds? What if we embraced our mind to inspire our innermost desire? You control your destiny. How will you take the first step?
This all began in 2004 when my dear friend walked the Camino de Santiago in Spain. Mary passed away in 2013 from cancer. She was an incredible, faithful woman. When we met, I was not well, deep within my eating disorder. We connected over our gift of faith and devotion that we both shared. We built a treasured friendship, endless conversations that I hold dear, and I honestly do not think I would be alive without her unfailing support. She was one of the few that refused to give up on me when I wanted to give up daily. During her last weeks of her life before she passed after the most vicious fight, she asked me to come to her bedside as I had done often. She told me that she wanted me to walk the Camino de Santiago in her name after she was gone. She knew the blessing within the journey and wanted me to find the light within it for my life among those precious steps. I agreed wanting to bring her peace, not really thinking it through at the time. I had two small babies and just steps away from being on my own. Fast forward to October 2020, I finally decided to walk it for my 50th birthday. I trained, prepared, and saved. But covid had other plans; I was devastated. Someone shared with me a virtual Camino pilgrimage during lockdown, and I decided to accept the challenge. I was not going to let the moment pass. I walked the length on the trails of Southwest Virginia. It was not the same, but I held its meaning. From that moment life just kept challenging me from one thing to the next, raising two children alone; I thought it was never going to happen. Since that time so many were inspired by my story to walk their own pilgrimages. I thought my day was never going to come until I decided it was time. I first thought of leading a pilgrimage as I have done to Israel and Lourdes for young adults. But then a friend reminded me that I did not need a reason to do something for myself; I could simply walk it for me. That hit hard. So, I poured everything I had left into the pilgrimage and started training. Life has been challenging me in my work, personal mindset and even faith changing in endless ways lately. I have one child in college and the other a senior in high school; as a single mom, I knew I needed this moment. The future is filled with even more changes in the next year that are life defining. I feel a call to really ‘come home to myself’ and my faith in ways I have been neglecting. It is time to walk. Buen Camino! (* Follow along! )  Healing happens in circles....I love this thought process so much! We are always coming back to lessons learned in life. There is never an end point. When you accept this unique gift, your life will be fuller open to the possibilities from the lessons. Consider it.
 I think about this often.
Many do not allow themselves to witness Grace. Life is black or white; mapped out and planned. We live in a world that is non-stop to the point that we are missing moments of beauty daily. When was the last time you woke early to watch the sunrise? Do you ever consider rising 30 minutes early to take a walk around the neighborhood as the birds are waking and the serene calm consumes you? When you get off of work with the day's stress on your shoulders do you pick up your device to scrolling doom? When the night falls are you in front of the television zoning out? There are times when we need those comforts; but allowing for Grace is important. Balance is key. When we feed all parts of our minds and souls, we are able to allow for the Grace which holds hidden gifts. Just for today, try something different. Allow for Grace.  Nature has been my saving grace for as long as I can remember.
How do you dance with nature?  How do you view your brokenness?
Every human being walks with wounds that aren't always visible. Those broken pieces create the beauty and road map that finds them exactly where they are meant to be. Do you see your beauty?  There is so much more to a person than the body they are living in. When we lock ourselves into the ideas or beliefs of an unrealistic society's opinion, we are missing the depth of who we have the ability to become.
 Look for the wildflowers in your life...
 It took me falling down multiples times for me to realize the gift within what we call a failure; a struggle.
We live in a world where it is presumed that failure defines us. People are not challenging themselves to dive deeper into the definition of failure. They simply assume the title and close the door. Personally, I learned to love failure. Yes, you heard that correctly. Failure brings awareness to my imperfections; awareness allows me to grow, learn and live more fully. Shame is a wasted emotion. When you wake up in the morning there is no guarantee you will have an unrealistically perfect day. How about committing to the day with an excitement to grow from your experiences. I promise you, you will live a richer life in doing so and the people in your life will be of quality not quantity. I am always humbled when someone takes the time to review my books. I write them for people to receive the gift that is meant for them. I hope you can find something for you in one of my books today!   My latte. Perspective. What do you see?
I was having a coffee meeting a couple of months ago and decided to treat myself to a latte rather than a simple cup of coffee. Life is all consuming and I needed a little self-care. Little did I know it was going to hold a message I needed to embrace. I took a photo at first as it was so lovely; a little love we all need, right? But when I finished, I noticed the love remained and felt the need to take another photo. I knew it meant more than I could take in right at that moment, so I put it in my file and thought I would come back to it. As the months passed, I came back to the two photos over and over. The depth of meaning is not linear. The number of stories and perspectives I could write are countless. That is the beauty. Every perspective, every path we take or every moment we face all can have a different story; a different wisdom to offer us. It is all how you look at a situation. One can easily look at this photo and find the negativity such as the latte is finished, or they can see the love that it began with and remember that is up to oneself to end with love as well. What perspective do you want to see when you are faced with a choice? What perspective is going to feed your journey, rather than take away from it?  Do you think about what you are leaving behind on your journey?
I often find if I ask myself this question it can help me evaluate how I am walking through life. We can get so self-absorbed in our days and focus on what we want to get out of life, that we forget what we are leaving behind. How are you being of service? How are you living the values you claim to believe in? How are you being love to another? While we want to believe our lives are solely our own; that our choices we make only affect our path, it is not the truth. Every step we walk leaves a footprint on someone else's heart. Live with purpose. Live with meaningful choices. Live wanting your heart to be tired from caring so much about the life around you. In the end, let your life mirror your heart.  We are all rough drafts of the people we are becoming. At a certain point in our lives, we begin to ask ourselves who we are. Who do we want to be? What will our path look like forward? I know I put too much weight on these questions in my younger years, and it took me down a very dark road. What I have learned walking through the challenges of self-discovery is that we are always becoming. Read that again. We are always becoming. When you walk through your life with this, it allows us to not crush our dreams in despair when we do not see our path unfolding the way we may have predicted. When you remind yourself that you are always becoming, it allows you to say 'yes' more to the unknown. It encourages you to 'yes' to the adventures that you may have thought too out of character for your typical pattern. It allows you to be brave. What if we awoke each day with this idea that we are always becoming? Imagine the possibilities that could unfold. You are stepping foot onto your path each day you wake up. Where do you want those steps to take you? Do not close the door at the end of day before you take the time to unfold what is on the other side.  Do you know your value?
We often walk through life listening to people outside of ourselves regarding our own journey. We look to others' to measure our worth. When did we stop trusting ourselves? Consider your value today. Know your worth. Proceed on the path accordingly.  It seems like such a simple action, but far too many moments pass in our lives when we stop ourselves in our steps silently. We conform to what is being asked of us. We conform to what is responsible and practical. What if we asked the question we are conditioned to not ask?
What do I want? Will the walls come tumbling down around you or will you find a light in the right direction in the previous tangled web that you call your life? Do you find yourself struggling in your path? Do you feel stuck? Are constantly circling back to places you already have been thinking you could fix it to feel right? Maybe, just maybe, something is trying to tell you that wasn't meant for you. Maybe, what is being asked of you needs you to pause and really hear the difference. So, today, I want you to pause, ask and listen. Three simple words. Don't make them complex. Don't analyze them. Don't doubt their power.  I heard something recently that really hit home. I am paraphrasing, but it was a about hope. Hope at the end of the day is all we have on the road. Now, if you have been through these pages and writings of mine, you know I believe there is so much more; faith, love, determination, passion and so on. But, this simple idea caught my ear. What if we did fall asleep every night holding hope? What if we chose hope to be our guide alongside all the other things? What if we embraced hope the same way we allowed failure to encompass us? So, for this day, this night and every one after, I challenge you to sleep holding hope for what is to come. Don't be surprised by what will follow; take it and soar in all that you dream!  You have heard this before, but did you really listen?
It is human nature. The world around us is always shouting at us and our instinct is to offer an opinion, think we have the solution to everyone else's problem and put our body in others' journey. What would happen if you stayed in your own energy? What if we lived our life in a way that someone wanted to mirror it, instead of shouting at it, 'this is how you should live?' Understand the difference. Living as a mirror is living with no intended message other than your own story. Living as a way of 'showing' others how you should live is living with motive and ego. Our presence in this world says everything to anyone looking within. How do you want to leave this world and your footprint? Stay in your own energy and the right people will find you and the path that is meant for your steps.  Andrea's Post-It Affirmation Project I have written and talked endlessly about affirmations. There are so many different ways we can do so! Leave post-it affirmations, a personal favorite, to simply complimenting a stranger or friend for no other reason than to be kind. I guarantee it changes the lives of the receiver. It only takes one affirmation and one person to make difference.
Will you try it today? |
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