Navigating Anxiety: Preparing for My Third Camino de Santiago

As I sit down to plan my third and fourth Camino journeys, I find myself grappling with a familiar yet unwelcome companion: travel anxiety. Despite flying millions of miles on business travel and my experience walking the Camino, each new adventure brings its own set of challenges and uncertainties that can't help but stir up feelings of trepidation. And this adventure is big -- bigger than anything I've ever done. I'll be living out of my backpack for 75 days. I'm planning to walk over 900 miles, over 2,000,000 steps. I'm launching a new company. Anxiety abounds.

So let's break it down...

Part of my anxiety lies in the fact that I'll be traveling with a friend along the Camino Le Puy in France. While the prospect of companionship is undoubtedly appealing, it also introduces a level of uncertainty into the equation. Walking with a friend means sharing decisions, compromises, and, most importantly, relying on each other's support through the physical and emotional challenges that lie ahead. We're good friends, great friends, and I can only think of two other people that I would be willing to do this with. No need to call them out. They know who they are.

Adding to my unease is the knowledge that booking accommodations in advance is recommended along the Camino Le Puy—a departure from my usual approach. On previous routes, such as the Portuguese Camino, I would often book accommodations on the fly or simply "trust the divine" to provide. But with the prospect of walking in unfamiliar terrain and with a companion alongside, the need for careful planning becomes all too apparent.

Then there's the matter of my responsibilities with Camino Cornerstones. As I walk the Camino Le Puy, my mind will already be racing ahead to the upcoming tour leadership responsibilities on the Frances Route. Balancing the demands of the present with the obligations of the future feels like walking a tightrope, with each step fraught with uncertainty. I wonder how much of the positivity and joy I get from Caminos is due to being present in the moment and not thinking about what's next.

Finally, I'm faced with the prospect of navigating the intricate web of logistics surrounding a wedding in Bordeaux—smack dab in the middle of my Camino journeys—I can't help but feel overwhelmed by the added complexity.

Reflecting on my past Camino experiences only serves to amplify my anxiety. While my first solo journey instilled in me a sense of self-reliance and resourcefulness, my second Camino, accompanied by friends old and new, offered a different kind of camaraderie and connection. Amidst the whirlwind of emotions, there's a quiet reassurance—a confident conviction that, somehow, everything will fall into place. After all, the Camino has a way of unveiling unexpected solutions, of turning chance encounters into cherished memories, and of transforming anxiety into acceptance.

So, as I embark on this journey—both physical and emotional—I choose to embrace the uncertainty, to lean into the discomfort, and to trust in the wisdom of the Camino, and trust the preparation and guidance provided by the Camino Cornerstones training plan. Despite this trust, a James Cameron quote comes to mind.

"Luck is not a factor. Hope is not a strategy. Fear is not an option."

For the next few months, I will be "Getting Ready," by drawing on the tools and techniques offered by Camino Cornerstones. I will be dutifully following a personalized training plan that includes not only physical prescriptions for building strength, endurance and flexibility, but also includes exercises to help me deal with my anxiety.

The essence of the Camino's profound lesson extends far beyond the mere destination attained or the miles traversed; it lies within the very fabric of the journey itself—an intricate tapestry woven with threads of humanity, vulnerability, and growth. It's a journey characterized by its messy, unpredictable nature, where each step forward is a testament to the resilience of the human spirit. Through blistered feet, unexpected detours, and chance encounters, the Camino reveals the beauty found in embracing life's uncertainties and navigating its challenges with grace and fortitude. It teaches us to find solace in the midst of chaos, to uncover strength in moments of vulnerability, and to discover profound connections amidst the vastness of the world. In this journey, every stumble is a lesson, every setback a stepping stone, and every shared moment a reminder of our shared humanity. It's a journey that transcends the physical realm, delving deep into the recesses of the soul, where true transformation and self-discovery await those brave enough to embark upon its path.

Will my shoes hold up... dammit!