This is long (Not required reading…!)Today, I walk as far as my body is well enough to safely carry me.
I’ve decided not to get a Compostela in Santiago. Yes, I will finish my Camino in Santiago, and I will have someone take a photo of me in the usual celebratory pose, and I will have my Pilgrim passport with all those wonderful sellos (stamps) gathered as I walked across Spain.
This was becoming “not fun”. A chore. An assignment to be completed on time with the requirements checked off. And then, stand in line, take a number, wait a day or two for that pretty piece of paper.
I’ve asked myself, “Why?” To prove I walked? To whom? And why would I feel the need? Is it a pretty momento? I have my sellos. Which file cabinet do I stick it in for my family to deal with after I’m gone?
I’m still sick. I pushed myself to the point of concern to finish yesterday’s stage. At some point during a very steep descent, I realized my body was too fatigued to do this safely. One “uncaught” stumble and it could have been very bad.
I want to appreciate the beauty and the people and not be focused on kilometers and requirements.
Today, I go to the Farmacia to get my cough medicine refilled; I continue taking the antibiotics. I go to the pilgrim office for an additional pilgrim passport because I’m running out of spaces for sellos.
Today, I walk as far as my body is well enough to safely carry me.
Today, I take back my Camino. I’m excited again.