The First Step
The First Step
The First Step
We were very much alike. He was a man of few words, but his presence felt even without saying a thing. "Everything is figureoutable" and "Whatever you do in life, do it your best" were his lessons throughout my childhood. In my father's sudden passing a few years ago, I lost a part of myself. My whole body, a heavy quicksand, slowly sinking deep. The veils of my suffering hid a complex web of feelings—sorrow, anger, fear, hopelessness, worthlessness, shame—laid one upon another. It was a slow progression to a cycle of burnout, chronic pain, and toil of emotions. I had to continually pull myself back up—put a mask on my face to show up to work, to family, to friends. As I grappled with the void, a newfound determination started to grow within me. In the fall of 2023, I felt compelled to embark on my most transformative journey yet. It's incredible how walking 500 miles across the road to Camino de Santiago in Spain can affect your life in many ways. It certainly changed mine. I had never before traversed long distances over varied terrain—through mountains, ancient villages, and historical cities. But once I did, I understood the tremendous effects of walking on one's body, mind, and spirit. The rhythm of walking soothed my muddled mind. It allowed me to process my emotions, release limiting beliefs, and, most importantly, cultivate love and forgiveness. I found comfort in understanding that we transcend it in stillness, slowing down, and connecting with our hearts. Each day, my mind toughened like the calluses under my feet. I walked with a newfound sense of strength and purpose. Walking more upright, grounded, yet treading lightly. Despite the challenges of carrying a heavy pack, sciatica pain shooting down my right leg, and walking several miles day after day in unpredictable weather—I felt a sense of peace, freedom, and immense gratitude for life. In the quiet cadence of my footsteps, I found no path of being lost. Life is forever in motion, advancing against the sting of losses while we embrace life's wondrous charm. Life also has a knack for pulling the rug out from under us. I've accepted that it's not personal. We all get to face obstacles at some point or in some way. I've learned I had to endure the burn to perceive light in darkness and solace in the endless cycle of departing and arriving. Walking reminded me that each step is essential and that true healing is a journey. When we take the time to slow down and reflect—we grow. When we understand ourselves, we develop compassion for ourselves and others, create meaningful relationships, and unveil the boundless horizons of our potential. If you are out there trying to heal yourself physically, emotionally, or spiritually—walk. Walk every day. Walking is innate in us, and most can easily do it. I'm not saying you have to walk long distances like I did, but gift yourself that time. Even if it's not walking, whatever your way is, give yourself what your whole being needs. Commit to yourself and trust in your strength and resilience. Take that first step.
We were very much alike. He was a man of few words, but his presence felt even without saying a thing. "Everything is figureoutable" and "Whatever you do in life, do it your best" were his lessons throughout my childhood. In my father's sudden passing a few years ago, I lost a part of myself. My whole body, a heavy quicksand, slowly sinking deep. The veils of my suffering hid a complex web of feelings—sorrow, anger, fear, hopelessness, worthlessness, shame—laid one upon another. It was a slow progression to a cycle of burnout, chronic pain, and toil of emotions. I had to continually pull myself back up—put a mask on my face to show up to work, to family, to friends. As I grappled with the void, a newfound determination started to grow within me. In the fall of 2023, I felt compelled to embark on my most transformative journey yet. It's incredible how walking 500 miles across the road to Camino de Santiago in Spain can affect your life in many ways. It certainly changed mine. I had never before traversed long distances over varied terrain—through mountains, ancient villages, and historical cities. But once I did, I understood the tremendous effects of walking on one's body, mind, and spirit. The rhythm of walking soothed my muddled mind. It allowed me to process my emotions, release limiting beliefs, and, most importantly, cultivate love and forgiveness. I found comfort in understanding that we transcend it in stillness, slowing down, and connecting with our hearts. Each day, my mind toughened like the calluses under my feet. I walked with a newfound sense of strength and purpose. Walking more upright, grounded, yet treading lightly. Despite the challenges of carrying a heavy pack, sciatica pain shooting down my right leg, and walking several miles day after day in unpredictable weather—I felt a sense of peace, freedom, and immense gratitude for life. In the quiet cadence of my footsteps, I found no path of being lost. Life is forever in motion, advancing against the sting of losses while we embrace life's wondrous charm. Life also has a knack for pulling the rug out from under us. I've accepted that it's not personal. We all get to face obstacles at some point or in some way. I've learned I had to endure the burn to perceive light in darkness and solace in the endless cycle of departing and arriving. Walking reminded me that each step is essential and that true healing is a journey. When we take the time to slow down and reflect—we grow. When we understand ourselves, we develop compassion for ourselves and others, create meaningful relationships, and unveil the boundless horizons of our potential. If you are out there trying to heal yourself physically, emotionally, or spiritually—walk. Walk every day. Walking is innate in us, and most can easily do it. I'm not saying you have to walk long distances like I did, but gift yourself that time. Even if it's not walking, whatever your way is, give yourself what your whole being needs. Commit to yourself and trust in your strength and resilience. Take that first step.
We were very much alike. He was a man of few words, but his presence felt even without saying a thing. "Everything is figureoutable" and "Whatever you do in life, do it your best" were his lessons throughout my childhood. In my father's sudden passing a few years ago, I lost a part of myself. My whole body, a heavy quicksand, slowly sinking deep. The veils of my suffering hid a complex web of feelings—sorrow, anger, fear, hopelessness, worthlessness, shame—laid one upon another. It was a slow progression to a cycle of burnout, chronic pain, and toil of emotions. I had to continually pull myself back up—put a mask on my face to show up to work, to family, to friends. As I grappled with the void, a newfound determination started to grow within me. In the fall of 2023, I felt compelled to embark on my most transformative journey yet. It's incredible how walking 500 miles across the road to Camino de Santiago in Spain can affect your life in many ways. It certainly changed mine. I had never before traversed long distances over varied terrain—through mountains, ancient villages, and historical cities. But once I did, I understood the tremendous effects of walking on one's body, mind, and spirit. The rhythm of walking soothed my muddled mind. It allowed me to process my emotions, release limiting beliefs, and, most importantly, cultivate love and forgiveness. I found comfort in understanding that we transcend it in stillness, slowing down, and connecting with our hearts. Each day, my mind toughened like the calluses under my feet. I walked with a newfound sense of strength and purpose. Walking more upright, grounded, yet treading lightly. Despite the challenges of carrying a heavy pack, sciatica pain shooting down my right leg, and walking several miles day after day in unpredictable weather—I felt a sense of peace, freedom, and immense gratitude for life. In the quiet cadence of my footsteps, I found no path of being lost. Life is forever in motion, advancing against the sting of losses while we embrace life's wondrous charm. Life also has a knack for pulling the rug out from under us. I've accepted that it's not personal. We all get to face obstacles at some point or in some way. I've learned I had to endure the burn to perceive light in darkness and solace in the endless cycle of departing and arriving. Walking reminded me that each step is essential and that true healing is a journey. When we take the time to slow down and reflect—we grow. When we understand ourselves, we develop compassion for ourselves and others, create meaningful relationships, and unveil the boundless horizons of our potential. If you are out there trying to heal yourself physically, emotionally, or spiritually—walk. Walk every day. Walking is innate in us, and most can easily do it. I'm not saying you have to walk long distances like I did, but gift yourself that time. Even if it's not walking, whatever your way is, give yourself what your whole being needs. Commit to yourself and trust in your strength and resilience. Take that first step.