The Camino de Santiago, also known as The Way of Saint James, is a legendary walking trail that stretches from various points in Europe, all leading to Santiago de Compostela, Spain. I had my eye set on this experience for quite some time, but life kept getting in the way.
At the start of 2024, I made a wish list, and almost hesitantly I added "Camino de Santiago?" (yes, with a question mark). I wasn’t sure if life’s commitments and this adventure would align, but sometimes when you put things out into the universe, it answers.
And so, the universe listened. A good friend of mine had organized a group trek, and as luck would have it, someone dropped out at the last minute. I seized the opportunity.
After 4.5 days, 120~ kilometers, countless new faces, and some much-needed "me time," I came away with three key lessons (reminders) that I’d like to share:
1.“What’s Your Story?”
The most common question on the trail wasn’t “Where are you from?” or “What do you do for a living?” but rather, “What’s your story?” It was the go-to question when meeting fellow pilgrims, and it immediately shifted conversations away from the mundane to something far more meaningful.
I met people who were walking to cope with the loss of a loved one, some walking in their memory. I encountered a couple who had made it a yearly tradition, now hiking with their four-month-old baby.
Almost every conversation on the Camino began with that simple, yet profound question. It opens the door for someone to share something deeper, shifting the dynamic from small talk to a life lesson. In fact, I found myself moved to tears more than once from the stories I heard
2. Change Your Routine
As a runner, my instinct is always to hit the ground running, literally. I usually lace up and hit the trails with the intent to explore both the scenery and my own thoughts through running.
But this time, I was with a group, and the focus was on walking. At first, I thought, “Seriously? Me, the runner, just walking?” But soon enough, I realized that walking, especially at a fast pace over several days, can be intense in its own way.
What surprised me most was how much more I noticed while walking—more opportunities for conversation, more moments to soak in nature, more reflection. While I’m still itching to run as I write this, there’s something to be said for breaking your routine and discovering something new in the process.
3. Enjoy the Small Stuff
The past year has been a rollercoaster for me, emotionally and mentally. I often feel like I’m ping-ponging between being overwhelmed by social media and completely disconnecting from it all. And let’s face it, daily life can sometimes feel repetitive and dull.
But this past week reminded me of something simple yet profound: there is real joy in the little things. Sunshine on your face, being outside and active, enjoying a good cup of coffee, a beautiful sunset.
Like fitness, I believe contentment is a muscle we can train, and how we choose to engage with our everyday lives is very much within our control.
Moving forward here are my 2 cents
Many of the lessons I learn in life aren’t direct; they come in parallel, through different experiences. My first Camino de Santiago was a powerful reminder of things I had let slip: the importance of asking deeper questions, the value of breaking routines to discover something new, and the joy found in small, everyday moments. By sharing these reflections, I not only remind myself to embrace these lessons moving forward but also hope to inspire you to look for your own "parallel lessons" along the way.
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