When I decided to walk the Camino de Santiago and blog about it, I also wanted to include more personal posts. Up until today I did not really write anything personal, let alone mention my motivations for undertaking this journey. Why not? I guess the answer is simple: I find it difficult and, perhaps, a little frightening to share something that’s so close to me.
The past week, being the last week of the year, I took some time to reflect on all that has happened in 2017. It has been a mix of unusual experiences, big decisions, surprises, frustrations, intense anger, uncontrollable laughter, massive mistakes, little smiles, sorrow, unforgettable moments, personal achievements, confusion and clarity. The year that has come to a conclusion, was marked by the endings of several paths I have travelled in the past. The end of my academic career by obtaining my Master’s degree, the mending of a shattered heart and the long-awaited arrival of my mind here in the Netherlands after my body had already returned from Australia in 2016… to name but a few of those preceding pathways.
However, endings create and encourage space for something entirely new to happen. So 2017 was also full of tiny beginnings, new insights and ideas that still have to grow. You could compare it to the first steps on a trail that, at first glance, looks very promising. Although uncertain where it will lead me, with this somewhat more personal post and in the new year that is waiting to commence, I will continue walking.
Happy New Year!
Love,
