on the path

After a couple of days to acclimate, we started walking on Monday, 11 days, 160 miles to Santiago de Compostela.

In talking with someone before leaving home, they shared their story of traveling with an AA symbol on their backpack, and all the fun and meaningful conversations it prompted along the way. So, I did the same, not at all shy about my recovery, knowing that, too, is a gift of long-term sobriety. (When I shared my plan with a newcomer, she was thinking that AA is something to hide. Not anymore, if it ever was for me). 

So, staying in the moment, literally one foot in front of the other, with the only concern of the day is where and what to eat, following the route markers, As much as I truly love my domestic life of home and hearth, I've been looking forward to this extended, walking retreat. I don't do that often enough - take time away from the daily routines. My spouse and I are conference go-ers, but I'm more thinking of time in nature, with blocks set aside for solitude. Of course, I could do that at home, but there is something to be said for intentionally taking an official break.

As of today no one has noticed or commented on the 12-step patch on my backpack, but I am having conversations with lots of people along the way. Whether English speaking or not we are on the same path.

And as we've read,  "Lack of power, that was our dilemma" as we were caught in the several nations power outage on Monday. It didn't impact us too much (no elevator at the day's hotel) and people were in good humor. We were all in it together, and such an example of not being in control. 

A very soggy walk today, yet another reminder to surrender to the moment (& grateful for all my running and walking in rainy Portland). So, Onward, odat!

Where has powerlessness shown up in your life this week? How do you put one foot in front of the other,  on the easy path or the tougher?