Perks on Earth

365 days ago, after nearly 400km, numerous blisters, and an enormous accumulation of beautiful people and memories, I arrived to the lighthouse of Finisterre. The end of my Camino journey. Two weeks since leaving the bustling streets of Porto, across the Portuguese Spanish border, through the famed Santiago de Compostela, and then across the mountains and at last, arriving at the vast ocean. The end of the Earth once believed, and the content peace of completing something I had long dreamt.

The Camino was a journey unlike any I had any experienced before, and one which I had little idea of what lay ahead. I had wanted to walk the Camino since I can remember, having grown up hearing the stories of my dear friend, Gabrielle’s, mum, who spent consecutive summer breaks exploring different routes and ways of the Camino. Not the usual dream holiday for a 12-year-old, but after 10 years of dreaming, stars aligned, and I found myself searching for the yellow arrows. At 6am on a cold morning in late May 2022, I began my journey, weaving through streets with my bag firmly on my back, hunting down yellow arrows which would lead me, two weeks later, to the ocean.

When walking the Camino, you meet many wonderful and diverse pilgrims. Each and every person with their own story, their own hopes and dreams, and their own Camino journey. To ask “why are you doing the Camino” is a beautiful and open question which is shared every day; on the way, in the auberges, and over the pilgrims’ meals. It was a question which allowed two people to grow a personal and spiritual connection of likeness, or one which lead on in a series of further questions. For me, the latter was initially true. I did not know exactly WHY I was there. But I knew I was there for a reason, I just had to figure out what that was. When in Redondela, our path led us to walk beside a German couple who were on their ninth Camino. Exchanging stories, advice, and the sentiment that this would certainly not be my last Camino, the words “why are you walking the Camino?” were iterated. The woman kindly said, “on your first Camino, your reason for walking, will be discovered while you are walking”. This proved to be infinitely true for me personally.

In May of last year, I had just completed my degree, and found myself in a space where my future seemed both exciting and impossible. Where I would go, what I would do, and my ultimate purpose was, where all questions that I found floating in my mind late at night. My own goal, my purpose and place, has always been to use the gifts and tools life has given me to help others, to give back in a sense. But, this purpose has been one that has at times seemed like a massive mountain to conquer. The Camino, in 14 beautiful days, taught me that I CAN. I can take my time, I can enjoy the small things, and ultimately, I can do anything I set my mind to. My own path is dependant on only one thing, and that is myself. As I arrived in Finisterre, I wept at this realisation. With youth and ambition on my side, the world was well and truly my oyster.

I realise these are all extremely personal emotions to share, and they are rooted in the privileged ability to be able to have those thoughts in the first place. But in these words, I find empowerment, and I remember the strength of my realisation on those rocks a year ago. The acknowledgment that I; body, mind, and soul, was capable and worthy of creating my own journey and path.

In the 12 months since that day, my life seems both mirrored, and completely different. I have slowed. Allowed myself to see the world at my own pace, broadened my horizons, and started a new journey. I am now sitting on the veranda at Moorabinda, the beautiful home of my Australian family. I am living in a country I have long dreamt of coming to, surrounded by beautiful friends and family, working in a job that is opening my eyes to so much that I am passionate about, my dream job in many ways. I am constantly learning, trying new things, meeting new people, and exploring who I am. Today, after weeks of changes and challenges, I feel that overwhelming sense; I can. I can narrate my own path as I wish, and I can figure out how to overcome things which at times seem impossible. I feel peaceful and content, and ultimately, I feel able and excited.

A lot can change in a year. People and places come and go, and life constantly throws you curveballs and challenges. I have no doubt the next year will do the same, and the years to follow on from that. For now, in this moment, I am proud of myself for writing, for being present in this very moment, while also putting together the pieces to continue to grow and challenge myself in the coming months. This life is so good and so beautiful, things I am lucky and privileged to reflect on.

‘El Camino’ translates to the ‘the way’. Each and every person’s way is different, each journey is uniquely beautiful. My way has transcended far beyond the paths of the Camino from Porto to Finisterre, but that way has infinitely influenced my way today. For that, I am grateful.