“Writing the hard thing will require a great deal more of you than had you taken a safer route, but once you’ve committed to it and bled all over the page, you’ll find it was worth the effort.”– Kelly Fig Smith, “Writing Down the Hard Stuff”
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While this quote seems a bit dramatic, I must admit that I’ve written and rejected at least six posts describing the events that took place in the wake of my pilgrimage. When we last saw our heroine, she was flying home from Dublin.
Though I want to explain what happened next, I keep not finding adequate words.
What I do know is this: the physical pilgrimage was only half the journey. The other half unfolded over the year(ish) that followed. In a few short months, I went from the highest spiritual high to a deep low. Ultimately, I found my way through. It was worth the effort.
So I wanted you to know that I am writing the hard thing. But I also want to write it well. The story will continue soon.
Yours cheer of courage! and animo! are welcome. Also chocolate.
Jen's Journey - Camino de Santiago 2013, 2016, & 2019 
It is extremely courageous to open your soul to the world. This I know, brave heart.
Rebecca, thank you. This means so much to me. I sure hope you and I get to talk when you get back. ❤
Always chocolate!!
It’s not called “food of the gods” for nothing! 🙂
I’m intrigued – you hear so much about the benefits of the camino and not the down side. I understand the walking will come with good and tough times. I don’t need to experience to know that. But what happens in the end? After your goal… … its such an unknown…. keep writing… that’s all you can do, even if you don’t show it to us… just keep writing… 🙂
Thanks so much, Dina. I wouldn’t say that the Camino has a “downside” per se (well, besides bedbugs and snoring), but what I’ve learned is that the hero’s journey (a story of transformation) requires deep questioning of What Is when the journey is over.
By contrast, many experts say that you overcome the blues by just planning your next hike, your next trip… but I sensed that wouldn’t work for me. So I went through — and came out transformed. I know I’ll find the words. Your encouragement means so much to me.
Here goes nothing! 🙂
🙂 I’m about to head off myself… will be there in about a week or so… I’m looking forward to that post if and when it goes live….
I’d love to hear from you when you’re back, Dina! ❤
Jen, you are so brave. 💕
YOU started it, Carol! 🙂 I would never have gone on the journey in the first place without your wisdom and brave example. <3<3
cheering you on and sending virtual chocolate!
Thanks, Gayle! ❤
Jen, I have so enjoyed your posts; your thoughtfulness, heart, vulnerability bared, the joy, the fragility, lots of courage coming forth in fine-tuned articulation! While my journey afterwards was different, your exploration has brought up so much for me to ponder, even 7 years later. I keep having to go on silent retreats to process it all!! You are blossoming into a very effective, talented writer and wise person beyond your years. I look forward to more wonderful insights, self discovery and sharing as it next appears, with all your verbal verve!! Much love, Aunt Elaine
I’m all grins! Thank you so much, Elaine. Especially for being part of the inspiration. Love back atcha.
I’d send chocolate if I could 🙂
And encouragement, and support, and love
Alison
Chocolate I can buy. The rest is priceless—and I thank you. ❤
I do admire you for “writing the hard thing”. I have been writing it myself but have not found the willingness to throw caution to the wind and actually expose it to the world at large. I just wrote to a Camino friend that sometimes I find the discrepancy between my “public” face and “private” one to be taxing. Mom and Dad always said, “don’t air your dirty laundry” but that always felt like keeping secrets.
Anyway, thank you for your authenticity, determination, and perseverance. I am glad we have come into one another’s lives.