…Another Step More

I’m back after a bit of a hiatus. Rent was due so I had to pull in some extra shifts…you all understand I’m sure. But here I am again and back with new vigor. You see since I began constructing this walk for Action Against Hunger at the beginning of September, I’ve had so many ideas and possibilities come my way. I’ve rearranged my entire life schedule to prepare and plan for this walk. I mean lets face it…1500 miles is a heck of along way to walk, and 4 months living out of pocket with out a job is a long time to spend. I know what needs to be done, I know how to prepare and furthermore I genuinely want to dedicate my time accordingly; but all too often another day passes and I haven’t accomplished my goals. So my next step forward is critical. I need discipline.

“Discipline is the bridge between goals and accomplishment.” (Jim Rohn) I’ve made that little quote into my desktop background in an effort to get my self off the computer, off the couch, and to start working.

So what do I need to do to prepare for this trip? What is it that takes such discipline?

I need to be prepared physically. 1500 miles across flat lands, rolling hills, snow covered mountains, rocky paths, steps up, steps down, stumbles and tumbles, blisters and sore backs, getting lost, doubling back, and all that falls in between is very taxing on your muscles, bones, and joints. It takes energy to move your body, calories from food. That is food that we won’t always have! That is food that a lot of people don’t have. But that is why we’re all here isn’t it!? For now though, I do have that food. In fact I have a pretty nice selection of food. I have the energy it takes to prepare my muscles and bones. I have the time to train as I work mostly nights, and I have the knowledge and the means to train and eat properly with a background in exercise physiology. But I’m lacking something.

I need to be prepared mentally. Luck as I am to be fluent in the most prevalent international language: English. I can’t always assume that every one I speak with will have equal fluency. So I need to learn Italian, French, and Spanish. That means lessons and lessons take time and dedication. Language however will not be my biggest mental challenge. I need to have an idea of where our route will take us, how far we can move in a day, and what to expect culturally to get along. This journey is going to leave a lot to spontaneity and I understand that. In fact I think the easiest way to ruin this whole course (and I mean from now until the finish line) is to plan too much. I need to be like pieces of a puzzle; open as a single piece to all the possibilities of the picture, but fitted together formed into a beautiful scene. And that takes something.

I need to be prepared emotionally. Here I feel is the toughest part. With all the unknown that lays ahead it is difficult and at times seems impossible to keep your self together, but it is necessary. On the days when it’s raining, on the nights when it’s cold, during the days when it’s hot, when I miss a good meal, when I want a soft bed, when I feel like I can’t take another step, or; when I have a good meal, and a nice place to sleep, and I don’t want to leave, when I just feel like giving up and coming home, when that voice in my head tells me I’ve done enough already, when it tells me I’m the one who matters most, when I tell myself I can’t do it, that I don’t want to do it, when I’m scared that I’ll fail, when I think it’s easier to quit; that is when I need something.

DISCIPLINE

A wonder of life, another step more. A photo of El Camino de Santiago.

When I left my mates in Chile I wasn’t prepared in any way. And I lacked that discipline I needed. But after I left the trail I stayed at the NOLS campo for almost 2 weeks and got to work with a peaceful man who was preparing the next class. He was a spiritual guy, a Rasta native to that land who as a youth had himself participated in a NOLS Patagonia course. He taught me two very important lessons. First that every moment is a wonder: in that it is a mystery and a beautiful thing. Second, and in response to that mysterious beauty, we must always take “otro paso más”…another step more.