The moment I decided to walk alone...
May 26, 2026 1:31 pm
Hi, ,
I’ve been thinking a lot lately about Spain. Not just the winding trails or the quiet villages along the Camino de Santiago… but one specific moment.
The moment I chose to walk alone.
Up until then, I had been depending heavily on my friend Laura. She spoke Spanish. She had walked in Spain before. She knew how things worked. I was trying so hard to keep up with her pace — physically and emotionally. I didn’t want to slow her down. I didn’t want to disappoint her.
But if I’m being honest? I was starting to feel like I was failing.
Failing at the walk.
Failing at the experience.
Failing at being brave.
Laura, who had walked alone before, suggested I take a week and do the same. The idea both thrilled and terrified me.
A country I’d never been to before.
A language I didn’t speak.
Miles of trail ahead of me.
No safety net.
Could I do it?
I wasn’t sure. But I knew I didn’t want to come home with regret.
So I took the first step without her. And it changed everything.
That week alone forced me out of the comfort of leaning on someone else. I had to ask for directions. I had to set my own pace. I had to decide when to stop and when to keep going. I discovered I was stronger than I had given myself credit for.
It’s a strength I brought home with me.
And lately, as I work on this narrative nonfiction project with other women who’ve walked the Camino, I’m remembering how important that week was.
Sometimes the bravest thing we can do is step out from behind someone else’s shadow — even when that someone loves us.
Have you ever had a moment like that?
Where you chose the harder path and surprised yourself?
I’d love to hear about it.
_______________________
A Moment From Spain
It was a cool, misty morning in Spain. The fog was so thick I could only see a few steps ahead, though I knew other pilgrims were walking somewhere beyond it. All I could hear was birdsong and feel the mist on my face. The peace of it settled into me as I kept moving forward. I miss mornings like that.
_______________________
With love,
River 💛
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