Blog #528: Now…the Rest of the Story

If you’ve read me long…
you know I’ve walked across several countries.

I’m at eight.

None of them have been cakewalks…but my most recent walk in 2021 was extra hard for me to even get to the starting line.

I’m now brave enough to tell the rest of the story.

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Like millions of others (maybe even you)…

The last couple of years have really tested my fortitude. When the bad health bug hit the world, it hit me hard, too. My energy was 90% wiped out for months. What did find a surge of passionate energy, however, was my desire to put food into my mouth.

In June 2021, my weight skyrocketed to 197.5…20+ pounds more than my norm. A visit to the doctor for one issue turned into a worried lecture from the doc on a different issue: “Your blood pressure is a huge concern.”

It was a serious crapola moment.
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When…

I came home from that doc visit I felt a HUGE “Wake-up!” in my soul.
The “PG” version of my not-so-kind thoughts went something like this:

“You’re blowin’ it! Get your health together! Get YOU together!”

I hurt my own feelings with my little self-talk…but it was necessary. When it comes to ME talking to ME…I don’t buy into my own lame excuses.

It was June 16, 2021.

That was my crashing point.
That was my UNcrashing point, too.
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Goals.

My success has always started with me knowing exactly what I wanted…
and then going for it with every fiber in my soul.

SEE what you want.
DO what you see.

My goal machine needed to get to work.
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Health wise…

I was struggling x 2, but still, I started looking at long-distance hikes.
I needed the BIG goal to inspire and create the BIG change.

As for where to hike?

I kept coming back to a trail that had previously scared me even when I WAS feeling healthy: Spain’s rugged 200-mile Camino de Primitivo.

THAT would be the one I’d walk.

I took out a calendar.
My heart got stuck on July 2021.

In 40 days…
I was going to get my ass to Spain…and walk.

To get ready…
my main focus during every waking hour centered around HEALTH.
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July 24th arrived.

Before boarding my Spain-bound plane, I’d found the heart, discipline and accountability to lose 15 pounds, grow my energy and change my mindset. My head (definitely!) and my body (mostly) were prepared to lace on my sneakers, lift a 25-pound backpack over my shoulders and walk the Primitivo.

And I did.
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It’s been nine months since my crash/UNcrash moment.

Since then, I’m keeping my weight where I want it, exercising 2x a day, drinking 100+ ounces of water a day and not eating late-night pasta just because it comforts my occasional whiny inner voice. I still have days I struggle, but my energy is far, FAR greater.

And my goal engine is cranked up again.

This summer I’m walking coast-to-coast across my 9th country.

Scotland.
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Sometimes we crash.

And when we do, it helps mightily to realize:
“I’ve crashed myself!”

And after realizing that mind-opening truth, it’s empowering to also know:
“I can UNcrash myself.”

BOTH are life-changing to remember.