Joy at the Cathedral; Arriving in Santiago de Compostela, Spain June 29, 2014
I sat this past weekend surrounded by love. Some of my dear friends as well as my husband and mom were gathered on my deck and I decided that I wanted to share my compostelas (certificates of completing the camino de santiago - and in my case, I have one for completion, one for the distance I walked, and one for completing my camino during the 800th anniversary year of St. Francis of Assisi's pilgrimage) with them. It was the first time they had been removed from the protective tube I purchased right after I received them in Santiago de Compostela on June 29, 2014.
Together, we relived my experience arriving in Santiago; first to the cathedral, then to the Official Pilgrims Office. As I described to them the experience and emotions I felt upon getting my compostelas, I was emotional again myself. It is comforting to know that I can experience those same emotions over again, and it was achingly beautiful to share my story with ones who love me unconditionally.
I'm feeling grateful this morning that we have the ability to recall our greatest triumphs and be filled with the same sense of purpose, focus and achievement. I need that feeling now. I need to trust in my ability to tackle another challenge, keep my determination and follow through strong. My husband has long taught me and other lucky ones how to 'flip back, flip forward'. By recalling strong, vivid and positive emotions in a past experience, we can apply the strong, purposeful memory of those emotions to the present.
Memories and momentum; it's my mantra for this day.
Love yourselves -
Love each other -
Love y'all.
Kerstin
