How the Camino de Santiago Helped Me Find Courage and Kindness
Why I Walked the Camino
Like many pilgrims, I came to the Camino at a crossroads in my life.
I wanted time to think, to reflect, and to reconnect with what truly mattered.
I was also celebrating two big milestones: my 60th birthday and my 40th wedding anniversary. My husband and I decided to take on this adventure together, using it as a chance to celebrate our marriage while also exploring something entirely new.
The Camino seemed like the perfect way to mark this season of life, a blend of travel, challenge, and spiritual growth.
Cattails along the camino de Santiago
Courage: Facing the Unknown
The first lesson the Camino taught me was courage.
When we started in St. Jean Pied de Port, staring up at the Pyrenees Mountains, I felt overwhelmed. Could I really do this? Could my body handle day after day of walking with a backpack through mountains, plains, and forests?
I was also nervous about navigating a foreign country, speaking limited Spanish, and sleeping in communal hostels filled with strangers.
But here’s what I learned: courage isn’t the absence of fear. It’s choosing to move forward despite it.
Each day, I faced new challenges:
Crossing steep mountain passes.
Walking 15 to 20 miles with tired legs and aching feet.
Navigating unfamiliar towns and trails.
Asking for help when I didn’t know the language.
And every time I pushed through, my confidence grew.
By the time we reached the halfway point in Burgos, I realized I was stronger than I had ever given myself credit for.
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One early morning, we watched the sun begin to rise, and wow! what a beautiful sight.
Kindness: The Heart of the Camino
While courage helped me face my own fears, kindness was what made the journey beautiful.
From the very first day, I was struck by the generosity of others.
A local cafe owner yelled directions to us when we were heading the wrong way.
A pharmacist cleaned and bandaged my foot when I had an enormous blister.
A woman at a laundry mat helped us with our laundry, even when we spoke different languages.
These moments reminded me that kindness often comes in small, quiet gestures-and that they can mean everything when you’re tired, sore, and far from home.
I also discovered the importance of extending kindness to myself. On days when my body hurt or my emotions felt raw, I learned to be gentle with myself instead of pushing too hard.
Related post: How to Connect With Fellow Pilgrims on the Camino Journey
Stories That Touched My Heart
The Camino is filled with stories, and many of them are about connection.
One evening, my husband and I walked into a tiny village and met a group of pilgrims from five different countries. We all sat around a long wooden table, sharing a simple meal of bread, cheese, and wine.
Despite our different languages and backgrounds, we laughed, swapped stories, and encouraged one another.
It felt like family-a global family built on shared experience and mutual care.
Moments like that reminded me of the simple truth that kindness is universal.
Related post:10 Inspiring Camino Stories That Will Make You Want to Walk
A beautiful mountain top sunset.
Lessons I Carried Home
By the time we reached Santiago de Compostela, I felt like a different person.
The Camino didn’t just give me beautiful memories-it gave me tools I now use in everyday life.
Here are the three biggest lessons I carried home:
1. Courage Comes From Action
You don’t have to feel brave to start. Just take the first step. Courage grows as you move forward, even in uncertainty.
2. Small Acts of Kindness Matter
A smile, a helping hand, or a kind word can transform someone’s day. You never know how deeply a small gesture will be felt.
3. Simplicity Brings Clarity
Living out of a backpack taught me that I don’t need much to be happy. Fewer distractions mean more room for what really matters.
Related post:Lessons Learned From 500 Miles on the Camino Francés: My Journey of Growth
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Mud houses along the Camino
Practical Tips for Walking Your Own Camino
If you’re feeling inspired to take this journey, here are some practical tips:
Train in advance: Start walking several miles a day, adding hills and weight gradually.
Pack light: Your backpack should weigh no more than 10% of your body weight.
Prepare for blisters: Good socks and proper foot care are essential.
Learn basic Spanish phrases: A little effort goes a long way with locals.
Be open to the unexpected: The best moments often come when plans change.
For more guidance, check out my detailed post: Essential Camino Gear You Shouldn’t Leave Home Without.
Why Courage and Kindness Matter Beyond the Camino
The Camino might end when you stop walking, but its lessons continue.
Back home, I’ve found myself:
Speaking up with more confidence.
Being gentler with myself on hard days.
Offering kindness more freely, even to strangers.
The courage I built on the trail helps me face everyday challenges, while the kindness I experienced inspires me to pay it forward.
Conclusion: A Journey That Changes You
Walking the Camino de Santiago was one of the most meaningful experiences of my life.
It taught me that true strength isn’t just about physical endurance-it’s about having the courage to keep going when things get tough and the kindness to support others along the way.
If you’re considering walking the Camino, know this:
You’ll come home with more than just memories.
You’ll come home with a deeper sense of yourself and a heart forever changed by the journey.
For more inspiration and practical tips to start your pilgrimage, continue to explore The Camino Chronicles and follow @Camino.Chronicles
Buen Camino, my friend!
Renae