Yesterday on our Camino Adventure we began our first part of the walking.  It was to be our first day plus our longest day – about 12.5 miles.  Everyone walked the entire way and we mostly had a very good time.  We were walking along the ocean the entire time and even ended up walking across the beach dipping into the ocean at the end.  

We walked most of the time with the sun at our back.  It was a mostly cloudless day, and the Mediterranean sun was penetrating, but not a problem.  For a few years now I’ve been wearing an Apple Watch and counting my steps.  I got nearly 34,000 steps yesterday, and that’s definitely a personal record since I started counting.  

Prior to beginning our trip, we’d heard so many stories of people with terrible blisters from the first day and other difficulties, but even the least fit of us were able to manage all of it with grace.  Two of our party got a little bit off course, but made it just fine.  Most were pleased and happy for the way our day went.  

I brought many supplies on the trip in case we needed them – special bandages, special socks, salves, etc.  I like to be prepared.  I was a Girl Scout and a Girl Scout Leader.  In my family, I was raised to be prepared and I usually am.

However, there’s a big difference between being prepared for what may come, and planning for it to happen.

Ego thoughts will often lead us in the direction of expecting problems and looking for them, anticipating them.  Sometimes we seem to like being a victim. To me, that’s different than being prepared.

Example – if I’m going to take a trip in my car, it’s good to be prepared with gas in the car, directions of how to get where I’m going, etc.

If I find myself starting to prepare for an event I don’t wish to occur I tell myself “don’t plan for what you don’t want.”  I hold in my mind what I would like to occur and keep my focus there.  It’s very helpful.  

The ego identified mind is always feeling like a victim in some way.  When people are feeling very egotistical they will often tell stories of being a victim – and often they’ll tell them no matter how successful or well off they are.  AND when people are feeling like a victim, complaining, it’s a great time to open our compassionate heart to them and help them rather than judge them.  It’s our call to be truly helpful.

A Course in Miracles reminds us that everything is gently planned by one whose only purpose is our good.

Let’s always remember that and find a way to be grateful whenever we can. 

I’ve got several things coming up you may find fun and helpful:

• Finding Freedom From Fear Spiritual Bootcamp based on ACIM principles starts October 16
• Forgiveness Retreat in the NY Catskills November 9 to 12
• Spiritual Counseling Training Intensive in the NY Catskills November 13 to 19
  • If you’re interested in the training, consider coming to the Forgiveness Retreat too to have a MAJOR shift!

Let’s make a quantum leap together.  

If you’d like my help developing a spiritual practice of Self-care that clears out the old patterns of past beliefs in order to move out of the unconscious guilt and punishing yourself, blaming others, living like a victim or a martyr, feeling guilty and ashamed, and into feeling more connected with Spirit, please check out my Finding Freedom From Fear Spiritual Bootcamp class – it’s designed to be a rocket booster for your spiritual journey.

If you feel you’ve been holding yourself back and letting fear decide, this might be your answered prayer! If it’s right for you, you’ll know. Trust your intuition!

Not sure if one of my programs is right for you? You’re invited to schedule a free Exploratory Call with one of our certified spiritual counselors to get your questions answered and see if this program can bring you the results YOU would like!

NEW PODCAST EPISODE! The most recent episode of my podcast’s topic is Peace Instead of Pain. Peace is a choice that we make. Pain is a choice we make whether we can see it or know it or not. We can choose heaven now.