Camino

I thought I was going on a grief pilgrimage so that I could process the loss of my mother and husband two weeks apart last year. But what I found was anything but that. I reconnected with parts of myself that I didn't know I'd disconnected from and learned the following:

1. I learned that being in nature will always help me connect with a higher power.  

2. I learned that grief isn't something you get over, go through or process. Grief is to be integrated, because it's actually a gift when you can see beyond the hurt. You were loved by and loved someone on such a deep level that they are forever part of the tapestry that is your life. Now I would never say that to someone in the early phases of grief or who is having a tough time because grief isn't just one thing and I know that my experience may not be typical. But, the Camino helped me right size this mysterious thing called grief in a way that I am so grateful for.  

3. I learned and was reminded of what a BADASS I truly am. My shoes will be going in a shadow box in my office to remind me when I doubt myself.

4. Lastly and probably most importantly, I learned to Trust The Process and Release. Letting go of control is scary but in letting go is where the freedom to be present lies.