Day 3: My First Camino Lesson

Three days in, and the Camino has already taught me something I wasn't expecting to learn.

I've been so focused on getting there—wherever "there" is each day—that I've missed everything in between. How many miles left? What time will I arrive? My mind stays fixed on the destination while my feet carry me through Spain.

It hit me today: I've forgotten to enjoy the journey. I'm walking one of the world's great pilgrimage routes and spending it calculating distance instead of being present.

So I'm making a change. From now on, I'm going to savor each minute, pay attention to my surroundings, and immerse myself in the present moment.

My first Camino lesson, learned the hard way.