Camino de Santiago Ep.18: I DID IT! I Hiked Nearly 500 Miles with Anxiety and FND. The FINALE!

In the captivating final episode of my Camino de Santiago series, join me as I confront the ultimate test of resilience and determination. So far, I've faced terrible weather, illness, anxiety, FND symptoms, panic attacks, loneliness, discomfort, pain, and also, pure joy. In the final episode of my journey on the Camino Frances, I share the culmination of my transformative pilgrimage. Battling against the forces of nature, I faced a flood, leaving me soaked to the bone and emotionally raw. As I navigated through the aftermath, grappling with wet clothing and the bittersweet reality of endings, I found solace in the beauty of new beginnings. Through these challenges, I discovered a newfound understanding of my capabilities and the strength that lies within. Join me on this poignant and unforgettable conclusion to my Camino journey, as I reflect on the lessons learned and embrace the profound impact of this life-changing experience.
🌍 About the Journey:
This video documents my trek along the iconic Camino de Santiago, celebrated for its spiritual significance and breathtaking landscapes. With FND and anxiety as constant companions, I embark on this pilgrimage, navigating both physical and mental hurdles. "Ultreia," a pilgrim's term urging one to go further, resonates deeply, especially as I embark on my second attempt at this transformative pilgrimage. "Suseia" would be the second term used historically by pilgrims. It means to go higher, which is what I am challenging every one of you, and myself, to continue to do. Do what you think you are capable of, and then do more. Go further. Go higher.
📽️Other Camino Videos:
• Camino de Santiago
🏨 Where I stayed (and enjoyed) along the entire Camino:
Real Colegiata de Santa María de Roncesvalles
Hostal-Albergue-Haizea, Espinal
Albergue Aca Y Allá, Urdaniz (Absolutely LOVE)
Albergue Lorca and the one across the street are both great.
Bar el Cantero in Mañeru (where I ate paella)
Villamayor de Monjardín Hostel
Palacio de Sansol (Sansol/Torres del Rio)
Albergue La Casa del Peregrino Angel in Navarette
Albergue de Peregrinos "Nido de Cigüeña" in Najera (private room)
Casa Victoria in Cirueña
Albergue Bideluze in Castildelgado
Hostel La Plazeula Verde in Atapuerca
A Cien Leguas, Castrojeriz. Foot-pool place.
En El Camino, Boadilla del Camino. Pool place with nudie art.
Albergue Municipal Villalcazar de Sirga, simple albergue ran by Order of Malta.
Albergue Camino Real, Calzadilla de la Cueza, has a pool.
Albergue de la Santa Cruz (the nunnery?), private room, Sahagun
La Pension de Blanca, private room in Mansilla de las Mulas
Zentric Hotel, León
Albergue La Huella, San Martin del Camino
Albergue MyWAY, Astorga
Albergue la Senda, Rabanal del Camino
Albergue Compostela, Molinaseca
Hostel le Gallega, Cacabelos
Albergue El Paso, Vega de Valcarce
Albergue A Reboleira, Fonfria
Albergue Milpés, lovely ambiance! Ribadiso
Albergue Cruceiro, with the sauna! O Pino/ O Pedrouzo
Albergue SCQ, so hospitable! Santiago de Compostela
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Thank you for being a part of this meaningful expedition. Let's walk together, step by step, towards strength, healing, and empowerment.
#caminodesantiago #functionalneurologicaldisorder #livingwithanxiety

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thanks for joining me on this life changing journey! Leave your Camino or FND or anxiety questions below for an upcoming Q&A! Thanks again, you are all amazing and remember, you can do hard things! ❤️

[@cltinturkey]

Penultimate is the best word! Your 27 Oct 2023 stamp is called a Catrina. She is renowned in Mexico and a super stylish calavera! She has become a symbol for Día de Los Muertos. Lovely stamp for a lovely lady. You rock!

[@FNDingMyWay]

I remember hearing that she is a symbol there but couldn't remember the details! Thank you for sharing!

[@cltinturkey]

I cried when you reached the cathedral! You are one fierce, determined, strong and powerful unstoppable force of nature! Bravissima!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@FNDingMyWay]

I cried the whole darn way there 🤣

[@cltinturkey]

I don't want the journey to end!!! The Camino challenged you hard until the very end, but you triumphed! That rain and flooding would be daunting to anyone. I'm sorry you have had so much rain and so many soakings. Days and days of wet clothes and shoes must have been too miserable for words. Your great attitude was your best asset on this beast!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Ohhhh it was so miserable but I wouldn't change my Camino story for anything 🥰 absolutely loved every challenge this journey threw at me.

[@maryannehunt7186]

Good Golly Miss Molly YOU DID IT!! You are truly transformed!! No words!! You are a QUEEN!! Your crown is SHINING BRIGHT!! So very very happy for you. ♥️🫅♥️

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you SO incredibly much! ❤️

[@cltinturkey]

I am SO proud of you! This is a real triumph of the human spirit, and I feel like there is nothing you cannot do. You called on your powerful inner force and proved it is possible to do hard things. This was a mammoth undertaking, and I stand in awe of your might, your sunny smile, and your tenacity!

[@famped5189]

It's been an honor and a privilege to follow your camino. 🥾 Thank you so much for your lovely films and for being so authentic. ❤ Congratulations and well done!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you so much!

[@janajones9434]

So very proud of you for accomplishing your dream! You persevered! I see why you need a raincoat for walking the Camino! So much water!! I love the metal art that you bought from the man and his dog.

[@FNDingMyWay]

I love that I stopped and bought it! I look at it every day and it holds such a memory for me 😃 And yes, definitely need a way to keep dry-ish 🤣

[@johnbutler8998]

Cockroaches unite!!! Love the last minute weather-related challenges just to make those last few days especially memorable 🤣 Fantastic photos at the end - really capture the Camino experience.

[@FNDingMyWay]

Lol my thoughts too, the weather was so intense but it absolutely made it even more memorable! 😅

[@thelifestyledigs]

Congratulations for walking all the way to Santiago! That's such an accomplishment. I arrived in Santiago on October 27 2023 and was in a lot of rain the last few days. Way to go for filming those flooded roads. The worst I walked through was over my ankles for about 100 feet. And I kept my phone in my pocket so it stayed dry. I also saw the man and the little dog across from the church the last day and gave him a donation. I didn't want a trinket but he pushed one on me. No emotional experience for me. I arrived in Santiago. No tears or emotions. Just glad the long walk ended. And I wanted something good to eat from a bakery!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you! And you finished 1 day before me! 😄 I felt so emotional walking into Santiago and then they were set up for a marathon at the cathedral - definitely changed the feeling I expected to have.

[@thelifestyledigs]

@@FNDingMyWay That day was a real soaker! I booked 2 nights in Santiago and wanted to explore but that heavy rain put a damper on things. You're lucky to get the bagpiper. I waited in that tunnel for a few minutes with dozens of others hoping the rain might let off a bit and the bagpiper wasn't there.

[@tinabitsui8905]

Congratulations!! You have a great sense of humor and I loved it. I cried, laughed and felt your pain. Thank you for Sharing your videos. ❤❤❤

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you so much!!

[@KathyGaynor]

You made it!! 🎉 You are a remarkable, tenacious and powerful woman. I’ve enjoyed every one of of your videos and hope you carry the lessons of the camino with you every day.

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thanks so much and I hope to carry the lessons with me for a very very long time 😃

[@iamsarahknight]

I've been watching this series over the weekend and think you're amazing! Thanks for sharing your journey. for your vulnerability, and humour. I was grinning and cheering with you as you stood in front of the cathedral. Well done!!!! 🎉

[@FNDingMyWay]

Aww thank you so much! That makes me so happy, thanks for cheering me on!! 😊😊

[@brunyvargas9204]

CONGRATULATIONS!! Thank you for sharing your journey! All our dreams are possible if we give it our all! May God continue to bless you! Muchas gracias! 🎉💕🎉

[@FNDingMyWay]

Yes! They absolutely are achievable, sometimes the process of achieving them is different than we expected, but the journey can be magnificent! Thank you so much and may God continue to bless you as well 😊

[@shellyz5960]

Loved your videos! So inspiring, your humor and resilience shined through 💫✨ I leave for my first Camino in 2 weeks and am so excited 🌻

[@FNDingMyWay]

That's so exciting! I hope you have an absolutely beautiful experience! Buen camino!

[@tisi9616]

Thank you so much for documenting your adventure it was such a wonderful help to actually see what it looked like and what you endured during it so I would know what to expect on my Camino. I am so happy for you for your accomplishments! You did a wonderful job! Thank you so much for your list of albergues that was a stressor for me and now I'm very confident that I will find a place for us to stay during our visit through Spain! There is no doubt that I will watch your videos over and over again to help me feel more confident before our travels along the Camino!

[@FNDingMyWay]

You've got this, you can do anything you set your mind to and I had such a magical experience overall, I have no doubt it'll be just as magical for you! There are so many good places to stay also, you can see the reviews on the pilgrim apps for the aubergues, the apps are so extremely helpful!

[@ijerry1]

Congratulations! Very proud of you - more than most you have overcome against the odds and triumphed. You are truly an inspiration!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you so much! That really means a lot to me 😊

[@agardenramble4479]

Wow! What a journey! All I kept thinking is that I am so proud of you! Well done. Thank you for sharing!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Aww Thank you so much! That's so sweet 🥰

[@Sojourner1]

You are fabulous. Thank you for the wonderful chronicles of your amazing journey.

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you so much! And I'm glad you enjoyed them!

[@carenalmeida8037]

How I loved your Camino. Congratulations!!! I loved your perseverance, resilience, capacity for wonder and your tenderness. It has been useful for me in my own Camino, to think about certain precautions to be taken seriously, and to fill myself with courage. Congratulations again and may be blessed your journey in life!!! God bless you!!!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you so much! I'm glad it could be useful to you towards your camino! When do you go? So excited for you to experience all the magic 😊😊

[@courtneyl.turner6910]

Just wanted to let you know I'm halfway through the Camino Portugués. Tomorrow I'll get to Vigo, Spain. Then, right at 100 km to go. You were (and are) such an inspiration to me. When I get exhausted, I try to work on a plan to refill my energy batteries. Thank you for sharing your journey and inspiring us all!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Awww thanks so much for sharing this and also, congratulations to you! You're doing it!! I hope the camino is treating you with beauty and magic and is everything you need it to be. You've got this! 👏

[@courtneyl.turner6910]

Please consider the Portuguese route from Porto, if you do another Camino. It's beautiful (and flatter) along the Litoral route. You hug the coastline of Portugal and Spain. Good logistics nearly everywhere. No promises on weather. We've had a few wet days, and I built in a few rest/laundry dry time days.

[@user-ud2vu1tw8v]

Hola Camiga, have followed your journey. So immensely proud of your achievements

[@FNDingMyWay]

Awww, thank you, thats so sweet! Thanks for following along!! :)

[@janajones9434]

Thank you for sharing your walk! I felt like I was walking it with you! I really enjoyed all your videos!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you for all your support along the way! ❤️

[@coconeedham24]

Congratulations on your walk especially during such a rainy season.. You did it🙏❤️

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you so much 😊

[@rowanmulvey8632]

You rocked it!!!! Thanks for bringing us along.

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you for coming along!

[@mariemac9509]

Well done! I’ve loved following your journey and remembering my own Camino Frances in 2020.

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thanks so much and glad I could transport you back!

[@NewHorizonsTravel]

Congratulations on completing your Camino journey! Your determination is truly commendable, and it has been a joy to witness your progress. Well done! 💖👍TFS

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you SO much 😊😊

[@mariahuertas4985]

Congratulations 👏. It was a pleasure following your journey 🙏❤️!

[@FNDingMyWay]

I appreciate you coming along! 😊

[@sundaygirlpicks2075]

Congratulations on your Camino and bravo to your determination, It has been fun watching your journey!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thats so sweet, thank you so much for coming along for all the chaos and the beautiful views 😊

[@KarenHoeft-kv8cq]

What a great accomplishment! I have been following your journey and really enjoying your videos. Hope you continue to challenge yourself and know that you can dream big and succeed.

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you so much! I absolutely will ❤️

[@That_nature_gurl]

Congratulations on your journey!!!! I have loved following g you ever step of the way! ❤

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you so much!!

[@nawu4266]

Loved every second of your journey. You can be really proud of yourself 🥰❤ I certainly am...

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you for the sweet words!

[@helenvwalker7919]

¡Enhorabuena! Glad you experienced the botafumeira. You did sooooo good girl!❤

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thats what its called! 🤣 Thank you so much!!

[@teresadtone8862]

Congrats!!! Amazing journey. Proud of you!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you so much! 🥰

[@Julia-365]

Congratulations!! Thanks for sharing your journey 😊

[@FNDingMyWay]

You're very welcome 😊

[@user-ud8lh1ht4k]

I have enjoyed your Camino so much! I’m beginning mine in September. Wish me luck!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Oh absolutely will wish you luck! It's such an adventure, i hope you embrace every moment of it and you have a beautiful journey!

[@sheilla6304]

Mazal tov! You are such an inspiration ❤❤❤❤

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you so much 😀

[@shannongonzalez8133]

Congratulations on your achievement!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you!

[@DinaCruisingThruLife]

Congratulations! You are inspiring. I plan to go solo and I can’t wait to do the Camino!

[@FNDingMyWay]

I hope you have the most amazing time! When do you think you'll be going?

[@fr.jeffreyedmunds353]

Well done!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you so much!

[@katrinberger1676]

You are awsome!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thank you!! 😁

[@HediSalm]

Well done!!

[@FNDingMyWay]

Thanks so much!

[@bridgetryan6209]

So proud of you! can you do another post camino video when your home I guess adapting to usual life won't be so easy??

[@FNDingMyWay]

I've been home for a little while now and it has definitely not been easy, I'd be happy to make a video talking about adapting to being back home 😊

[@cltinturkey]

Congratulations! Three gear questions. You spent many days hiking in sandals with socks. Which brand/model sandals and how did you keep stones and detritus out of them? Second: your sleeping bag liner. Which brand/model, and how did you deal with getting in and out, quietly, if you had to use the bathroom during the night? Third: Did you find a good way to cut the noise of snores, etc. during the night? If so, please share your strategy and any gear involved. Also, would you consider a lessons learned video? One that might include a review of your gear--what worked well, what you didn't need. Many thanks and I hope you're resting well now.

[@FNDingMyWay]

Love these questions! I'll be sure to add them to the q&a 😃 and I can tie lessons learned into one one of the future videos i have planned!

[@cltinturkey]

@@FNDingMyWay That would be great. I'm leaving the U.S. to do the Camino Portugués on May 9. It would be so helpful if you'd go ahead and answer these questions now for me. That way, I could make any adjustments needed before I leave. Many thanks!

[@FNDingMyWay]

@cltinturkey Sure thing! I used orthopedic sandals from Kuru, and though I love them, I don't recommend them for the Camino, at least not for use during rainy days on rocky terrain or mud as they don't have much traction. I know a lot of people who wear Chacos for the entire hike and seem to have no trouble on wet terrain in them. As for shoes, I recommened a trail runner, they'll be great for traction. I haven't done the Portuguese way so I can't speak to how the terrain is on it or what you'll really need footwear wise. I used a sleep sack I got on amazon. It was a polyester blend and I don't recommend it. I was either always too hot or too cold and my yoga pants were always getting stuck to the fabric, making it hard to roll over and get out of the sack. Getting out to go to the bathroom was a hassle but also if you make a little noise getting out, nobody really cares as long as youre trying to be quiet. Everyones exhausted and most have ear plugs in. I hear a lot of good reviews on the silk sleep sacks being great for different temps. Going in may, it will probably be warm so a silk liner seems like all you would need. I believe you can find them in different widths, I'd get a bigger bag than you think you need just so you have room to get cozy and not feel like a mummy. They're so lightweight, i don't think the extra fabric would weight much more. Snoring- i just took a baggie of construction grade foam ear plugs. I couldn't hear a thing with them. I honestly used mine just to shut my own brain up by creating a forced silence. The nights I didn't use them, even with scorers present, I had no trouble falling asleep because my body was so exhausted. You could also take headphones and play sleep sounds on your phone until you're asleep, a lot of apps have a timer built in so it'll shut off automatically. Buen camino to you!

[@cltinturkey]

@@FNDingMyWay Thanks so much for the quick reply. I'm about 93% ready and researching logistics on the Litoral Route (Atlantic coastline). I'm considering taking my iPad as a backup to my old phone.

[@FNDingMyWay]

@cltinturkey most albergues will not have a place to lock up valuables, so I'd be careful taking an iPad or any valuable electronics. My first night in an albergue there were about 6 phones stolen. I do recommened a long phone charger whether you take your iPad or just take your phone as some outlets will not be close to your bed and having that extra length can make a huge difference in terms of keeping your valuables safe.

[@harrykey2448]

Did you stay on albergue SCQ when you arrived in Santiago? I've stayed there eight times. Last year I had to stay in Sixtos as the SCQ was full.

[@FNDingMyWay]

Yes, albergue SCQ! It was great and I was very fortunate that I was able to book a couple extra nights there on the spot as they werent too busy when I stayed.

[@maryannehunt7186]

Is it possible for you to let me/us know where you got the wax stamp?? Thank you.

[@FNDingMyWay]

It was at a Mexican restaurant en O Pedrouzo called A Catriña 😃

[@maryannehunt7186]

Thank you so much the info!!