Excuse me. I’ve been digesting my European Peace Walk adventure.

Since June 22 I’ve been chewing on my experience. Trying to break it down. Trying to feel normal again. It was a big meal for me. Over 200 Miles, over 20 days, over 500,000 steps, or 307 flights. One that I was not really ready to stop eating. The first week back home I find myself wanting seconds and never quite satisfied with local walks or workouts. Adventure is addictive. Movement becomes the norm.

What made this adventure good? I’ve come to a few conclusions.

1. Companions – people who walk along with you and encourage you forward. A competition is not necessary.
2. Entertainment – memorize something. A song, a poem, We found Monty Python (philosophers song) recitations very useful for entertainment, national anthems,  (which I was NOT very good at), any rock and roll or musical show tunes.
3. Tell your story – sharing your story a little at a time lets you share with your companions. You will view yourself differently.
4. Adaptiveness – willingness to join in, change direction, give others a chance, bend when there is no exact right way.
5. Let Go of the need to be right – this one is hard for some but once you do let go, you wonder why you wanted to be right about things anyway!

I’m sure I’ll continue to digest but just wanted you to know – I’m not gone. I’m just digesting.