*Inspired by Matthew Alterator’s comment on the Camino*

As I prepare to embark on a long-term journey through Latin America with my three boys and four dogs, I’ve found myself doing what many of us do before a big transition — accumulating. Planning. Stockpiling. I’ve been filling shopping carts and Amazon orders with all the things I might need: a portable washing machine, a camp toilet for roadside emergencies, a travel-friendly drying rack, a Garmin location tracking device. It makes sense — I want to be prepared. I want to protect my children and make our journey smooth and safe.

But then I read something that stopped me in my tracks.

It was a Facebook comment. Just a man named Matthew, sharing his experience walking the Camino de Santiago with his 14-year-old. His words hit like truth often does — soft but undeniable:

“The thing you’ll need the most is the sense of letting go. Everything material you lose or forget you can buy. People… you can’t pack them, but you’ll find those along the way.”

That line landed deep. Because I know, already, that this journey isn’t just about moving through geography — it’s about moving through myself. Letting go of the woman I was in Georgia. Letting go of the relationships that held me down. Letting go of the belief that safety comes from stuff, from control, from being prepared enough.

The Illusion of Preparedness

As women, as mothers, as planners and providers, we’re taught that being ready is everything. That our worth is proven in our preparation — a well-packed bag, a well-stocked kitchen, a well-structured life.

But the truth is, you can’t prepare your way into growth. 

You can’t Amazon Prime your way into transformation.  

And you sure as hell can’t bubble-wrap your soul for the bumps in the road.

What I’m Really Packing

As we drive into this new life, what I’ll be carrying isn’t just the physical items in the back of our SUV. It’s a willingness to let go. To embrace uncertainty. To discover who I am when I don’t have all the answers — and to let my boys see that version of me, too.

I’m not just packing gear. I’m packing:

– A sense of curiosity.

– A deep trust in my own resilience.

– The courage to start again.

– The openness to find people along the way — and let them find me.

The Magic of the Road

Matthew also wrote about a young woman they met along the Camino who had lost her phone and credit card. She stayed with them, walked with them, was helped and then gave back when she could. She became part of their journey — a gift they hadn’t packed for, but received anyway.

That’s the magic I believe is waiting for us on the road.  

People we didn’t plan for. Lessons we didn’t schedule.  

Moments of breathtaking connection that only happen when we stop trying to control everything.

Buen Camino — And Beyond

So yes, I’m bringing the toilet. I’m bringing the portable washer. I’m bringing the things that feel necessary to keep life functional on the road.

But more than that — I’m bringing a sense of letting go.  

Of expectations.  

Of old versions of myself.  

Of the need to have it all figured out.

Some days it will be hard.  

Some days it will be glorious.  

But I know this will be the best thing I ever did.

Buen Camino — not just to those walking the Camino, but to all of us who are brave enough to take the next step.