Resilience and Madness (Calzadilla de la Cueza to Sahagun)

Today we stopped for the second time in 10 kms. We ended up in a nice little albergue with a cafe, so we stopped in for a coffee for Noël and a Coke Zero for me. As we were sitting/resting we started up a conversation with an Irish couple, Michael and Mary. Michael shared with us that he had his ankle fused (I think that’s what he said.) anyway he looked to be in some pain. I asked if he was good to go on. And he replied, “of course. It’s a matter of resilience and madness.” And then chuckled.

I would add into that mix adaptability. Michael walked the whole day in flip flops. He walked over stones and gravel all day and all the while had such a great attitude.

I remember my first camino when I ended up in the hospital with blisters and had to rest several days and switch from boots/ shoes to my Chaco sandals. It was a matter of madness, resilience and adaptability. I had to take more rests, wear sandals, and walk shorter distances when possible.

I believe there is something similar that happens in every day life. There are times, many times when things don’t go according to plan. And it is much easier if one can be agile. Sometimes this looks like madness to others while it looks like resilience to still others.