When undertaking an adventure like I am, it is nice to have some good advice from other people. There are two kinds of people I especially value the advice and opinion of. People who really know me, and people who have gone before me.
Sometimes however, I have to rely on the advice of complete strangers. How do I know how to value their advice? For example when I was buying documentation of the route. I have the route I want to walk very clear in mind. I know what cities to walk through, what countries I want to visit. The shopkeeper advised me strongly to walk through France to Rome and take the boat to Albania from there. That would be much easier as that route is marked and described recently. He kept bringing books and maps, until I told him I would stick with my original idea. He went to his computer and did not pay attention to me anymore. He was willing to help me only on his terms.
When do I follow the advice of other people, and when do I have to be determined and stick with my own ideas? Maybe the shopkeeper, who really seemed to know what he was talking about, is right. When I enter unknown territory during the hike and have nothing else to go by than the advice of others and my own intuition. How will I value these two? This is an interesting question because it has not only to do with this trip of mine. Everyone will encounter situations in their lives where other peoples advice runs counterintuitive compared to their own feelings. The art is to really understand what feels best. I know I am learning in this. I am very determined about this trip, and nothing is going to hold me back. But still I need to be open to everything the comes along my way. Finding the balance almost feels like a circus act.
The last couple of days really tested my determination. Not only in a mental way, but also emotionally. Do I really want to leave everything I have, or can have, behind for the time to come? Is this the right time to go, or should I stay here and build a new life? In answer of all these questions the mind does sometimes say: ‘Stay. You know this place. Your friends are here. Your family is here. You feel at home here, why leave?’ But the heart wants to go. And I have decided to follow the heart for a while.
It’s a lifelong Journey to me, to learn following my heart. Reading your blogs it seems to me you are used to it.
Het is altijd goed om je hart te volgen. Je vrienden, familie en thuis zullen hier zijn en daar kun je altijd naar terugkeren wanneer je hart je dat ingeeft. Blijf dicht bij jezelf, dan is het altijd goed. Ongelofelijk stoer dat je dit gaat doen, het wordt hoe dan ook een onvergetelijke ervaring!
Lieve Thomas,
Volg je hart, altijd! Afscheid nemen is lastig, zeker als het moment van afscheid nemen, zoals nu, steeds dichterbij komt. Maar als je eenmaal op pad bent en er aan terug denkt, zal er een glimlach op je gezicht verschijnen en weet je dat jij de juiste keuze hebt gemaakt 😉
Hi Thomas,
Your intended trekking and all the questions that arise while preparing for the journey, have really touched me.
What you ask yourself is sooo valid in general life. No matter what decision one has to make.
Personally l believe it’s always good to follow the heart. On the other hand l tend to listen to my “gut” as well . Sometimes l just KNOW what’s a good decision, regardless of what my intellect or heart tells me. When I don’t know what to do, I just stop, sit down and meditate. The answers will come automatically, it just does…..always.
I don’t think I’m in the position to give any advise to anyone.
I just share my thoughts and how l deal with these situations. It might help someone else
Lieve Thomas,
Inmiddels ben je al onderweg. Het is zo mooi dat je je hart volgt. Over een half jaar zijn wij er nog steeds, staan we in de keuken en kletsen we over jou reis en de dingen die wij hier mee hebben gemaakt. Ga je eigen weg, we denken aan je!
Dikke knuffel en liefs
Leanne
Ha Leanne, je hebt je weg gevonden! Leuk dat je nu ook af en toe op m’n site kijkt! Dat me erg goed. Pas goed op Anneloes hè!
Kus,
T.