Reflections on Walking 500 Miles

Today I crossed the halfway mark on my thousand mile journey for the women of the Congo, two months from the day I started. So how do I feel? Strong, exhilarated, hopeful. There are a few imbalances in my body: I have plantar fasciitis in my left foot and bursitis in my left hip. The foot pain is sometimes a challenge but that's certainly not anything to keep me from walking another five hundred miles. I've been asked how I stay strong. I believe there are five main reasons, and these are not in any particular order: The love & encouragement from family & friends, my healthy vegetarian diet, the fact that I practice Bikram Yoga at least 3 times per week (I go to Bikram Redondo; they are fabulous), my favorite LMP, Ui Eli (Her Integrative Muscle Therapy is very deep work and definitely not for sissies.), and the fact that I am surrounded by animals all day.

Another question I get a lot is, "How much weight have you lost?" I really have no idea but I've dropped down one size. What have I learned? I've learned that many people, particularly friends, really don't like it when you ask for money. But I am letting people know that there are so many other ways they can assist me in my cause so hopefully I haven't offended anyone. At the same time, I've also learned that so many people are amazingly generous with their money, their hearts and their time. It takes my breath away.

So when people ask if I'm at all discouraged because I've completed 50% of my journey and raised only 3% of my fundraising goal the answer is absolutely not. Some are waiting until I complete my task and some are still waiting to learn about it. So pass it on. We are making a huge difference in the lives of Congolese women and it means something to them that the world actually cares.

My Journey continues...