This Empty Nest Life

103. Walking the Way: Lessons from the Camino de Santiago


Listen Later

Send Jay comments via text

What if your most profound life lessons could come from an unexpected journey? In this inspiring episode, I explore how my recent walk along the Camino de Santiago in Spain became a powerful metaphor for navigating the empty nest years—filled with surprises, deep connections, and personal growth.

Walking the Portuguese route with strangers from around the world pushed me beyond my comfort zone, revealing that the richest experiences often come from embracing detours rather than rushing to the finish line. When faced with a challenging climb, a simple question from a friend—"What’s the rush?"—became a guiding wisdom for embracing the present moment.

The true magic of the Camino was found in the connections formed along the way. Brief conversations with fellow pilgrims sparked feelings of transformation, and our nightly ritual of sharing a "crumb" (challenge) and "cookie" (joy) strengthened resilience and gratitude—key components proven to boost mental well-being during major transitions.

Through rain and sunshine, I discovered that each traveler brought unique "superpowers," from authenticity to embracing new experiences, inspiring me to pursue my dreams while savoring life's small moments. This journey taught me that necessary endings—like children leaving home or finishing a long walk—create space for new beginnings.

What’s your Camino? Whether it’s a new hobby, career change, or inner exploration, your next big adventure awaits. Take that first step—your most meaningful journey might be just around the corner.

When you're ready to craft a fulfilling new chapter, visit thisemptynestlife.com to learn how I can support you in designing a life full of purpose and joy.

Highlights & Key Takeaways:

  • Embrace detours over rushing — slowing down creates space for growth.
  • Deepen connections through shared vulnerability and gratitude practices.
  • Recognize the unique strengths ("superpowers") each person brings to your journey.
  • Mindfulness in everyday moments fuels profound self-discovery.
  • Necessary endings open doors for exciting new beginnings.

Join me on this journey of self-discovery, and maybe find your own Camino to fulfillment.

Support the show

FREE WORKBOOK
3 Steps to Loving Your Empty Nest Life

ENJOY THE SHOW?
Don’t miss an episode, subscribe via Apple Podcasts or follow on Spotify and many more.

LOVE THE SHOW?
Get your THIS EMPTY NEST LIFE swag

Review us on Love the Podcast, Apple Podcasts, or Spotify -- reviews and ratings help others find us and we’d appreciate your support greatly.

CONNECT WITH JAY
Email, LinkedIn, Instagram, or TikTok

...more
View all episodesView all episodes
Download on the App Store

This Empty Nest LifeBy Jay Ramsden

  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5
  • 5

5

15 ratings


More shows like This Empty Nest Life

View all
Hidden Brain by Hidden Brain, Shankar Vedantam

Hidden Brain

43,643 Listeners

The One You Feed by Eric Zimmer

The One You Feed

2,560 Listeners

10% Happier with Dan Harris by 10% Happier

10% Happier with Dan Harris

12,764 Listeners

The Lazy Genius Podcast by Kendra, The Lazy Genius

The Lazy Genius Podcast

6,598 Listeners

Pod Save America by Crooked Media

Pod Save America

87,199 Listeners

The Daily by The New York Times

The Daily

112,376 Listeners

For The Love With Jen Hatmaker Podcast by Jen Hatmaker

For The Love With Jen Hatmaker Podcast

6,452 Listeners

the goop podcast by gwyneth paltrow

the goop podcast

6,793 Listeners

SmartLess by Jason Bateman, Sean Hayes, Will Arnett

SmartLess

58,278 Listeners

The Mel Robbins Podcast by Mel Robbins

The Mel Robbins Podcast

20,193 Listeners

The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living by Rick and Clancy Denton

The Loud Quiet - Empty Nest Living

9 Listeners

Good Hang with Amy Poehler by The Ringer

Good Hang with Amy Poehler

9,604 Listeners

Life After Launch: Tools for coping with the empty nest, navigating midlife transitions, and parenting adult children. by Allison Goldberg

Life After Launch: Tools for coping with the empty nest, navigating midlife transitions, and parenting adult children.

16 Listeners