“Bridges symbolize change and flexibility! They show us this simple philosophy: When you are on one side, you can easily move to the other side!” 

Mehmet Murat ildan

There are many bridges in Portugal and along the Camino- large steel bridges scanning rivers and highways to small wooden bridges built over creeks. Regardless of their size, we had to cross them to reach our destination. If bridges do symbolize change and flexibility, then I don’t find the above philosophy so simple. One can cross the gap, but it is how one crosses- either with fear or grace- that determines the ease.

I asked Charlie, my sixteen year old, what a bridge meant to him. He responded that it depends on the type of bridge. The bridge over to Cape Cod and the Golden Gate Bridge are cool because they bring you to a new place; but just an average bridge that goes over a highway is boring because it just gets you somewhere. I guess the distinction is your perception. Is the bridge utilitarian, “getting” you from point A to point B or is the bridge meaningful, “bringing” you toward something anticpated?

For me, this trip was bringing me towards something. Literally, it was bringing me to a new place, new sites, new foods, a new culture, new learning, and new perceptions. Figuratively, I am not quite sure what I was crossing over. I hope I am embracing change and flexibility. Perhaps that was one of the purposes after my past year- to learn how to go with the flow a little more elegantly. My mental and physical health definitely depend on this ability. I would be wise to strengthen my resiliency a bit. The catch is that to build resiliencey, one must find herself in experiences that require it. Fun.

This trip definitely tested my resiliency- “the capacity to recover quickly from difficulties; toughness.” Physically, I felt I was pretty tough. I mustered through blisters and hot days. I loved the walking. I was never bored because there was always something surprising and lovely around the bend. The simplicity of walking through the countryside was restorative and I slept great. On the flip side, when I’m tired my emotions are heightened. Soothing the exhausted three-year old took awareness and the ability to be gentle. I expect a lot from myself. I cried a few times.

Brene Brown says, “Resilience is more available to people curious about their own line of thinking and behaving.” I walked a lot of miles observing my thinking and my behavior. I’d like to think that after this trip I am starting to bridge the gap of change with more curiousity, grace, and flexibility.

Note: Check out Brene Brown’s website: https://brenebrown.com