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Walking with Purpose: Celia’s Camino Journey to Support One Woman At A Time

Walking with Purpose – Celia Gaze, founder and CEO of The Wellbeing Farm, is currently on an incredible journey. She’s taking on a five-day charity challenge, walking the last 67 kilometres of the famous Camino de Santiago Pilgrimage Route. Her mission? To raise awareness and funds for One Woman At A Time, a charity that aligns perfectly with The Wellbeing Farm. Here we capture her thoughts and experiences so far. From the excitement of setting off, to the physical and emotional challenges during the first two days of her pilgrimage.

Setting Off: A Journey with Purpose

On Tuesday, 1st October, Celia set off with a heart full of excitement and nerves. With her walking poles packed and rucksack ready, she boarded the train from Manchester to London Gatwick, ready to take on the challenge ahead. The following day, she caught an early flight to A Coruña, Spain, to begin her walk along the famous Camino de Santiago.

For Celia, this journey is about more than just physical endurance. It’s an opportunity to reflect on her personal values and how they align with the mission of One Woman At A Time. This charity works to empower women in Kenya by providing education, support, and opportunities. This work resonates with Celia’s commitment to sustainability, community, and positive change, both at The Wellbeing Farm and in her personal life.

Before departing, Celia shared her thoughts: “This trek is a challenge for me as I’m not exactly the healthiest I could be! But I’m hoping to gain a sense of achievement and use this journey as a foundation for sustainable, long-term lifestyle changes.” With those words, she embraced the adventure ahead—Sober October, Opportunity October, and Optimistic October were all beginning as she stepped onto the path.

Preparing for the Camino: A Day of Inspiration

Celia arrived in A Coruña ready to immerse herself in the experience. Her first day involved exploring Santiago de Compostela, a beautiful and historic city filled with character. She spent the day walking through cobbled streets, meeting fellow pilgrims who had come from all over the world, each walking the Camino for their own meaningful cause.

As Celia connected with these walkers, she found herself inspired by the diversity of their stories. Many had embarked on this pilgrimage to raise funds for causes close to their hearts, just like Celia. The sense of shared purpose brought her closer to the group, and by the evening, they all gathered together for a communal meal.

Over dinner, the group received their official Camino Passports, which would be stamped at each stop along the way. For Celia, the Passport became more than just a record of her journey. It represented her commitment to walking for One Woman At A Time, and every stamp would serve as a reminder of the women she was supporting through her efforts.

Day 1: Taking the First Steps

Celia’s first full day on the Camino began with a mixture of excitement and nerves. She walked alongside other pilgrims, sharing meaningful conversations and experiencing the power of the Camino community. The simple greeting of “Buen Camino”—a traditional phrase exchanged between pilgrims—quickly built connections and camaraderie.

As Celia walked through the stunning landscapes of northern Spain, she found herself reflecting on how fast-paced her life usually is. “I’m always rushing through life,” she said, “always packing in as much as I can and rarely living in the moment.” The Camino provided a much-needed opportunity to slow down, breathe, and enjoy the present moment.

For Celia, this journey became more than just a physical challenge. It was a chance to step away from her everyday routine, disconnect from emails and social media, and focus entirely on the experience and the cause she was supporting. Walking for One Woman At A Time gave every step a deeper sense of purpose, and despite the challenges, she felt proud of the work she was doing both for herself and for others.

Physical Challenges and Mental Strength

The Camino isn’t an easy walk. On the first day alone, Celia faced hills that tested her physical endurance. “I won’t lie,” she admitted, “some of the hills were a killer. On one particular hill, I just kept saying to myself, ‘one more step,’ over and over—like a walking meditation.”

Despite the physical exhaustion, Celia remained determined. The challenges reminded her of the importance of perseverance, both on the Camino and in life. As she reached the top of each hill, she felt a renewed sense of strength. The walk also made her think about her personal health goals. Carrying a heavy rucksack through tough terrain inspired her to focus on her fitness once she returned home.

Celia’s reflections on Day 1 extended beyond the physical. She found herself inspired to make lasting changes in her life. The Camino, she realised, wasn’t just about walking; it was about building the foundation for future growth, both personally and professionally.

Day 2: Continuing with Purpose

By Day 2, the journey continued, and the challenges persisted. Celia’s legs ached from the previous day’s walk, but her spirit remained strong. She had connected with more pilgrims along the way, each walking for their own cause. These connections reminded her that this pilgrimage wasn’t just a solitary journey—it was a collective experience shared by people from all walks of life, each walking with a purpose.

As Celia walked, she felt a growing sense of achievement. Every step brought her closer to her goal, not just the physical destination but the impact she hoped to make for One Woman At A Time. Walking with this purpose gave her the strength to push through any discomfort and continue forward.

“I’m walking for women who don’t have the opportunities that many of us take for granted,” Celia said, reflecting on the importance of her mission. “I’m walking to raise awareness and support for One Woman At A Time, and that keeps me going.”

The physical demands of the Camino remained tough, but Celia knew the journey was worth it. Every conversation, every new connection with fellow pilgrims, and every step along the path reminded her of the bigger picture. She wasn’t just walking for herself—she was walking for a cause that truly mattered.

Looking Ahead: The Journey Continues

As Celia continues her journey along the Camino, she remains focused on the road ahead. The first two days have been filled with challenges, reflection, and meaningful connections. Celia is looking forward to what the rest of the pilgrimage will bring.

For Celia, the Camino isn’t just a walk—it’s a transformative experience. It’s about reconnecting with her values, raising awareness for a cause she cares deeply about, and making a positive impact in the world. While her legs may ache and the hills may seem endless at times, her purpose keeps her moving forward.

Stay tuned for next week’s blog, where Celia will share more updates from her Camino journey. As she continues to walk for One Woman At A Time, we invite you to join her in supporting this incredible charity. Every donation helps empower women in Kenya with education and opportunities, and together, we can make a lasting difference—one step at a time.

4 Oct 2024