I just spent three weeks volunteering in Villalonga, Spain, at an off-grid property I discovered eleven years ago when I started writing my memoir.
When I first arrived here in September of 2014, I was working on the first draft of my book. When I returned in August of 2018, I was working on draft 4. Seven years later, I just completed draft 11, and have now sent out a total of four query letters to agents.
My travels whilst writing this memoir have cemented many of the lessons I learned along the trail: importance of community, need for purpose, healing power or nature, generosity of the human spirit, less is more, and to take each day one step at a time.
I’ve also discovered just how much I love working outdoors and being physical, and how fulfilling it is to see small projects through from the beginning to the end. Work seems to be so much more enjoyable when I’m not doing it for a paycheck, and when I can see the fruits of my labor on a daily basis. It also helps when I’m doing work for someone I care about.
These months of volunteering are yet another search for a new path. Eleven years ago when I first began volunteering along the Camino in Northern Spain, I reached a point of selflessness where I was prepared to give away all of my money and possessions. I was so joyful and fulfilled from serving others for two months, I was convinced I’d found the key to happiness. Straight afterwards, however, I ended up taking a work contract in Abu Dhabi, which very quickly killed that notion and threw me back into the capitalist spinning wheel.
This year, I was also offered a contract in Saudi Arabia in August. The job would have shifted my summer plans completely, and it felt as though the universe was testing to see if I would repeat the choices I made in 2014. I didn’t take the contract in the end, because I realized if I want to forge a new path in a direction that aligns closer to my current values, I need to move away from the old patterns and choices that used to serve me.
The unknown is both exciting and terrifying, but I’m trusting the right opportunity will come along. For the next three weeks, I’m returning to the hostel along the Camino, in the hope of rediscovering that sense of selflessness I first experienced in 2014.
On the writing front, having completed draft 11 (the final, final, final draft), I have queried a total of four agents. Each query has been quite different, as I’m continually learning throughout this experience, having made some rookie mistakes already. But I trust my story will fall into the right hands when it’s meant to, and until then, I’m going to immerse myself in the world of giving and see where it takes me!
Serial Nomad 
Good to hear from you again! Been wonderin’ what continent you were on.
“My travels whilst writing this memoir . . . ”
Community, Check. Nature’s healing, check. Generosity of humans, check. Less is more, CHECK. Here, Now, Check. I have never sensed a need for purpose tho’. I likely just too . . thick to appreciate the need. jejeje I am concerned that I am addicted to change tho’ and unsure if I even care to kick that addiction!
“Work seems to be so much more enjoyable when I’m not doing it for a paycheck, . . .”
I noted the immense reward of volunteerism a few years ago and hope to do more trail building after the PCT. It sounds like you are a great fit for intentional communities. Modern societies (Europe, Canada, u.S. Australia?) are so bereft of extended family life we tend to seek people to ‘care about’ wherever we can gain them and I think that’s helpful to our well being.
“These months of volunteering are yet another search for a new path.”
I wonder if it has all been a single path? Happiness seems to come and go for me. Did you volunteer along the Camino prior to hiking the PCT?
May the road rise up to meet you. May the wind be always at your back. May the sun shine warm upon your face, And the rains fall soft upon your fields.
Wow, what a reply! I’ve had to read this more than once to appreciate each word. Thank you so much for such a thoughtful and thought provoking response. I think you’re right in that it is all one path, and the path has led me back to these special places that fill my heart and soul with joy and fulfilment. I only volunteered along the Camino following the PCT. This is my forth time back in this hostel, and each time I learn something profound. After my first night here, I am convinced there is still more to learn. Thank you for such a poetic reflection and I too wish you buen Caminos wherever your feet choose to take you!! 😊
You’re welcome! I want to return to all the places I visited abroad in . . . a past life. Not seeking anything profound but more of a catharsis of sorts. Some I expect will be extremely intense. And, the poet is from Ireland long ago so to them I owe credit. Namaste
The quest for fulfillment involves a journey of discovery containing the good and the bad, the easy and the difficult but the closer you get the clearer the distination becomes. (according to Rex Universum)
Thank you, Rex! While volunteering in Villalonga, I discovered the more challenging the work, the more I appreciated the small things. When it was 38 degrees and I was out in the sun, the slice of mellon I was given at break time was that much sweeter. I’ve learned along the way that balance can be hard to obtain, but it’s something I strive for none the less! 🩷
Keep in mind, the small things today will probably be the big things in the future.
Hi darling
Such a lovely place , in Spain with your friend Pilar, to finish your memoir. 11 years and the 11th draft, will it be 11 weeks or 11 months before we can read this memoir? Just thinking, it will be an interesting read between the 1st and 11th draft. For me , it is interesting to read how your are experiencing life and how you are getting to know yourself. In the freedom you are living in, the opportunities are plenty full. Life is there to enjoy, to be happy and feel fulfilment. Being loved by others happens when you are being good and give love to them too. Enjoy life darling.
Love you, Mutti xx
Thanks for your beautiful note, Mutti! There seems to be a lot of significance around the number 11 and this memoir. I hope it won’t be too long until you can finally read it! I am learning many of the things I learned back in 2014 but have since forgotten. It’s interesting to be back in this place again to be reminded! Sending you much love and I look forward to seeing you soon!! 🩷