Dear Pilgrims*,

My phone is smart, very smart. Today while enjoying my morning stroll, I received a notification telling me that I had achieved 3000km. According to the “intelligence” not so artificial inside my mobile, it equals to almost four million steps. Good that I was not counting them, I thought.

Such a moment triggered in my mind curiosity and the need for some reflection. Was that a lot? Could I have done more? How did this distance contribute to my development as a person? And to the people, I walked with? What would I choose as highlights from the first eight months of the year?

It is more comfortable to walk than to answer these questions inside my head. But worth it to give it a try.
Was that a lot? No, not really! It sounds endless, but according to an old Irish proverb, Everywhere is within walking distance if you have the time. If you make the time, you open new possibilities in your life.

Could I have done more? Probably yes! If I had chosen even more carefully some of my activities and procrastinate a little less, I could have gone an extra kilometer or two.

How did this distance contribute to my development as a person? The range itself did not provide much, but what happened while walking in the various programs have shaped my mind and soul. Every step I take forward continues to change the man, and I gradually like better my updated human version. Probably my idea of an endless summer.

And to the people, I walked with? It is tough for me to answer this question since it is always something extremely personal and profound. Looking at the feedback received, I would say, my labor of love with the Walking Mentorship is probably the very best thing I ever done with my life and skills. There are plenty of things to learn and improve, but the Road has been beautiful and generous.

What would I choose as highlights from the first eight months of the year? Every program is unique; it never repeats. This level of consciousness elevates my sense of responsibility tremendously. When I think about each person, I had the honor to walk with; I keep in a particular place, a smile, a picture, or a word. Like pieces from a puzzle, I slowly sketch a drawing of my year.

What about you? Yes, you! What are you collecting on your journey so far? How does the image of your actions, decisions, and moments are coming together? Is it time to slow down and reconnect with yourself? Open the door and go for a walk, maybe a long one:)

You probably heard the famous quote that a journey of a thousand kilometers begins with a single step. In other words, even the longest and most ambitious ventures have a starting point; something which starts with one first step. You don’t have to rush, but you should not delay your life.

🚶Keep walking with me
João Perre Viana
Founder of Walking Mentorship

Pilgrim – A pilgrim (from the Latin peregrinus) is a traveler (literally one who has come from afar) who is on a journey (usually on foot) to a special place.