My Veyo Hill: Finding Self-Acceptance 
Through Miles and Reflection

Every day last summer, as I trained for a 68-mile walk along the Portuguese Camino, I listened to Missy's chapters. Her stories became the soundtrack to my daily walks, and I found myself reflecting on her experiences alongside my own. There's something about putting one foot in front of the other that opens up space for real introspection.


I kept thinking about the years when I worked full-time as well as part-time, went to school at night, raised two kids in year-round sports and scouts, served at church... studying until midnight, then up again at 4:30am. Now I think: How in the world did I do that? Was I crazy? (I was probably pretty cranky with no sleep—LOL.)



But here's the truth (as others have said): it's not what happened to me, it's what happened for me. Those experiences shaped who I am today.

My biggest epiphany from this journey? Self-acceptance. For the first time, I'm seeing my siblings with compassion and acceptance instead of competitiveness and rivalry. That's my Veyo Hill—the internal climb toward peace with myself and the people closest to me.


We all face storms that make us wonder how we'll make it through. Sometimes we just keep our heads down and take it one day at a time. But through reflection—and through walking alongside others' stories—we find our way.



I'm grateful to have walked this journey with Missy and everyone who shared theirs. We all have more in common than we have differences.