Does Reaching Your Final Destination Really Matter?

As many will know, the Camino de Santiago originates from the discovery, in the 9th century, of the remains of the Apostle James the Greater, who, according to tradition, had travelled to Spain to spread the Gospel and was brought back here after his death at the wish of his disciples. It is one of the three main pilgrimages of medieval Christendom, together with those of Jerusalem and Rome, and has been drawing millions of people from all over the world for over 1,000 years.

Despite the evident importance of this place, in reality, from the very beginning, pilgrims would conclude their journey by reaching Fisterra (Finis Terrae: the end of the then-known world), where they would undress, burn all their clothes, bathe in the ocean, put on a white tunic and, finally, collect the shells that were sewn onto their hat or cloak as a testament to the long journey made.

Over time, both places have gained ever-greater fame, becoming not only spiritual destinations but also cultural and tourist ones, the former as the capital of Galicia and a prestigious university centre, the latter drawing around itself and the "kilometre zero" the interest of enthusiasts and curious visitors. Even today, therefore, for every traveller who sets out on the road, a visit to both sites, Finisterre and Santiago de Compostela, is almost obligatory.

Reaching the end

For pilgrims, reaching the Cathedral and Cabo Fisterra is certainly the most coveted destination, the conclusion of a journey of penance, seeking or devotion, full of risks and material hardships endured with the aim of receiving purification, salvation or forgiveness, at least in metaphysical terms. But even for all those not guided by religious motivation, arriving in Santiago de Compostela and then, further on, to the ocean, is certainly an achievement, a success, a personal satisfaction, a new discovery.

For anyone, touching the final point of the Camino de Santiago is an intense emotion: tears, smiles, celebrations often accompany the arrival at Plaza do Obradoiro. After days or weeks of effort, the last steps seem almost endless, but the further you go, the more you fill with joy that explodes in a shared exclamation: "we made it!".

Walking towards a goal is exciting, as is having an objective to reach, whether it is a place, a project, a job, a dream. It is not only stimulating and builds our self-confidence, but is also useful for our growth and fulfilment in professional, personal and relational terms.

Does walking all the way to the destination really matter?

Now, though, I ask you: does it really matter to walk all the way to the destination? Yes, it matters, but, in my opinion, not as much as paying attention to every step, every single stage that allows you to reach it. I believe that true success and true satisfaction lie in seizing, daily, in every obstacle, in every opportunity that presents itself on the path, a way to know yourself, overcome your own limits, face difficulties, and put your potential to the test.

The journey is not (only) towards a destination, but in the moments and experiences that make it up: feeling the weight of the backpack, which holds what we need and more, looking for the arrows, which show us the direction to follow but also invite us to think of an alternative, using plasters to tend to wounds, both new and old, choosing a walking stick that helps and supports us when we cannot manage alone, and then, certainly, picking up the shell, which we carry with us from the start to remind us where we are going and which we then collect at the end to bear witness to everything we have done and gathered.

Someone, rightly, might reply: "In reality, without a destination towards which to direct our attention and intention, there would be no journey and no path to undertake." I, however, would answer:

"Perhaps it is not so important where one is going, but simply to go!"