One of the most intriguing experiences from my Camino journey across Spain I described in detail on my blog in this post: https://piotrmacieja.com/en/unnoticed- signs/
In short: that day, walking through mountains and chestnut fields, I had a moment of “illumination” — I found myself in a state of elation and lightness.
That evening, over dinner, my travel companion brought me gently “back to earth” with a humorous comment. And just moments later, a Frenchman appeared in the restaurant — about our age — who was walking the Camino to his death. Not metaphorically, but literally. That was to be his last meal in life.
After he left, a commotion broke out outside, and I was caught in a whirlwind of frantic thoughts…
For years I couldn’t make sense of this event or understand what it was really about. Only recently, I think, I began to see it more clearly.
It was a lesson about how our thoughts create the world we believe in — and how very often, perhaps almost always, they seem true, realistic, real.
We don’t question their “reality.” We follow them — in life, in work, in relationships. They make sense to us, even if they don’t make sense to those around us.
We don’t see that we are the authors of our own interpretations, narratives, and stories.
I often see this in my work with clients.
They share their doubts — doubts about themselves, their worth, the potential of their businesses, or a better future. And those doubts feel true and real in their world — even when facts and their own history suggest otherwise.
It happens to me too. Sometimes I doubt myself. Or — on the contrary — I fall into unwarranted enthusiasm (the more pleasant of the two).
In such moments, the story from the trail reminds me that our thoughts often obscure reality. And that it’s worth asking, from time to time: Is what I’m thinking right now really true?
Do you ever doubt your own doubts, beliefs, and thoughts?
If not — try it. It’s a simple experiment. See for yourself whether something shifts — in life, in business, in relationships.