Walking Into 60
For the past few months, I honestly wasn’t sure what this summer would look like. After my ski accident in February, life suddenly became much smaller. There were surgeries, crutches, a boot, physical therapy appointments, and countless frustrating moments simply trying to do the basic things we all take for granted. As a result, my world slowed down in ways I never expected. When you go from moving freely through life to struggling to take a single step, perspective changes quickly.
That is why preparing to leave for the Camino feels emotional in ways I never anticipated.
In just a few days, I will head to Portugal with dear friends to begin walking the Camino de Santiago as part of celebrating my 60th birthday. Even writing those words feels surreal. Only a few months ago, I couldn’t walk at all. Now, however, I am preparing to walk one of the world’s most historic pilgrimage routes one step at a time. Honestly, it feels like such a gift.
The Journey Ahead
For centuries, pilgrims from around the world have walked the Camino searching for something meaningful. Some walk for healing, while others seek faith, clarity, forgiveness, adventure, or transformation. Along the way, each traveler carries their own burdens, hopes, questions, and stories.
Lately, people keep asking me what I am hoping to find on this journey.
The truth is, I’m not walking in search of anything.
Instead, I hope to simply be present enough to receive whatever the journey wants to offer. Somewhere along the road between Portugal and Spain, between quiet mornings and aching feet, between laughter with friends and moments of silence, I trust there will be lessons waiting.
After all, life teaches us when we slow down enough to listen.
Perhaps that is why the Camino has drawn people in for generations. In a world that constantly tells us to hurry, produce, achieve, and consume, the Camino invites something entirely different. Walk slowly. Carry only what you need. Notice the people beside you. Pay attention to the beauty around you. Trust the next step.
There is something deeply beautiful about that rhythm.
As I stand on the edge of turning 60, I realize this season of life may be inviting the same thing. Less rushing and more presence. Less proving and more gratitude. Less noise and more purpose.
Lessons From Recovery
Without question, these past few months have reminded me repeatedly that health is not something to take for granted. In addition, community matters deeply. Purpose matters too. During difficult moments, you quickly discover who truly shows up for you.
Some people text encouragement. Others pray faithfully. Many bring meals, offer support, or simply remind you not to give up. Throughout this recovery, I have felt incredibly carried by love.
At the same time, another unexpected gift arrived this week that left me emotional in the very best way.
The Charity Matters Podcast was recognized by Million Podcasts in multiple national rankings for 2026:
#7 Best Charity Podcast in the United States
#15 Best Philanthropy Podcast
#44 Best Nonprofit Podcast
Additionally, the podcast was recognized in categories focused on changemakers, social impact, advocacy, kindness, nonprofit leadership, and philanthropy.
Gratitude For This Community
When I first started Charity Matters all those years ago, my only hope was to shine a light on good people doing extraordinary things to help others. Back then, I never imagined where this journey would lead. More importantly, I could never have imagined the incredible community that would grow from it.
According to Million Podcasts, their rankings are based on audience engagement, consistency, authority within the space, ratings, reviews, and podcast activity. Behind every one of those statistics are real people. More specifically, all of you.
Many of you listen faithfully each week.
Others generously share stories and encourage friends to tune in.
Still more continue showing up because you believe kindness matters and goodness matters. Because of this community, we continue putting more good into the world together.
That recognition felt like the most beautiful early birthday gift because it reminded me that this work matters. Stories matter. Encouragement matters. Service matters. Most importantly, goodness matters.
Buen Camino
As I head off toward Portugal and begin walking into this next decade of life, my heart is filled with gratitude. Gratitude for healing. Gratitude for friendship. Gratitude for this beautiful community. Most of all, gratitude for every lesson these difficult months have brought.
Although I don’t know exactly what the Camino will teach me yet, I do know this: life itself is a pilgrimage. In one way or another, we are all walking each other home.
If I have learned anything over these past sixty years, it is that the journey becomes infinitely more meaningful when we walk it with love, purpose, faith, and kindness.
I promise to share more reflections when I return.
Until then…Buen Camino.
Charity Matters
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