many walkers endured, my very swollen and painful feet were too hot in my boots. Walking became unbearable. So at the nearest town I bought a cheap pair of hiking sandals. I would change into them about halfway through the day when the sun reached its peak and my feet began swelled. The next day, I was excited to use my sandals when my feet reached their point of no return in my boots … and it never happened. I wore the sandals occasionally for a change of pace, but it seemed that in having procured them, I no longer really needed them. This happened over and over. Need ibuprofen for a headache? Poof, the pain vanished upon purchase! Need a fleece because of chillier-than-expected temps? Bam! A heat wave ensued. In fact, we still often ask ourselves when buying things now, is this a “Camino moment?” Meaning, if we just sit this purchase out another day or week, will we still “need” it? Are we simply being impatient in trying to solve our problems? Might they go away on their own? Not everyone needs to walk 500 miles to lighten up. But I must say, I highly recommend it. Even if you aren’t a minimalist, or striving to be one, you can learn a lot about your limits, your desires, your creativity, and your needs by keeping it light enough to travel. Plus, you may find (as we did, daily) that having both hands free and a lighter load allows you to enjoy a sunrise espresso and a croissant along the way. Jessica Server is a writer who teaches at Minnesota State University. She lives in Mankato with her husband.
LOVE EACH OTHER. LO V E T HE E A R T H. LO V E YOUR R I N G. FOREVER YOURS. NEVER MINED. DIAMONDS AND GEMS GROWN WITH LOVE. 1031 Madison Ave Mankato, MN (507) 625-1625
117 N Minnesota St New Ulm, MN 1031 Madison Avenue (507) 354-2613 pattersonsdiamondcenter.com Mankato, MN 56001 DIAMOND CENTERS 507.625.1625
• New & Pre-Owned RVs • Financing Available • Parts & Service • Family-owned Since 1963
KeepersRV.com | 507-625-4647 3 Miles South of Mankato off HWY 22 MANKATO MAGAZINE • JUNE 2019 • 43