“Compostelle: Going a step further towards self-discovery…” – by Stéphanie Annez de Taboada
- BAO Elan Vital
- Apr 1
- 4 min read
Walking towards oneself, whether on the Way of St. James or through the COACH course at BAO Elan Vital , is ultimately the same quest: moving forward with authenticity, reconnecting with the essential and revealing one's potential.
Have you ever taken a moment to dream? Dreams big or small, achievable or ambitious? Dreams that push you to explore a new path, change direction, or simply find yourself? What do you really want to do, have, or become?
These seemingly simple questions open the door to profound reflection. They give our minds direction, meaning, and a reason to act. In coaching, these questions are transformed into clear, concrete, and motivating objectives—foundations that are explored from the very first steps of the EXPLORER journey at BAO Elan Vital .
My own dream, a few months ago, was to make the pilgrimage to Santiago de Compostela. At that moment, I felt a vital need to slow down, refocus, and celebrate a new milestone in my life: becoming self-employed. This dream combined everything I loved: freedom, nature, movement, meeting others, and time for myself. But like any project, it also aroused doubts and fears 😊.
Facing fears and taking the first step
Going alone for five weeks? What if the heat was too intense in August? What if I couldn't find a hostel? Or what if I took the wrong path? Questions raced through my head, amplified by the looks of others: "Aren't you scared? Isn't it dangerous? Are you really going alone?" These fears, whether they came from me or from others, had one thing in common: they were trying to protect me.
It was thanks, among other things, to the tools I learned during the EXPLORER course that I was able to cope. STOP: Stop, Think, Options, Proceed. This little acronym changed my way of acting when faced with worry. I took the time to listen to my fears, to thank them, and to refocus on my empowering beliefs: I had faith in life and in my ability to transform this adventure into a magnificent experience. It was time to take the first step!
A transformative adventure, step by step
From the start, everything fell into place smoothly. I began my journey on August 15, 2024, in Saint-Jean-Pied-de-Port. The first few days were synonymous with discovery and wonder: of the mechanics of the path, of the other pilgrims, and of myself. The encounters were rich, the exchanges sincere. But like any initiatory journey, physical and mental challenges were present. My feet were becoming painful, and the temptation to focus on the pain was great. This is where this magic phrase helped me a lot:
"What you put your attention on expands."
By deciding to focus on the 95% of my body that was fine, I transformed my perception, and my pain gradually faded.The following days were marked by spirituality and introspection. Crossing the Meseta, that long Spanish desert, in the sweltering heat, taught me to refocus on what mattered: breathing, walking, sleeping, being present. Singing, laughing, smiling! Each step became a meditation, each stage a victory. I also practiced the power of visualization: in moments of extreme fatigue, I imagined myself putting on an Iron Man suit, and this simple image gave me a boost of energy and confidence.
Your most beautiful trip
Arriving in Santiago was a moment of joy and pride, but it wasn't the destination that mattered most. This journey was, above all, a journey toward myself, a reconnection with what is essential, and an immersion in the richness of the present moment. Step by step, I discovered the power of simplicity, the intensity of human interaction, and the immense power of Love, within and around me.
I find this profound transformation in my journey at BAO Elan Vital . As on the Camino de Santiago, each step has allowed me to move forward with greater clarity, depth and openness.
The first year, the EXPLORER program , taught me to know myself better: to understand my beliefs, my values, my fears and my desires. The second year, DISCOVERER , gave me tools to support others on this same path. Becoming a coach is like being a pilgrim: you move forward, you learn, you accompany and you celebrate each step, small or large.
Today, as a life coach, I guide my clients on their own path: that of self-discovery, defining their dreams, and setting in motion a more aligned, rich, and fulfilling life. Each coaching session, like each step along the path, is an opportunity for introspection, transformation, and the celebration of victories, both small and large.
So, if you too feel this calling, this desire to move forward, to rediscover yourself and explore your potential, I invite you to get started. Whether through personalized coaching or a learning path at BAO Elan Vital , everything starts with a first step.So, are you ready to take that first step and move towards your dreams?
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