[x_section style=”margin: 0px 0px 0px 0px; padding: 45px 0px 45px 0px; “][x_row inner_container=”true” marginless_columns=”false” bg_color=”” style=”margin: 0px auto 0px auto; padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_column bg_color=”” type=”1/1″ style=”padding: 0px 0px 0px 0px; “][x_text]Time in your helmet can be bliss. Or it can be absolute torture. A distraction-less pit in which thoughts swirl and churn for hours upon end. Memories and good times, worries and fears, hopes and plans, checklists and mental notes zing about. Actively, wildly, vying for undivided attention.
I know I could put headphones in. Block out the swirl with loud tunes and interesting podcasts. And I’ve been mighty tempted. But the entire point of this journey is to challenge myself – and quieting my mind has never been my strong suit. A challenge I must accept. Full on, without distraction.
Cruising under overcast skies, I replay the conversation. The third time someone told me that today. The same thing I’ve heard countless times throughout the journey. And yet I haven’t listened. Why am I resisting so heavily?
I’ve accepted kindness, support and help from people throughout this journey. Would certainly never have made it this far without it. How is this any different?
Three times today strangers took pictures, asked all about the mission, loved on Baylor and asked if there was a way they could support us. An option to send funds online. A request I’ve received regularly for months now. So why am I refusing to make it possible for people who believe in OMD to support it?
Churning, swirling, swishing, crashing about. It comes to me. Fear and ego.
The fear that providing a way for people to support OMD financially will bring out the haters, the trolls. That I’ll be called a mooch, a burden, an unworthy hassle.
The ego that tempts me to believe that it’s better to do things all on your own. That tries to ignore the lessons of community I’ve learned along the way, the powerful fact that taking a trust fall changes your life.
Exiting the churn, I know what I must do. Before departing Oregon. Before building the beast known as Rufio. Before I knew how to weld, ride a motorcycle or adventure into the unknown, I made a tiny, yet powerful choice. I vowed I would not base decisions on fear or ego. That simple. That difficult.
In place of fear I wish to act from a deep well of hope and passion. Instead of ego I aim to allow humble servitude to guide me.
In the scheme of things, my abilities are few, my contributions small.
It’s unlikely I’ll ever develop a lifesaving immunization, end world hunger or prevent the outbreak of war.
I don’t know how to save the planet, launch into space or colonize the moon.
I can’t even claim to be a great adventurer. For others have certainly traveled faster, farther, more dangerously.
All I can say is that I’m passionately, stubbornly dedicated. That I’m willing to give it my all and will always believe in the goodness of humanity. That I’m wildly in love with story and its ability to entertain and connect. That this OMD adventure has provided me with the unique opportunity to collect and share stories from across the continent.
Stories of love and heartbreak, adventure and fear, innovation and failure. Stories of life. The unique realities that connect us to one another. The life-altering events that set us apart.
The man who walked into a hotel during a hurricane and immediately fell in love with the woman behind the counter.
The woman who rode her motorcycle solo across the country in the 1960’s.
The heart attack that prompted a divorce and a cross-country journey.
The journey that led to hip shades and big bucks.
These are the stories I hear everyday on the road. The stories I want to share with you.
Accepting support will make this possible. Will allow me to put time, resources and energy into collecting and telling these stories. With your help OMD will grow and improve. Better travelogue and images. New stories and film. Increased inspiration. Stronger connections.
I am eternally grateful for all the ways – big, small, financial, emotional – we are supported. Endlessly in awe of the kindness and generosity we’ve received. Wholly humbled and inspired that people from around the world are along for the adventure.
You have undoubtedly changed my life for the better. I only hope that I may do the same for others.
136 days down. Many to come.
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