I received an email from an old friend the other day. I’ve always believed good friends should be comfortable and able to say as they think, not holding back. That said, I trust they come from a place of compassion and kindness as opposed to malition, jealousy or frustration. I don’t know where this email came from emotionally but it upset me.
To summarise:
1. I’m not actually cycling around the world but just taking an extended holiday and keep flying to various parts of the globe.
2. I have not really given up the rat race but am merely spending the money I previously made.
3. I am not doing something for charity but asking people for money for something I want to do anyway.
I didn’t and don’t feel the need to justify my trip. Yet in being honest both on my blog and as ever to myself and incase others think the same….this is my journey.
I signed up to quite literally cycle the world. It was to be a supported trip of 18, 000 miles in 9 months. Unfortunately it was cancelled though as it happened that turned out to be a good thing. Given this I had then arranged a 12 month tour with another of the guys who had signed up. Then I received very bad news about my mothers health and that was when the itinerary changed to a series of shorter trips thereby enabling me to return home and check in. So that is why my trip is not continous. Personally I’m comfortable with that.
As it happens this has proved to next to be a good way to travel. Family and friends are pretty important to me. I love that I am able to keep in touch other than by email, Skype etc. They help shape, challenge, encourage and support this girl who was looking for something new to do. Since my mid twenties I was on a career path. Gradually gaining more responsibility, earning promotion and increasing pay. I worked hard for my MBA qualification then moved to Scotland. I enjoyed my work and will of course need to return to this. At the moment I don’t know how that will transpire but for now at least I have been bold enough to do something different. Personally I’m comfortable with that.
I recognise I’m very fortunate to now be in a position where, following the sale of a house, I can take this time to live my dream. I do still have my home and yes, I could have just given my money directly to charity but I wanted to travel. Yes, primarily this is a trip for me. I have never said anything different to that. However I hoped I could inspire others and raise money for a good cause along the way. No money raised goes to my trip, it all goes directly to the charity I chose to support. Personally I’m comfortable with that.
Sometimes we do things and our friends and family ask questions. It’s their job. I only hope they understand and if they don’t….well, I’m still comfortable with that too.
13 Responses
Naomi:
It’s great to see you and John are still cycling the world! My son and I met you over a year ago in Bodega Bay toward the end of your first stage and I have been following your and John’s blogs off and on since. We did a short trip this year in the San Juan Islands in Washington and the Gulf Islands in Canada. I am envious of the time you’ve spent cycling and all those km’s! You and John are an inspiration to me to take on a longer trip someday, not sure I’m brave enough to do Cairo to Capetown though. Keep at it and keep writing about it. Best, Dan.
thanks to those who have commented on this and sent encouragement. i have chosen not to show all responses but I really appreciate the kind words.
Cheers for the postcard Nomesie. Keep on trundling and ignore any frustrated idiots who cannot see the good that your journey is bringing to many others. Dazzle
Dear Naomi.
To the person who sent that E mail they should be ashamed. I have known you since the original germ of the idea grew in your mind and if that person had bothered to read your Blogs from the beginning they would have known the facts and reasons behind your journey and how you are completing it.
As a fellow cyclist I am full of admiration for what you have, are and will do in the future. I applaud you for your loyalty and love of your family, your enthusiasm for your adventure and your choice of charity to support. I will look forward to your next blog with undiminished excitement to find out where you are, what you have done and any sideways comments on the country or its people you may care to make.
Keep cycling, keep writing and keep inspiring. Don’t get upset just get angry and the miles (or should I more correctly say Kilometres) will fly by even faster!
It takes courage and heart to let go of the constraints that ‘western’ society place upon us. Opportunity, in whichever shape or form presents itself to everyone very few grab it by the balls. You are on a magical journey and have the ability to do this considering the needs if other humans who are important too you. Who cares if the trip is continuous or broken up the fact is you are out the pushing those pedals around covering the k’s! You are not only inspirational but also considerate and empathetic, go girl keep on moving!
Naomi fair to play to you , keep the posts coming and the miles rolling, oh and more post cards please
Like buck stops here’s comments have a blast Nao. We’re loving what you do – you go girl indeed! X
Your stories made me smile and chuckle away, I am full of admiration and constantly in awe of the things I find out about through your travels. You are not only living your dream, you are helping others live their dreams too and I just can’t think of anything negative to say. You’re one special lady with many special friends behind you all the way! Whoever this old friend was, it’s probably where they should consider staying. xxx
Hi Naiomi, Bridgeen here, Dick’s wife. Just wanted to say how angry I was to hear of these criticisms.I have been following your blog and have found it inspirational, not just for the adventures you have had , but for the eloquence with which you have written . I admire you for the physical challenge you have undertaken and for having the courage to take time out from “real” life , to step away from the humdrum and just ” do it!” When all is said and done it is all real life. Most of us are just too set in our ways to take the leap. Why should you be criticised for being organised, for arranging to accomplish a personal challenge, support your family and raise money for charity? Is there not enough suffering involved? Yikes I feel this could become a rant. don’t let the so called friends get you down. Enjoy the rest of your trip. I will continue to follow your progress with enthusiasm. B xx
You go girl, follow your heart and it will lead you to happiness and fulfilment x
I don’t know you, have never met you and probably never will BUT I love your blog and have followed you on your travels with much interest and admiration. I think you’re great and “I’m very comfortable” with what you do and are doing! You’re an inspiration in many areas, and not least of all as someone who has the guts to go against the grain and do something that most other people cant even begin to dream about. That’s noble in itself. A very important side of life is making memories – for yourself and generations to come and that you are certainly doing. You go girl and I’ll continue to follow you every pedal of your long way with interest and not just a mild bit of envy. Bless you.
thank you for this. great to hear you like the blog and more important that people feel I have been honest and don’t mislead. that’s important to me.
Hi Nao
I agree with you and have been very interested in following your trip. I’m astonished that anyone could have misconstrued what you were doing or why. I haven’t always agreed with your take on what you see and indeed did write a comment about one of your African blogs but when I sent it it vanished! Anyway keep on enjoying it, keep on blogging and do remind everyone reading this of the link to that football charity! Love Frances x