My Road to Oman: Here I am. On social media.
After a lengthy period of thought, over four years in fact, trying to put words to paper, I come to share as much as I can bare to bare regarding My Road to Oman.
This expedition has great meaning to me. My history, experiences, feelings and what I want to achieve are very much ensconced in this journey. As time goes on, and if you are interested in following, this will be slowly revealed.
Whilst, for the most part, travel is selfish, I would like good to come of this trip. An essential element for me is that people can benefit or be inspired in some way, from what I’ve done and what I would like to do. Equally, I understand there may be some who have little time for it and I respect that too.
Posting on FB, for me, has been remarkably different to posting on a relatively anonymous social media accounts of Instagram or Twitter. Hashtag this hashtag that, showcasing what a wonderful life I lead. We all know that it is so often smoke and mirrors. Whatever. Exposing hidden parts of my life and my vulnerabilities to ‘known’ people, past and present, I find very intimidating and uncomfortable. I cringe now. I could do with a cigarette but I gave up.
I feel that I have now reached the stage where this is a necessary evil for the expedition, and for me. There is little point in me moving forwards with this project if I’m to keep it locked in for myself. I want to share it. It’s my childless misfit legacy after all.
Taking a leap onto the next step of not worrying what people think, perhaps accepting what people think but not worrying regardless. This is a muscle that I need to exercise, repeatedly and consistently.
After my previous post about my SAS Major I was rather overwhelmed by the response and support from my FB buddies. I was also content with the fact that some drew comfort from what I wrote, my experience and my realisation.
An old friend, who I hadn’t seen for over 10 years, got in touch. I’ve moved on a little since we last met; drenched in champagne, Leona Lewis singing and a trip to the National Army Museum for a Parachute Regiment exhibition. The only thing this meeting had in common was Mayfair.
He offered me some much needed guidance. The last couple of years I have been very much lost in my thoughts. The more I speak about them, the more clarity I gain and the evolution and reasons for this trip are becoming increasingly clear.
He is helping me to separate my feelings from this expedition. Not because they aren’t important, they are. But the time has come to seek sponsors, support and funding and time is ticking.
This is a different ball game in the expedition planning. I know why I’m doing it, I know the route I want to take and how to achieve it and I know what I want to achieve.
But what can people gain from this expedition commercially? This is a question that requires a different line of thought and what I am working on now. Exercising further unused muscles. Stand by.
images: Ahmad Al Rikaby
