My feet have just hit the floor after an inspiring weekend. I’ve been replaying moments from The Overland Event, flicking through photos, and recalling the many conversations I had. Too many to mention, all deep, all meaningful, all treasured.

 

 

 

 

I’ll be honest: after The Stoic Rider completely SOLD OUT (!!) and hearing so many kind words, I’m absolutely floored. To sit in the Author’s Tent and share not only my book but my story felt like stepping into something much bigger than myself.

 

 

It was cool to see Ted Simon interviewed by TAMPodcast, to pose with the delightful Jacqui Furneaux beside her Royal Enfield, and to be part of two fantastic group photos – one with the Overland presenters (next to Ted again, lucky me!) and another with the WIMA group (thanks Laura for finding me for that one!).

 

 

But what I’ll carry with me most are the conversations. You know, I had so many truly great ones. This, for me at least, is what it’s all about: getting to the heart of what connects us all – our shared humanity. Over my author’s desk, one conversation gave me exactly what I needed. It made me feel less alone with something I’ve been facing, and I hope I had the same effect for a few others too. More than ever, I feel that I’ve found my own purpose – as the Stoics encourage us to do.

 

 

As I write this, I’m preparing for the next leg of my journey: a flight from the UK to Boston. I’m not a great flier, so I lean on Stoic practice to keep my mind in check. The Stoics called it the Dichotomy of Control: understanding what is up to us, and what is not. I can’t control the plane, the weather, the journey, or even whether I’ll get to the airport on time. What I can control are my thoughts. Seneca reminded us that “we suffer more in imagination than in reality.” I’ll never stop being nervous of flying, but I’ve made peace with the fear – I don’t let it stop me.

 

 

I left the Overland Event deeply humbled by the people I met. My only regret was that I couldn’t be everywhere at once hearing all the stories, sitting in all the tents. But then, I realised that I wasn’t just an observer. I was part of the event. That sense of belonging reminded me of how Robert Pirsig described motorcycling: when you’re on the bike, you’re in the scene, not just watching it. That’s exactly how Overland felt – immersive, alive, like a great collective hug.

 

Someone described the weekend as “a big hug.” They were right.

 

So thank you, Paddy Tyson and Saul Jeavons, for creating something that brings so much joy, connection, and purpose to so many. As the Stoics would say: find your purpose. Answer the call. I think you have.

 

With gratitude,

 

Louisa ✨