In a week or so, I’ll leave behind friends and all that is familiar and take to the open road on a mission. I’ll be leaving on a solo self-contained bicycle tour from Appalacia to the west coast in Oregon or Washington.
I recently published my new e-book, Facing Fear and Finding Freedom. While writing that book, I was reminded about fear and how it can prevent a person from not only living their dreams, but even simple daily tasks.
I’ve always wanted to ride my bicycle cross country so I decided to combine the two. I decided to pedal with purpose. I’ll be departing this week or next (depending on some final logistics), and will set out on a journey of thousands of miles. Alone.
Why I’m Doing This
I could say I don’t need a reason other than wanting to pedal across America but that would not be entirely true. In 1984 I was abducted from a parking lot in broad daylight from a drug crazed criminal. He’d just gotten out of jail the day before.
Though I survived the attack and broken bones healed, I suffered from Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD). Fortunately, I had a great medical/mental health team that helped me overcome.
Unfortunately, there are so many women who suffer in silence. PTSD holds them prisoners in their own homes. If they do venture out, serious anxiety and panic occur. I want them to know they can overcome PTSD. They can live a life free from the torture that comes from endless fear.
So, I will take to the open roads, completely on my own. I will be at the mercy and good graces of complete strangers I meet along the way. I will blog about my experiences and will write a book as I travel.
My hope is that women who survived violent assault but still suffer from PTSD will muster the courage to seek help and will take back the part of their lives that was lost when they were violently assaulted.
How You Can Go With Me
Don’t worry, I won’t ask you to load up a bicycle and pedal by my side. But, there are things you can do to take the trip with me:
- Pray, not only for me, but for all those women who suffer from PTSD.
- Follow my blog at www.RebaJHoffman.com and get the word out. Tell your friends on social media.
- Buy my book, Facing Fear and Finding Freedom for only $2.99 on Amazon. Give it to a friend.
- Donate via Paypal to reba@magellanlifecoaching.com.
- Have me as a guest on your blog. I would be honored and it would really help get the word out.
I know the trip won’t be easy but even pedaling over mountains with forty pounds of gear is easier than summiting the mountain of fear from PTSD. I have the easy job.
Thank you for your support as I pedal with purpose!
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Reba J. Hoffman is a natural encourager, who has dedicated her life to others and finds no greater fulfillment than to watch those she coaches to succeed. She lives a simple life by design and shows others how to as well. She found her true north and does everything within her power to not only stay there, but to help others discover the way to their own true north. Learn more about her at www.rebajhoffman.com.
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Your Turn: How are you fulfilling your dreams?
Lisa, Thanks for publicizing Reba’s amazing journey.
Reba, I’ve never once considered traveling across country alone. I major bicycle ride for me would be a jaunt along the beach. But I am looking forward to the vicarious experience of seeing this journey through your eyes. I’ll be praying for you, and I’m going to buy your book now!
Roxanne, thank you so much for stopping by. Did you know that you are the first person I told about my plan? Remember that phone call?
I appreciate your prayers and support as I pedal with purpose!
I’ve often wanted to take a bike ride, but alas my knees just won’t make it anymore. But I can travel along with you as I read your blogs. You go, Girl!
You’ll be right there with me Pat. That’s the glory of modern technology! Thanks for being so interested in following this journey and for spreading the word about the purpose.
I’ve said it before and I’ll say it again: You rock, Reebs! I’ll be thinking of and praying for you on your cross-country trek. You should stop in Iowa!! You could hook up with all the people doing RAGBRAI later this month. 🙂
MTAGG, i have several friends who have ridden RAGBRAI. Always wanted to do that! Maybe I will. Who knows?!
I’ll be thinking of you & cheering you on every single day–and looking forward to your updates!
Thank you Dee. That means so much to me! You are such a prayer warrior and cheerleader. I’m sure I’m in good hands with you!
Reba,
I so admire you for taking on this challenge! …and am so sorry you had to go through a brutal attack. It is a blessing you are alive to help others.
Thank you Earleen. I gave up asking “why” in life a long time ago but, when I went through the attack, I did ask God why. More out of curiosity and anticipation than anything else. What I endured was for such a time as this. Look at all the women I can help today! Thanks for your support!
Yay, Reba! Going with you — in spirit, my friend!!!
Wait! Beth, I thought you were riding with me. I’m stopping by your house and pick you up, remember? 🙂
Reebs!! This is awesome!! I know the PTSD battle for different reasons than you, but a mental prison is a mental prison. Thank you for your willingness to embark on this journey. I am so excited for you! (And to have you visit me and my family in Eastern Washington as you head for the Coast! I want to help, so let me know when to have your bed ready!!) About how long do you think it will take you to make the trip? Will you bike back an alternate route or fly home? My dad and his best friend traveled from the Pacific Ocean coast to the Atlantic Ocean coast (Newport News, VA) on their Vespa scooters a few years ago. Their trip took about a month, but they also stopped and spent several days in various spots. if anyone can inspire kindness in strangers, it is YOU my friend. I think about all your airport/restaurant stories and I know you won’t meet very many strangers. I look forward to reading your blog (and subsequent book!)
Lisa, thanks for sharing Reba’s story with us.
Reba, I’m amazed at what you’re doing. It’s awesome! May the Lord guide you and bless you and the people you’ll meet along the way.
Blessings,
Andrea
@Reba you are really encouraging 🙂 God Bless You Dear!