Written by Max Reilly (Project Manager, Run for Wishes)
April 3, 2022

[Image ID - Yorta Yorta land. A photo of the Strawberry Field’s festival grounds. In the distance are festival punters watching the sunset along the Dhungala/Murray River.]

Photos were taken on the traditional lands of the Yorta Yorta, Malpa, Jardwadjali and Djabwurung.

Greetings!

Welcome to the second edition of the ‘Motorhome Moments’ blog series. If this is your first time coming across this series, essentially it is another space to share the Run for Wishes story from the support crew’s perspective. Find the first edition here.

Two blogs in, this will be a rare post. It does not cover the encounters we experience within the motorhome. Instead, it will be introspective talking about the sacrifices taken for this trip.

It is necessary to highlight Sean’s dedication to this project first. His continuous drive despite endless setbacks with the pandemic, permits, funding, and his body is admirable. Nobody would criticise him for pulling out, but his inner monologue is relentless.

Melbourne romanticising

Everyone has those people in their circle whom they can instantaneously dive deep into conversation with when they see each other. I am lucky to have that with Sean.

A few weeks ago, we confessed the difficulties we are having leaving home. For context after the run, Sean’s moving to Gold Coast, and I am backpacking through Europe. We have always shared motivations to move, but now it feels hard.

It feels like Melbourne has rediscovered its groove. After a staggered two years, we can finally see loved ones as much as we please. You can even see people without talking about the pandemic!

Leaving felt effortless during the lockdowns. Other major Australian cities are warmer, had no restrictions, and possess ridiculous natural features.

[Image ID - New South Wales. Tharawal land. A photo of the large waterfall at Tahmoor gorge and people swimming in the watering hole.]

The consistent open patch we are in has made me realise that the people make Melbourne what it is. Festivals, sports, and other mass gatherings are back in full force. People are glowing and smiling. You can see a person and be confident that you can see them again soon.

There is a resistance to leaving this community, especially when things are going well.

[Image ID - Yorta Yorta land. A group photo of myself and my camping pals at the stage at Strawberry Fields.]

Big decisions

What we are feeling is natural. With any big decision, self-doubt creeps in. We are breaking away from stability into uncertainty. It is vulnerable but exciting.

For this run, Sean and the support crew have departed with opportunities that have moulded us into who we are today. Despite the appeal to stay, there is an urge to step into the unknown. We must follow our hearts, do something bigger than ourselves, and move along life’s thread whatever the outcome may be.

An idol of ours, Rich Roll, shares a quote in his book Finding Ultra that captures this feeling.

“Pursue what’s in your heart, and the universe will conspire to support you.”