Wild Ideas Worth Living · Tuesday, July 28, 2026
Samer Abu Hamad found returning home after his three-and-a-half-year journey more challenging than previous breaks, describing it as a 'what now?' moment. He explains that the concrete, measurable progress of cycling made the transition difficult, and he is now focused on processing his experiences and inspiring others.
“The finish line was, I mean, the day finishing wasn't like that emotional, but I know the last three or four days was pretty sad. But, uh, the actual arriving, arriving in Beirut, I mean, it's interesting. Like, you know, the last leg of my trip was going through those Middle Eastern countries in the middle of summer. So it was really hot. And so I couldn't wait to be done, right? But after a month of being done, it's also like, wow, I think I'd rather be back on the road now. So, yeah, coming home this last trip has been harder than the first two times because I don't necessarily have that next target yet.”
“Yeah, I think you hit the nail on the head with everything you just said. It's like, for the three and a half years on this trip, I had a purpose every day. You know, I really felt like I was moving towards my purpose. And, uh, and you know, once I finished my goal, it was like, what now? You know, it was a huge what now moment for me.”
“And so I think it's the shift in the mindset here that the progress isn't as concrete. But having faith that, you know, if I'm doing the things I'm supposed to be doing every day towards the goal, that eventually the seeds that I'm planting now will start watering.”