THE HORIZON BECKONS

There’s a phrase that I like saying to myself: ‘Make it happen!’

Even the sound of it makes me feel better. I feel empowered - as if I really do have it in myself to do whatever it is that I want. And maybe that is indeed the case.  

Anyway, with the end of the year coming, perhaps like you I'm starting to think of the things that I'm determined to make happen in 2026.

Tsend, blind shaman of the Tsaatan reindeer people

The first thing that I’m determined to make happen is a trek through Mongolia to my reindeer-herding friend Gana - someone I've been longing to meet up with for ages (see my previous blog). All being well, he'll take me to the remote mountain spot where the regalia and sacred drums of his mother Tsend have been placed in a shrine. Tsend was the renowned shaman who helped launch me out on my long ride through the Steppe and Gobi, back in 1997 - the expedition that became the BBC TV series Edge of Blue Heaven.

So, this expedition is slated for May. And I'll share with you what I can of that journey in a series of videos - and that way I hope you'll join me on my journey.

The next thing I’m determined to make happen is the publication of my children's book – which looks to be coming out in early June. This publication, I can now announce, will be called THE NINE TIMES I NEARLY DIED. It's about the many times I've got myself into trouble - but also about how I got myself OUT of trouble. So, lots of daring-do, but also a mass of stuff about how to cope under extreme pressure - or how to pick ourselves up again, having undergo a calamity. More about this soon – beginning with the book cover, when I finally have it.

The best thing is, the book will give me an excuse to travel around

the UK visiting schools. I’ll be sharing my stories – both to encourage a spirit of exploration and resilience but also to encourage a love of reading in children.

So, lots of exciting stuff ahead – and who knows I might get round to launching out a second, more taxing expedition in the Autumn: I’ve certainly been thinking about a certain particular project for long enough. 2026 might be the year!

I hope you too are looking forward to your own year ahead. You can never be sure what the future holds – but, as I say, one way to help your plans on their way is to tell yourself sternly, “Make it happen!”