I'm so grateful that I was able to join the recent Women's Heritage Walk with 43 other wonderful women from various nationalities, ages and backgrounds. The walk didn't go exactly as planned, but I came out of it with more than I had hoped for.
Although the journey was supposed to last five days, Mother Nature unfortunately put a stop to the journey last week after Day 3. We had walked a total of 90 kilometres and were gutted that the journey was ended so abruptly.
A select few did wake up the next morning – Day 4 – in the comfort of their own homes and decided to walk the extra 35km in Khalifa City A and along the Corniche. At that moment, I had realised what was built: a sisterhood that brought us together in spite of the difficulties we faced on those three days. I believe that this sisterhood will last us all a lifetime.
Away from the numbers and spiritual gains, I believe that this walk taught me a lesson in patience. If you ask anyone in my family and circle of friends they will tell you that I’m the speediest person you will meet. I’m a fast driver, talker, typer and thinker.
On this journey, I learnt how being patient reaps more rewards than finishing all the work I have to do in record time. I learnt that being patient for other people’s needs is a trait of true leadership; nobody gets left behind. I learnt that giving things time allows you to really absorb the complete learning of a situation. So patience was definitely the first thing I learnt.
Boy, oh boy, did I persevere (not to mention perspire). They weren’t kidding about the dunes being the most difficult part physically on the walk. It was more than just physical perseverance, but spiritual and mental as well. I remember clearly on Day 3 when we walked a stretch of 10km, how I kept reciting verses from the Quran and pouring out prayers of gratefulness to my creator and the blessings bestowed onto me – the ability to see, hear, smell, walk, touch and think. Such simple things, which I took for granted, that were all working together during that long stretch.
I remember seeing my mum, who had surprised me by visiting the camp at the end of Day 3, and all I felt was a welling of tears and the burst of energy to run towards her.
After that moment, I kept wondering about my ancestors and how they must have felt when their loved ones travelled for months on end to provide food, water and shelter for them. Life was definitely more difficult back then, and I’m so grateful that I persevered and managed to walk the distance.
A true lesson in being positive was my greatest takeaway from this walk. Sand was blowing into every space of my face, hands and feet. I would remind myself constantly about how this opportunity was once in a lifetime and that I needed to accept every hurdle, obstacle and challenge. Singing songs together made us laugh, and that laughter allowed us to press on in spite of any hardships. Everyone kept pushing one another saying: “Only a few more kilometres, we can do it.” Such a collection of great spirits can only manifest in a common objective to finish this walk with great positive vibes and a strength that can move dunes.
So as our blisters heal, aching muscles recover and tan lines reveal themselves, I’m sitting here comfortably in my living room recalling the magnificent, inspiring and wonderful four days I experienced. Who knows, maybe I will repeat this again next year.
* As told to Jessica Hill
Sarah Shaw is a programme manager for Abu Dhabi Education Council and a participant in the Women’s Heritage Walk.
If you have a good story to tell or an interesting issue to debate, contact Amanda Tomlinson on atomlinson@thenational.ae.
