Back on the Pages, STEPPING on the Stage: Dominican Republic EDITION (OWNITX2026, AND THE NEXT CHAPTER )

To my fellow OWNIT readers—thank you for welcoming me back.

I’ve genuinely missed this space. In the last issue, I shared what it felt like to return from my Kuwait deployment and begin the slow, meaningful transition back into everyday life—finding my rhythm again, reconnecting with my people, and learning how to carry the lessons of service without letting them weigh me down. Since then, life has moved in a way I can only describe as purposeful. Not always easy. Not always predictable. But undeniably forward.

And that’s what makes it such a joy to write this now: I just returned from the Dominican Republic, where I stepped onto the world stage as an international speaker for the OWNITX2026 Event—an experience that stretched me, challenged me, and reminded me why growth is rarely quiet.

From “Back Home” to “Big Stage”

After deployment, there’s a phase no one can fully explain unless they’ve lived it. You’re back—but part of you is still catching up. Your mind is recalibrating. Your goals feel both urgent and distant. You start asking bigger questions:

– What do I want to build now?

– What parts of me did deployment shape—for better or worse?

How do I take what I’ve learned and turn it into something that helps others?

Somewhere in the middle of those questions, I found myself saying “yes” to opportunities that used to feel out of reach. OWNITX2026 wasn’t just another event on a calendar. It was a decision. A declaration. A moment of choosing visibility—choosing impact.

Because speaking internationally isn’t only about a microphone and a crowd. It’s about responsibility: showing up with a message that’s honest enough to be useful.

“Touching Down in the Dominican Republic”

The Dominican Republic has a way of reminding you that life is happening right now. The warmth, the movement, the mix of calm and energy—it’s the kind of environment that makes you reflect without forcing it.

As I arrived, I felt two things at once: gratitude and pressure.

Gratitude because not everyone gets to take their story beyond borders—especially after a season that demanded so much internally. Pressure because when you represent your journey on a global stage, you don’t want to waste the moment. You want to deliver something real—something people can carry home with them.

Between the travel, the schedule, and the preparation, the days moved fast. But what stayed steady was the sense that I was exactly where I was supposed to be.

“The Real “Epic” Part: Earning the Moment”

People often think the epic part is the travel—the palm trees, the photos, the venue, the highlight reel. I have those too! LOL! Check out the links at the end of this story

But the epic part is the behind-the-scenes work that gets you there:

– The late nights rewriting your message until it feels true.

– The quiet fear that tries to convince you you’re not “ready.”

– The discipline of showing up anyway.

– The choice to speak from lived experience—not just theory.

I didn’t want to deliver a speech that sounded impressive. I wanted to deliver something that felt honest—because honesty is what people remember.

“Taking the Stage at OWNITX2026”

There’s a specific moment right before you speak—when the room settles, the noise fades, and you can feel the attention shift toward you. It’s not just nerves. It’s awareness

You realize: this isn’t about performing. This is about connecting.

Sitting there as an international speaker at OWNITX2026, I felt something click into place. Not because everything was perfect, but because it was aligned.

I spoke from a place shaped by service, transition, resilience, and rebuilding—about taking ownership when life changes you, and choosing intention over autopilot. About how you don’t wait to “feel ready” to lead—you prepare, you show up, and you grow in public.

And in that room, with people from different places and different backgrounds, the message still landed. That’s what made it powerful: the human parts translated.

What This Trip Taught Me (That I’m Keeping)

This journey gave me more than a speaking credit. It gave me perspective I plan to keep close:

Your story has value even while it’s still unfolding.

You don’t need a perfect ending to share a real lesson.

Growth requires visibility.

Staying hidden might feel safe, but it rarely creates change.

Discomfort is often confirmation.

If it stretches you, it’s probably expanding you.

The world stage isn’t reserved for a certain type of person.

It’s for people willing to do the work and carry their message with integrity.

“Bringing It Back to You, OWNIT Readers”

I’m sharing this not to highlight a destination, but to highlight a decision: the decision to step forward after a hard season and claim what’s next.

If you’ve been in a rebuild phase—after a deployment, after a setback, after a life shift—you’re not behind. You’re in transition. And transition, when handled with intention, becomes transformation.

The Dominican Republic was a location. OWNITX2026 was a platform. But the bigger win was internal: choosing to be seen, choosing to contribute, choosing to lead.

And I’m grateful to be able to come back here, to these pages, and bring you with me.

The first night of the event set a tone I won’t forget, because before any keynote energy or stage lights fully took over, I had the privilege of witnessing something historic: the inaugural Commencement Ceremony of OWNIT-X University. The room carried a different kind of silence—one made of respect, anticipation, and meaning—as twelve candidates were formally recognized and awarded Honorary Doctorates. Watching each name called and each recipient step forward felt bigger than ceremony; it felt like a public affirmation of purpose, perseverance, and the kind of impact that leaves a mark on communities long after applause fades. In that moment, I wasn’t just attending an event—I was watching a legacy take shape in real time.

It also took me right back to a personal milestone of my own—earning my Doctorate while I was deployed. Back then, the moment happened through a computer screen, and while I was proud, the experience was naturally muted by distance: no walking across the stage, no shared energy in the room, no sense of the space holding the weight of the accomplishment. Sitting in that commencement ceremony in the Dominican Republic, watching those twelve recipients stand, be recognized, and receive their Honorary Doctorates, I felt something I didn’t realize I’d been missing. I was grateful to be present for it—grateful to feel the “walk” through them, to experience the atmosphere, the applause, and the significance in a way I couldn’t when my own moment came from halfway across the world. In a quiet but real way, it gave me the feeling of stepping onto that stage to receive my degree—this time with the full presence the occasion deserved.

My trip to the Dominican Republic wasn’t just about the event—it was also about something I’ve rarely allowed myself to do: take a real vacation, honestly, maybe for the first time ever. The Emotions Resort made it easy to unwind, with amenities that were genuinely impressive and comfortable in all the right ways. And yes, the pool and beach were inviting—but I’ve never been the type to sit in one spot all day, rotating between a lounge chair and a towel. For me, to truly experience the DR, I had to get beyond the resort gates and wander the local areas—listen to the everyday sounds, see how people live, find the hidden corners that don’t show up in the brochure. After all, I can’t go around calling myself an “Expert Adventurer” if I’m not actually out there doing some adventuring. 🤣

My first stop was San Pedro de Macorís—and believe it or not, it started with something as simple as getting a haircut. On paper, that might not sound especially “epic” in terms of adventure, but for me it was the perfect way to step into everyday Dominican life. A barbershop is one of those places where culture isn’t performed—it’s lived

You hear the local rhythm of conversation, the music in the background, the laughter, the opinions, the stories, the way people move through a normal day. Sitting in that chair, I wasn’t trying to be a tourist collecting experiences; I was trying to connect, to be present, and to learn through real interaction with real people.

And San Pedro de Macorís is the kind of town that makes that choice feel meaningful.

Located on the southeastern coast, it grew into a major hub in the late 1800s and early 1900s because of the sugar industry, drawing workers and entrepreneurs from different parts of the Caribbean and beyond. That mix helped shape a distinctive local identity—one known for its strong community pride, its cultural blend, and its reputation as a powerhouse for baseball talent that has influenced the sport far beyond the island. So while my first “adventure” in the DR wasn’t a jungle trek or a boat excursion, it was something just as important: a small, grounded moment in a place with deep roots and a lived-in history—exactly the kind of experience that makes travel feel real.

Day two of the event came quickly. I rose early, and for the first time since arriving, I had several open hours before I’d need to shift into “intentional speaker” mode and step onto the stage. Instead of staying in my room rehearsing lines or letting my thoughts run too far ahead, I chose something more strategic: I gave my nervous system a chance to settle. I took the opportunity to relax, calm down, and ground myself by taking a city tour of Punta Cana.

Punta Cana is often talked about like it’s only beaches and resorts, but there’s more context behind the postcard version. This area on the eastern tip of the Dominican Republic developed rapidly in the late 20^th century, transforming from largely rural coastline into one of the Caribbean’s best-known tourism regions—especially after investment in infrastructure like roads and the Punta Cana International Airport, which helped connect the region to the rest of the world. That blend of local life alongside global travel is something you can actually feel when you move around the city: it’s a place shaped by the island’s natural beauty, yes, but also by modern expansion, work, and constant motion.

For me, that tour did exactly what I hoped it would do. It slowed my breathing, widened my perspective, and reminded me I was safe, present, and prepared—so that when it was time to show up as a speaker, I wasn’t just energized. I was centered.

Our first stop after arriving in Punta Cana was BlueMall Punta Cana—a modern, polished shopping destination that immediately showed a different side of the region. It wasn’t the “resort-only” picture many people carry of Punta Cana; it felt more like a crossroads where local life and international travel meet. You could sense how the area has grown into a global gateway over the past few decades—built to serve not only visitors, but also the professionals, entrepreneurs, and families who live and work in a place that rarely slows down.

Walking through BlueMall gave me a simple but helpful reset before the stage: clean lines, cool air, a steady pace, and the chance to observe without rushing. It was a reminder that grounding doesn’t always require silence or solitude—sometimes it’s just moving through a space calmly, taking in your surroundings, and letting your mind come back to center before you step into a moment that matters.

Our next stop was Bibijagua Beach, and it was exactly what I needed in that moment—simple, grounding, and real. I slipped off my shoes, put my toes in the sand, and let the ocean do what it always does best: reset your mind without asking permission. I also took some time to browse for souvenirs, the kind you pick up not just to bring home, but to anchor a memory to something you can hold in your hands later

Bibijagua sits along Punta Cana’s famous stretch of coastline on the Dominican Republic’s eastern tip, an area that for generations was made up of small coastal communities and working shoreline before tourism reshaped the region into the global destination it is today.

Even now, you can still feel that blend—natural beauty on full display, alongside local vendors and everyday commerce that keep the beach connected to the people who live and work there. It wasn’t a long stop, but it did what it needed to do: it brought me back into my body, into the present, and into the DR—one grain of sand at a time.

One of the souvenirs I picked up there ended up being my favorite—not because it was the biggest or flashiest, but because it carried a piece of the Dominican Republic with it. It was made from larimar, the national stone (and national gemstone) of the DR. What made it feel special is that larimar isn’t something you just find anywhere; it’s a rare blue variety of the mineral pectolite that’s found almost exclusively in the Dominican Republic, primarily in the southwest province of Barahona.

There’s also a bit of modern history tied to it: while locals had known of the stone earlier, larimar became widely recognized in the 1970s when it was formally rediscovered and later named—often explained as a blend of “Larissa” (a name) and “mar,” the Spanish word for sea, which fits its ocean-like blues perfectly.

So that small piece I brought back wasn’t just a souvenir—it was a wearable reminder of the island’s natural identity and a story that’s uniquely Dominican.

Another piece of the DR I brought back was a pendant carved by a local craftsman—one of those items that feels less like a purchase and more like a handoff of heritage. The carving depicts the history and cultural roots of the island’s Indigenous people, commonly associated with the Taíno, whose presence shaped early Dominican identity through language, food, art, and symbols that still echo today.

What I appreciated most was the craftsmanship and intention behind it. It wasn’t mass-produced; it carried the marks of someone’s hands and someone’s pride. Bringing that pendant home felt like carrying a small, respectful reminder that the Dominican Republic isn’t only beaches and resorts—it’s layers of history, resilience, and culture that deserve to be seen and remembered.

The last stop that closed out my visit to Punta Cana was the Basilica Cathedral of Nuestra Señora de la Altagracia in Higüey. The moment I arrived, the atmosphere shifted. The architecture itself draws your eyes upward, but what stayed with me most was the quiet reverence inside—the kind of stillness that makes you slow down and listen, not just with your ears, but with your spirit.

Being there gave me a deep sense of spiritual renewal. I felt grounded in God’s presence, and it reaffirmed my relationship with Him in a way that was both personal and unmistakable. I didn’t leave with noise in my head; I left with clarity in my heart.

This whole journey to the Dominican Republic has opened me up—more than I expected. It has helped soften the places that needed healing and strengthen the places that needed courage. I’ve been able to receive wisdom, clarity, and a deeper sense of responsibility to my true purpose, as God has instructed me. And ending the day at the Cathedral felt like the right closing note: not just a tour stop, but a sacred reminder that this trip was never only about where I went—it was about who I’m being called to become.

The night brought everything full circle. As the main event began, I took center stage as one of the OWNIT-X 2026 International speakers, and the weight of the moment truly settled in. Sitting there in person—present, grounded, and fully engaged—was more than a professional milestone. It felt like a purposeful assignment, the kind of moment you don’t take lightly because you understand how many steps, sacrifices, and prayers led to it.

I’m deeply grateful to have been part of such a momentous occasion, and to share space with leaders and voices committed to growth, impact, and global connection. It was also an honor to have my contributions recognized—especially my work as a bestselling author. Seeing *Sacred Whisperings* and *Sacred Knowledge* spotlighted in that setting reminded me that the message is bigger than the pages; it’s meant to reach people, meet them where they are, and help move them forward.

On top of that, receiving recognition for my work as a Contributing Writer for *OwnIt Magazine* was genuinely meaningful. Writing has always been one of the ways I serve, reflect, and translate lived experience into something others can use. To have that work acknowledged on an international stage affirmed that my effort matters—and that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be.

And to close this chapter with an announcement that still feels surreal to say out loud: I have been selected as a winner at the 2026 International Impact Book Awards. As part of this honor, I’ve also been invited to attend the International Impact Book Awards Gala on July 19, 2026, in Phoenix, Arizona.

This is a prestigious celebration where I’ll be surrounded by fellow award winners, media professionals, and industry leaders—and I will step onto the stage and receive my award in person. I invite you to join me on my next chapter, as I continue to share my journey in the most authentic way possible.

I BET YOU’RE SAYING TO YOURSELF:

“Hold on just a second!! You’re Two Wheeled Freedom! This story is cool and interesting but…Where’s the Motorcycle Adventures?! The epic videos with rockin’ music! Well, I’m glad you asked.

This past year has blessed me with so much abundance and opportunities to grow, not just personally but also my brand. Not being one to disappoint my readers, I am happy to announce that the TWF team has a new member joining the adventure. Allow me to introduce, “Road Runner”! That right, y’all, I got another pony in the stable. This 2025 H-D Pan America 1250 CVO will be taking yours truly, Two Wheeled Freedom off-road! What you can expect to see moving forward, you ask? For starters, epic off-road videos with rockin’ music! LOL! 😊 Moto-Camping adventures and more road trips! Road Runner already has 1300 miles in one month and is ready to run the highway, leaving them coyotes in the dust! So, I hope you continue following my exploits to see where the road leads.

“So, join us for the next issue, where we hit the road and ride out to Death Valley! See you next issue and keep Riding Towards Adventure! Hmeep…Hmeep! LOL!

To view highlights from Me and Road Runner, click the links below:

I did a thing: https://youtube.com/shorts/-JFVH96D7NA?si=7nH9bKowAcsfmglT

Who this?: https://youtube.com/shorts/FdRIyi6UcQQ?si=bBXFA1gTqoshgy0W

I have a problem: https://youtube.com/shorts/bahwmza0rDM?si=nZyDsic8EsqMSZzq

Street Legal: https://youtube.com/shorts/piXlhDHtu8E?si=Qq7vjKe2HpYrqYGL

Playin’ in the dirt: https://youtu.be/kx9gYV8sRdc?si=UiMGSTr17IV2aPdv

To view highlights from my DR experience, click the links below:

OWNIT- 2026 Live Event: https://youtube.com/shorts/tHRp8VxVNIE?si=y1gHA0sMCT4dgSCc

Exploring the Dominica Republic: https://youtube.com/shorts/JHht6j7XWUY?si=xlEMrovfDL2pX0Ao

With much Love & Gratitude,

Dr. Barry S. Ricoma (DR 🐝)

Dr. Barry S. Ricoma