It's been the kind of life that deserves to be shared. A storied life to say the least. At times a sad story, but the hardest chapters built a sturdy foundation to grow from. The toughest choices, not always made correctly, have honed a well trained moral compass which has helped me negotiate with karma when confronted with difficult options. In return, while I've tested my luck and flirted with disaster, the world has taken care of me in ways I can't always explain.

 

I've traveled all over the world. More than 30 countries on 6 continents. I've lived out of a backpack for years on end while working as a guide all across the USA. I've explored on a shoestring budget and I've splurged luxuriously, depending on what my soul seemed to need at that time. Most importantly, I've been lucky enough to meet, cross paths with, observe and connect with some of the most amazing people this world has to offer. And of course, some who weren't all that amazing, but I learned valuable lessons from them nonetheless. I've never ceased to be at amazed at the endless variety of characters to be found, especially once  you venture outside of your comfort zone. I've fallen madly in love and had my heart handed back to me in pieces. I've found overwhelming kindness and care from complete strangers and I've destroyed friendships and relationships through years of untreated mental anguish.

 

I spent years trying to climb out of what felt like a deep, slippery well of negativity and sadness. I strove to understand why I was torturing myself, why I couldn't find the joyful, happy thoughts that had once come so effortlessly.  While exploring inward, I was also exploring globally as much as I could. I explored the effect that new places and cultures had on my well-being, how they hindered or helped my healing. Also, I had the opportunity to see myself reflected in the way I presented to others. I became well attuned to the effect my attitude was having on social situations and I worked hard to train that attitude. 

 

My stories are meant to share the product of this over-thinking and analysis with you. Not in chronological order, not in a seamless flow, but in a web like pattern to present these experiences as a network of lessons, interrelated, inseparable and essential to the ever-evolving fiber of my being.

 

By sharing these stories, I don't mean to complain but to connect. I don't mean to brag but to inspire. I hope my experiences resonate with you in some way and you can feel a little less alone in this great big world.