As I have mentioned before, I worked for the Xerox Corporation in San Francisco out of college, schlepping copiers all over the SF area. This was considered THE job to have out of college, as Xerox provided amazing sales training and benefits. Six months into the job and in the middle of a recession, I knew I was in trouble. I hated getting out of bed in the morning. Although I had little love for the job, I was actually having some success with it. Just enough to keep “the Golden Handcuffs” on for a few more years. But, as my heart was not into it, I was passed up for what everyone considered to be an easy promotion. I was devastated. So, with my parentʻs support and the companionship of my little brother, Paul, I headed to Asia to live my dream of teaching & travel. Although the living in Taiwan wasnʻt the dream life, the travel through Asia was truly my BLISS!

I bought a one way ticket from Taiwan to Bali and had saved enough money to travel the next six months by myself. Between meeting travelers from all over the world and experiencing new countries and cultures, I was in heaven. Although I was lonely at times, I knew I was exactly where I needed to be. It was amazing how there always seemed to be help around if I needed it and I always found a safe place to stay. 

Joseph Campbell said, “When we follow our bliss, we are met by a thousand unseen helping hands.” When a pesky skeeter gave me Dengue Fever in Indonesia, a couple of Americans took care of me for a week while I felt the effects of “Bone Break Fever.” My angels in Nepal made sure I made it to safety when I had high altitude sickness. When my brother and I were hitchhiking in Taiwan and then Malaysia together, we always were given rides by the kindest of locals. Not to say that there werenʻt moments of potential disaster or danger, but I seemed to always be okay.

After my year abroad, my parents and friends helped me to resettle back in San Francisco where I started working for some Technology startups that were more in affinity with who I was. People want to help you when you are following your bliss!