Things started to change for me at university but not in the way you might think. I reluctantly began realizing that I was responsible for my life. And with that, the realization that I was not prepared for that responsibility and not willing to take that on. I was not sure what I was doing there. The more I explored what college had to offer me at that time, the more confused and depressed I became. I was not learning what I needed to learn and at the same time not understanding what that was. The realization that I was not going to make it, that I could not follow the path expected of me, that society convinced me was the only path to success, the path my friends took, the path my family took, I just could not do it. I was lost. I was abusing alcohol, and drugs. I stopped taking care of myself physically, emotionally, and psychologically. I became dishonest with myself and others. I dropped out of college twice (okay maybe three times). Realizing that If I did not change, I was headed for a very, very mediocre, un-authentic life. A life of not being true to myself, and that terrified me. That moment of insight, of self-awareness was the spark of courage I needed. I decided to do what I needed to do, not what others, or society thought I should do. So, what did I do? I decided to take a risk, get away, see the world, and be myself, I decided I was moving to Europe alone, with only $240 in my pocket. And that was the start of everything that followed, my journey of self-discovery/awareness, my real education, my adventures, my failures, my successes, my re-programming, and my life lessons.

Since then, I have lived in Austria on two separate occasions, traveled all around Europe multiple times, I have hitchhiked extensively around the US, drove across the country four times often camping as I go. I also Lived in, Portland Maine, Jackson Hole Wyoming, Miami, San Francisco, Southern California, Nova Scotia Canada, and the North Shore of Massachusetts. I have been a carpenter, stone crusher operator, bartender/waiter, worked in multiple leadership roles in the hospitality/food industry having worked in 5-star resorts around the world, a food director on a cruise ship, a ski bum, a college career counselor, a Director of Career Services, a director of HR & organizational development, and a school director for two major university’s continuing education programs. I am also a certified yoga instructor, a professional musician, and have my own practice as a consultant working with organizations and individuals. This includes organizations and the leaders and employees of Google, Coca Cola, Harvard University, Microsoft, Clark University, Viridian Technology, and Legal Sea Foods to name a few.

NB – “Some of you might be impressed with what I have accomplished, some of you not at all. It does not matter what people think of you, or how you have lived your life. It only matters to you.“