Nestled on the southern shore of Lake Zürich in the sleepy town of Horgen is where I developed my appetite for adventure. The one-year international work assignment that landed me in the Swiss city would also marks the first time that I would live abroad and on my own.

 

“In the process, I learned to trust my own feelings. I grew stronger and more confident in my decisions, without the safety-net of family and friends.”

 

Isolation forced me to discover myself and widen my perspective. In the process, I learned to trust my own feelings. I grew stronger and more confident in my decisions, without the safety-net of my family and friends. Back home, in my comfort zone, I lived for others. In Zürich, independence motivated me to live for myself and to become the primary person to shift my attention on.

Weekdays were very systematic, and I was submerged with work. However, weekends were reserved for nature therapy in the mountains. I started going on hiking trips with my work colleagues. It was a good place to start since Switzerland is known for its well-maintained trails. Not only did the spectacular surroundings of snow-covered peaks and stunning views of the lake bring me back every weekend, the more difficult the hikes became the more I enjoyed them. Three-hour trails stretched into five-hour excursions, which energized me for the workweek ahead. Beautiful scenery filled with greenery served as a backdrop for moments of quiet reflection and clarity.  However, more importantly, I found my passion. The passion for exploring, adventure and what I wanted out of life.