Two things were a part of my life longer than I expected: lingerie and ice cream. Don’t judge me just yet. I'm referring to 6 a.m. mornings heaving boxes of unprocessed Victoria's Secret products followed by late nights making Marshmallow Goo sundaes and chocolate shakes until my hands were numb.

This wasn't exactly how I imagined reaping the fruits of my $30,000 degree in advertising. I did these for a solid year before I was offered the opportunity that would unveil my love for adventure.

The two months I spent touring Europe—and the individuals I met doing so—changed my perspective in a multitude of ways. The most important of which is that you don't have to suffer through discontent. If you're unhappy with where you are, it's time to shake things up a bit. Try something new. Take the leap you've been meaning to take.

That's what brought me to where I am today: 1,900 miles from the family, friends, and the Midwest I grew up in—writing content in Phoenix, Arizona.