I was 39 years old and having a mid life crisis.

My life was not like what I envisioned it when I was young. I was not married and didn't have any kids like I was expected to. I had a successful career in tech but I was burned out. 40 seemed old and depressing.

I was in this cycle of wanting to do things in my life but kept finding excuses not to. I wanted to travel the world. But I was scared to travel alone as woman. My friends and family had kids so they couldn't travel with me.

Being so fed up with myself, I quit my job in the tech industry, ended a relationship and booked a one way ticket to New Zealand.

I was terrified. I never quit a job and not have another job lined. I was sad about being single. I was worried about my safety. I was crying on the flight to New Zealand.

Once we flew over the Southern Alps and I saw the most majestic peaks in my life, my feelings of fears and sadness dissipated. I landed in Queenstown feeling ecstatic.

For the next 7 days, I committed to doing activities that terrified me. I went kayaking, horseback riding, paragliding and skydiving.

Since then I have solo traveled to 40 countries. I learned to trust my gut instincts. To let go of fear. To say to new adventures. Most importantly, I learned how to have the time of my life with myself.