So proud to be featured! Thanks, Vivek.
Flight 17 / May 17, 2012
KELLY BYRD / Traveler + marketing, PR/social media professional
Take risks - you’ll get to know yourself better.
Website kellyashley.tumblr.com / Twitter @kelbyrd
Flight Route New York (LGA) —> Los Angeles (LAX) —> Auckland (AKL) —> Christchurch (CHC) —> Wanaka (WKA)
Airline Air New Zealand
Kelly Byrd submitted her Take Flight story a little while ago. While I read her responses, I was intrigued. Here was a person who had a great job and friends in New York, the dream city of millions, and had tossed it all up not necessarily to start a business, rally around a social cause or work abroad. She left for love - and with that came a priceless life experience that’s led her diametrically between hemispheres and lives between New York, New Zealand and California. What’s also awesome is that Kelly’s headed back Down Under, this time to Australia, as of May 7. And Air New Zealand’s her catalyst.
A little about you
I am a 20-something traveler, New York native, marketing, PR and social media professional, avid music lover, yogi, techie and psychologist.
I’m intrigued by learning and development, emerging technology, eco-friendly and sustainable products, various psychological disciplines and the way social media is transforming communication.What made you get on that cross-hemispheric flight? And what’s happened since?
I left my comfortable job and apartment full of college friends, and took off from New York to New Zealand with a boy I fell in love with. I was in search of new beginnings, to find a new side of the world, in tandem with a new side of myself, and to get to know myself better - my interests, desires, goals, dreams, wishes.
I have always been a planner. I love the art of organization and the feeling of success when something you’ve spent time and energy meticulously outlining comes together.
To stop planning, reclaim spontaneity, and accept change, was just what I needed.
Following my study abroad in college, I longed to expand my travels and international experiences. The proud feeling I get when given the opportunity to list the places I’ve been to date and the ever-growing list of places I plan to visit is like no other.
I now live in another beautiful place, and am figuring out my route from here as spontaneously as possible. Although my path and route has changed drastically from what I had planned, I have never been happier and healthier than I am right now.
And yes, I’m still in love with that boy.If you’re inspired by Kelly’s journey, check out her blog and shoot her a Tweet.
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