Melissa Therrien

- Melissa Therrien is an author, an entrepreneur and a Group Travel Organizer. -

For upcoming "Life Quests" contact me at mtherrien@toweroflifeinc.com

In our lives we search for ourselves. It reminds me of the Holy Grail. Many people search for it, but although we get clues about its existence sometimes we question it even exists. As time passes it gets further and further away from us. What I am creating is ways to challenge and develop yourself through travel. While I do offer online programs focusing on the individual as well, the main focus is getting outside the situation you're currently stuck in. These travel programs are called "Life Quests" designed around a general theme to challenge you to grow. Be the hero of your own story.

Most of my self-development came through travel. It expands your view of the world, learning other ways of doing things, showing you other beliefs. I've met people from all different backgrounds which led me to the conclusion that no matter how different we are, we are all the same inside. While cultural standards may change, personal motivations do not. There is still ambition, love for family, the desire to protect and even greed. We are all human.

From a young age I have been observer. I see a lot more than you think I do. That ability helps me understand people.

I have moved about 30+ times (I lost count after 30). The longest I ever lived in one place was five years. Moving includes within the same city, within the same province, across the country and overseas a few times. I've adapted to new schools, new families - my parents divorced when I was two- while meeting people from all walks of life.

Moving cost money, so the time I didn't have any I ended in a shelter which was the alte ative to being homeless. There you couldn't even lay claim to your own room. If you were lucky you might get one to yourself for a few days but you could lose it at any time. That has taught me to appreciate what you have. Thankfully, I adapt well. In there, I simply went into obsever mode and kept to myself. It teaches you a lot about people.

The biggest problem I found was the lack of understanding on all parts. The general populace believed everyone in shelters was mentally unbalanced and/or dangerous. Even some of the interns and people working there avoided the residents. Some of them were dangerous, mind you but not all. Just because someone lives somewhere, or believes something does not mean that all are the same. Do you hate all cats because one scratched you?

The thing is that you only notice the ones that make a fuss. Most of the people have simply hit hard times but they'll never admit living in one of 'those places' because of the stigma attached to it. Even some of the social workers misunderstood the residents due to lack of listening skills and prejudice. When people assume they know what the problem is they stop listening.

The reason why some of the residents are so confrontational and vocal, causing disturbances for everyone there, is that they have been conditioned that if you throw a fit you get your way. This is true not only there, but in the customer service industry as well. I have worked in the customer service industry for years witnessing the same behaviour.

Yet not all people do this. There are some that acknowledge error rather than deny it ever happened. It's not where you live, it's who you are as a person. That is my main belief. Instead of generalizing I go on a case-by-case basis. You're you, it's as simple as that.