It all started....

Four years ago we had a wonderful dream … we wanted to move to the Mayan Riviera in Mexico.  We loved traveling here, we absolutely fell in love with the people and we felt relaxed and healthy while down here.  My husband befriended some very strong business people and became a sales person for Exotic Travel.  Each vacation down, he consistently helped in closing deals for the travel membership group. 

We became friends with many good people and after several trips to the Playa del Carmen area it began to feel less like a vacation but more like “home”.  We started to put the plan in motion … we set a goal of fall of 2010 for our 6 month relocation.  We found 2 strong leaders to run our company, we saved money and we arranged schooling for the kids and housing for our family.  On November 3, 2010 we made the trek to Playacar, Playa del Carmen, Qunitana Roo, Mexico!

It sounds so easy and we know people back home are skeptical, excited, thrilled, proud, and perhaps some envious … but this is right for us.  Or, it is for now.  After many years of worrying about what others thought I have come to a sense of calmness and am ok with doing what is good for me and our family.  My husband tends to fear failure and is worried “what if we go home before the 6 months … what will they think?”  My question back to him was “would those people you are worried about try what we are trying?”

People today; some being friends, are too comfortable just “being”.  Many live day to day with the same routines, schedules, friends and habits and don’t let themselves explore outside the box.  I am not saying everyone needs to move to a different country or even travel to a far away destination!  We are very lucky that we have an independent business that allows us the freedom and financial perks to do what we do (ie, we are not restricted to 3 or 4 weeks holidays, we can acquire an abundance of points to fly and stay in hotels for minimal cost, we can work from home). But…we also have a desire to try new things and to step outside of the norm!

We have been here in Playa for 2 weeks today.  I am not going to lie and say it’s been without difficulties, stress, fighting and tears.  But … change is supposed to bring these, right?!  And if its not, we are going through a major learning process and whatever comes about we will be stronger and wiser for it!  My kids have had to adjust to an all Spanish school, to a lack of friends at their finger tips, to a new house, bed and schedule.  Jay and I have had to deal with acting out kids, house with problems, translation difficulties with purchasing vehicles, TV and BBQ!  But, at the end of the day we are together and will have one another when we wake up.  We also have learned something new and have experienced a variety of emotions.  All of which is healthy.

I do talk a big talk mind you!  I have been stressed beyond stressed with my kids schooling, homework, tutoring etc.  But again its all new!  In one week it will be better and in a month MUCH better!  Our son has pushed me to the limit, but again, this will improve.  In our adventure and new experience, we are living day to day and are thankful for the opportunity to experience these changes and struggles.

I would like to challenge you to ask yourselves what you have done, or do, to push yourself into a new situation and what have you gained and/or learned from it?