I started this Substack intending to share about my life abroad; however it’s hard for me to talk about my comings and goings without rooting them in a bigger context. I believe many of our daily experiences are here to teach or expand us, and my hope is to capture both my (largely food-related) adventures and my “aha” moments in a way that resonates with you.
Thank you for being here.🩵
I feel stuck in a bit of cognitive conflict between being enraged that the world is crumbling while continuing with everyday life in a way that seems…misplaced. Later this week, I’ll share a longer post with my thoughts about what’s happening in the US, but for now here are some things I’m grateful for amidst the chaos:
Being able to live in Mexico City. In college I majored in International Studies with a concentration in Latin America and Economics. I have always dreamed of living in Latin America for an extended period of time, becoming fluent in Spanish, and hopefully finding a way to create some jobs for women. I tried to move in 2009 (Panama City) and again in 2018 (Mexico City and Medellin), but neither time worked out. In 2021 I finally made it happen. There are some other places in the world I want to explore for a bit, but each day I spend in Mexico City I’m reminded of how lucky I am to be able to choose to live here.
(Morning view from my balcony in Del Valle North)
Having a co-working space to go to. I love being able to work remotely, but I don’t like working from home. I prefer putting on pants and going to an office to work. That said, re-joining WeWork is one the best decisions I’ve recently made. I like the consistency, the fast Wifi, and I thrive with the structure it adds to my day. Bonus: in Mexico City the locations all have beautiful views, too.
(On my way to drink way too much “free” coffee at WeWork)
My pals. Some people collect trinkets or handbags, but I collect people. I make friends easily, and I love to learn people’s stories. Not every friend is a close one, but I’m fortunate to know a lot of people who are kind, fun, and a joy to spend time with. Lately I’ve been meeting so many rays of human sunshine, and I’m grateful for them and how much they enrich my little life.
(My pals K from Pittsburgh and Orit from Australia in Polanco after bike riding last Sunday)
Mini manifestations. Recently, I’ve been thinking stuff into existence. One day I was walking down the street daydreaming about how I wanted some mangoes, sad that I didn't have time to go to the market when - and voila! - I looked up and there was a fruit stand selling them. Another day I was telling my friend about how I have to find a new apartment. Later that day I opened the housing group on What’s App at the exact time a girl posted what will be my new home as of next week - a super cute, bigger apartment for the exact dates I need and under budget. Also, she is my friend now. 😀 I was stressed about the hotel cost for a bachelorette weekend I’m going to in NYC in September, when - boom - one of the other bridesmaids offered to split her free (with points) room with me. 🩵 I really need to try this magic on the lottery…
(Them mangoes - 5 for 30 pesos/$1.50!)
Small joys and wins. There are so many shitty things happening in the world right now, I’m making a concerted effort to count and appreciate every small joy or win I come across. Like the other day I went to a 7am yoga class where I struggled the whole class because I was so tired. I almost skipped the inversions part of the practice, but I gave it a go - and boom - there I was in one of the strongest headstands I’ve ever held. Thursday, a friend introduced me to a new Chinese restaurant and picked up the tab for our 7-course meal! 🙏 During my Spanish class last week, my teacher and I talked for 2 hours about everything under the sun (to be honest, I was trying to distract him from the grammar part of class and I succeeded). 😅
(Eating at Luau with my friend Aaron 😋)
If you are feeling heavy and angry about all of the injustice playing out right now, I’m right there with you. But I’m also determined to find joy regardless of this administration’s the enemy’s efforts to rob us of it and make us numb. I know in my heart that the evil forces at play will have their reckoning. To quote Faith Popcorn, “We can never give up the belief that the good guys always win. And that we are the good guys.” 🩵
