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What I'm still learning about life:
I’m, literally, just going to say it - I'm blessed. I've been reading Jay Shetty and he has provided some beautiful insights that I would like to share with you.
1. My new life cost me my old life and I love it. I know some of you think that giving up everything I had to move to a foreign country makes me either crazy or brave.... maybe both. But I think I chose sanity and happiness. This has been a fun, topsy-turvy turn to all of the basic ethos with which I was raised.
2. I am happy with my decision not to trade days for things. Gone are the days when I focused on who I was wearing or what I was driving. Now, I am truly happy. I am happy with who I am and what I have done with my life. I am happy with whatever comes next. 3. It's okay to outgrow people who aren't growing. It does not help to obsess on the inconsequential objects in our lives. Focus on the positive relationships. Strengthen your friendships, nurture your family ties. Excuse yourself from any toxic -ships. You deserve to be around others who support and appreciate you as you are. Surround yourself with peace, joy, positivity, and inspiration.
That is not to say any of us are perfect and should seek out sycophants. I love when people challenge me to be better than I am. They see that I can be better, do better and encourage me to rise to my potential. How cool that they can see in me what I can't, yet, see in myself? I hope that one day, I can abolish all of the negative tapes and come to appreciate that which others see in me. In turn, I hope to always be an encourager to my friends.
Okay, enough sharing what I'm learning about life.... What am I learning about Mexico?!
Sunsets in Mazatlan:
Mom and I heard about a rooftop bar that had a spectacular view of the sunset over Mazatlan. I must say that the sunsets here are exceptional! So, we went there to take pictures and share them with you! The island appears much further away than it is in real life, but - wow! Sunset, like sunrise, is always gorgeous!
I will say that the food in Mexico is fantastic and I will be doing a post soon featuring some of the food we have had here and some of my favorites! This was a pretty drink, but the fiery sky behind it really stole this scene! Also, it was surprisingly chilly!! We were in jackets and staff had to turn on the heat lamps because the wind chill was - brrrrrrrrr!!! I mean, it's no New York in the winter, but - come on!
Anyway, the photos below are in order so you can gradually see the sun set behind the island as night gradually descended. You can even see the moon in the last picture. But first, a pic of me and Mom!!
The Ocean Pool:
We also ventured to La Carpa Olivera, also known as the Alberca de Mar; a place I have been wanting to visit! Unfortunately, it is too cold to get in the ocean right now (yes, it's winter and the water is chilly!), but I surely enjoyed the uniqueness of this experience and can't wait for warmer water! According to MazatlanToday, La Carpa Olivera is a public saltwater swimming pool that's been around for over a century providing a beautiful place to swim in the saltwater while in a protected environment. Basically, it's a pool full of ocean water and it is gorgeous!
Woo-hoo!! Thalassophobia be damned! Here, I can get in the ocean with no fear of scaly things, slimy things, toothy things, tentacled things, and ALL of the things I cannot see!
You enter from the top where there is a beautiful statue of a mermaid (whom I can only assume is cold) then you walk down a curved ramp where it opens up on the pool. The pool has a stone slide (I'm not sure how that is supposed to work, but I will investigate more when I plan on actually getting in the water), which was so beautiful to look up into! There are lots of people here to enjoy the pool, enjoy the view, and even local oyster fishermen bringing in their haul and cleaning them for a fresh lunch!
Reading in Mexico:
I am definitely in a steep learning curve here! Y’all, my Spanish is SOOOOO bad, but the people here are so gracious! They giggle and humbly correct me.
It's the little things that still largely surprise me! For example, I wanted to buy a book to read the other day, went to the book section of the store, and realized I was an idiot. LOL! Yes, they are all in Spanish. I can read exactly none of them! That's okay, I will just keep reading books on my Kindle... in English!
Back by popular demand: Mom pics!
Y'all, I just can't. She's so cute and tries so hard! I have my share of oopsies, too, but I blame me for those, not the camera. PICNIC!!!
Until next time!
Take a leap; Choose Joy!
Absolutely love the photos that you have taken. You ought to seriously keep taking pictures you have a good eye! Take a photography class if you have not done di to refine your gift! ❤🤗
Love it! 👩💻🏖