I didn’t realize how “on” I was… until I wasn’t anymore.
And it didn’t happen at home.
It happened when I left home.
When I traveled to Mexico, I didn’t know the language or have a routine—but I felt at ease. More at ease than I felt in a long time.I didn’t realize how much I needed to slow down in my life until I felt it.
I found myself using one of the only phrases I knew at the time No, No hablo bien español solo un poco. Lo siento. This was all I had without sounding like a total gringo.
Looking back, I can see how travel and mental health are more connected than I realized.
The Shift I Didn’t Expect
Mexico showed me a slower pace and the lush vibrant colors made me feel more alive and so energized to explore more. The food was so flavorful and fresh my tastebuds felt like they were awakened from a deep somber sleep. No rushing to the next thing, it was really a different rhythm that allowed me to get in the flow of the city. It felt like I had stepped into a new world, a different pace of life. Everything felt slower in a way I didn’t expect, it was nice and I didn’t realize how much I needed that.
I didn’t fully know the language- and still, felt supported. I learned that the people of Mexico appreciate the effort and are more than willing to help you. The kindness of the people was exceptional. Jamaica had some of the same vibes calm, welcoming and no rushing a sense of easiness. “I expected to feel out of place-but I didn’t.
My Body Knew Before I Did
It’s like I had a built in internal clock. My shoulders relaxed almost instantly. Seeing the beautiful turquoise ocean made my breath slow and have a rhythm that flowed with the waves. I wasn’t thinking ahead to the next thing, I was just present and just being. “That constant feeling of being “on”…. It just wasn’t there.
Returning Differently
When I returned home I still had that feeling of calm and grounded. I wanted to explore more – and I have since started learning and immersing myself in Spanish. I was seeking a deeper connection and wanting to connect with the people and the culture. I don’t want to be just a visitor or a tourist. I want to be more intentional with my new relationships and friendships.“I don’t want to arrive the same way I did before.”
Maybe nothing really changed. Maybe I just learned to slow down, starting listening more with intention. When I return, I will carry that with me. Not just in how I travel-but in how I move through life. We should always be on a journey of evolving and becoming.