Suzanne asks, “Are you looking for adventure?”
While I am in Las Vegas, my friend Suzanne has stepped in and written about her big Second Act in life. She, along with her husband and two children are expats from Canada living in Mexico. She has written a delightful book highlighting some of her family’s adventures and encourages others to make every day outstanding!
Try moving sight unseen to a different country. That would give anyone adventure. I moved to the tropical paradise of Mexico with my husband and 2 children about 6 years ago. Now I get adventure from all directions - my teenagers and my new country!
We enjoyed our life in British Columbia, Canada – but it was simply time for a new playground. Our pre-requisite for the move was that the place had to have sand, palm trees, and a different culture. Our first move was to Puerto Vallarta, Mexico on the west coast and our current spot of choice to call home is Playa del Carmen, Mexico on the east coast.
Let’s see - we have a new country, a new culture, a new language, a new business, a new house, a new school for the kids, even new currency. Who said they wanted a change? I did? Well did I have to make it such a big one?
Did we even go to just test the waters? Nope. We sold or gave away everything but what we could fit in our Toyota 4 Runner and headed off for our new life. Was that extreme? Maybe, but life always seems to work out if you decide to focus on the pleasures of wherever you are and whatever you are doing – so we knew that we would find lots to love and we have!
Sometimes I still wonder what I would be doing if I had stayed in Canada. How would I be feeling? I definitely had the itch to make a move and I was extremely fortunate that my husband and children were willing to go along for the adventure. Well, okay we made our daughter (who was 11 at that time) – but she likes it now. Would life have been easier? Did I want it to be easier? If I had not done it, would I be experiencing regret or would I have moved onto a different adventure? I don’t ever want to live life with regrets.
Would I change anything? I would change nothing. Our family has all grown from the experience of living in a foreign country tremendously. Will we be here forever? Who knows? If you haven’t picked up on it, I really like adventure and change. Maybe Greece or Australia will be next – but let’s get the kids through school first. Then I can live my third act!
May you enjoy your adventure! Suzanne
Suzanne Marie Bandick is a “Live Your Dreams” Life Coach and the author of: Only in Mexico, You Say? The Humorous Side of Living in Mexico. Visit www.SuzanneMarieBandick.com, www.LiveYourDreamsCoaching.com or www.OnlyinMexicoYouSay.com