Road Trip

You might remember, if you’ve been reading me along, that I love road trips. A group of cycling friends is coming to this year’s Wildflower bike ride in the San Luis Obispo area. Last year I did that ride with a friend on a tandem. We drove from San Diego to Creston in his RV. It was a great trip.

However, this year I decided to take a leap, be brave, and do the road trip from Tucson to Paso Robles all by myself. Yes, the whole 700+ miles (one way), just me.

It took me a couple of weekends to gather the courage—planning routes, booking hotels, calculating driving times and hours, and figuring out how to do it without taking the whole week off work.

First stop: Twentynine Palms, CA

It was such an amazing drive. I was not expecting it to be so incredibly beautiful, humbling, and so relatable. The desert landscapes made me think about resilience, strength, adaptability—a different kind of beauty. One that doesn’t care what others say. Something I still remind myself every day.

What you see is what you get. This is it. I’m strong, resilient, and I’ve learned to appreciate my qualities and strengths, and also my opportunities. Maybe that’s why I relate so much to the desert. It doesn’t have the lushness of the forest or the blue of the ocean, but it has the magnificence of its vastness, the strength to face the elements, and the stillness of its beauty.

I don’t usually play music when I run or drive, but this was a long drive, so I picked a playlist I always listen to—or so I thought. It turned out to be a playlist of similar artists to my original selection. I left it on because I didn’t want to pull over and change it.

That random playlist played for a long time. And at some point, I started thinking about a long-lost love. For some strange reason, I started speaking out loud, talking to him, telling him how things have changed, how I have changed, and how I would love to get to know each other again because I’m sure he’s changed too. It was a whole conversation.

And then this random song came on. A song saying almost exactly what I was saying, but in a more poetic way, of course. My heart sank. I couldn’t believe it. I started crying—very happy tears. I was asking, and I got an answer. I felt it in my heart.

It hit me so hard that when I arrived at my hotel in Twentynine Palms, after I settled in, I started writing. I wrote down what happened and how I got my answer in a song. It was so unexpected but comforting at the same time. I sent my words and thoughts to my brother as an idea for a song. He’s a very talented songwriter, so I thought he would appreciate the inspiration.

The next day

I went to Joshua Tree National Park. It was so beautiful. I did an easy hike and took more videos and pictures than I care to admit. I wanted to share everything—every bush, every tree, every rock. It was a lovely experience.

After a day in nature, admiring the vastness of the desert, the massive rocks, and the incredible scenery, I went back to my hotel. Later that evening, almost exactly 24 hours later, my brother sent me a song he wrote. It is the most beautiful song. It’s called Open Roads, and it captures my exact experience that day. I’ve been listening to it nonstop.

Second stop: Paso Robles, CA

My road trip continues. I drove to Paso Robles, close to the cycling event where I’ll see all my friends this weekend. I am so proud of myself for doing this road trip. So far, it’s been awesome—beautiful roads, the feeling of owning my own path, being capable of doing the things I want to do, and even a beautiful song to top it off.

I am so grateful.

In a few days I’ll be heading back home… or maybe I’ll keep driving north. I don’t know yet. I’ll go wherever I hear my name calling.

So, do the thing. Make that phone call. Send that message. Give that hug. Be brave. Say the words out loud.

Somebody might be listening.

Versión en español

Freedom: step by step

Friday was my 54th birthday. Everything was going well until Coco, my dog, started showing signs that he wasn’t feeling well. Saturday and Sunday were stressful; just imagining that the decision to let him rest will come sooner than I expected brought tears to my eyes every time I looked at him. I feel emotionally exhausted. 

It’s Monday. I bought a new coffee, and it tasted delicious this morning. I had to cancel a work trip because of my dog. My soul needs to recharge. On days like today, despite my exquisite coffee, I wish I could be free: live in nature, on a mountain by a river, and make a deal with the forest: let’s exchange love for food and solitude for water. No obligations, no to‑do lists, no heavy responsibilities. 

I’m a Sagittarius, a free soul: I do what I want, when I want; I come and go as I please. No one ties me down or tells me what to do… well, except my dog and my corporate job. 

I wish I didn’t need potable water, toilet paper, toothpaste, or air conditioning. The price of modern comfort feels extremely high today! And yet, I prefer to shower with hot water and brush my teeth every day—actually, more than once a day. And yes, I also prefer using toilet paper. And, among other things, I enjoy using my espresso machine, which is a luxury I truly savor every single day. I am so grateful and appreciative of the comforts of modern life. 

So, what do I do to stop feeling tied down and dependent on a job that consumes almost half of my existence? How do I find joy and motivation to work with passion every day? How do I find the freedom my soul longs for and truly needs? 

If you read my previous blog, you may remember that over the past six months I’ve been working somewhat excessively. By the fourth or fifth month, I started having migraines almost every week, which is truly exhausting because, in my case, the effects last two or three days after the episode. A week ago, I was ready to throw everything out the window: sell everything—yes, everything—and buy a trailer or live in my car; get a part‑time job or sign up to be an Uber driver just to survive and run off to live a completely wild adventure. 

I was fed up, totally drained, and deeply disappointed in myself, in the company, in everything. And although that wild adventure might have been epic, my soul stopped me for a moment and gave me the chance to breathe. And I breathed. 

Instead of making impulsive decisions, I decided to listen: “Wait. Stop running in circles. Breathe. Reflect…” she said. From that pause, a plan emerged—one focused on making subtler, more realistic, and sustainable changes so I can live a happier, more balanced life without sacrificing the comforts of modern living, including my precious espresso machine. We are in that first step now: Reflection and Purpose. 

Reflection 

Although I enjoy car camping and don’t mind being somewhat uncomfortable for a day or two, the comforts of modern life—potable water, air conditioning, plumbing—and other amenities I enjoy at home are honestly wonderful. Even living in a hundred‑thousand‑dollar campervan would not be the same as living in a house. For now, I am not willing to live uncomfortably on a permanent basis. 

However, I do want to feel and have more freedom to use my time as I choose: to be in nature more often, exercise, travel, camp, or take road trips. I also want to feel more appreciated at work and enjoy what I do more. 

Purpose 

To live a happier, more balanced life in which I can enjoy the pleasures and advantages of working from home, find more enjoyment in my work, spend more time in nature, and travel whenever I choose. 

Passo dopo passo (Step by Step) 

I will begin with small, achievable, and realistic steps: 

1. I will block time on my calendar to go to the gym or work out at home—no excuses. I will find that hour and a half or so (maybe even less) during the day. 
• This will clearly be time with no meetings or pending tasks. 
• I will have an exercise plan to follow, so I don’t waste time deciding what to do each day or doing disorganized or scattered routines. 
2. I will work from the park once a week for one or two hours, with or without my dog. 
3. I will work from a coffee shop or restaurant by myself on Fridays for one or two hours. 

Other steps that support this plan and benefit my physical and mental health 

• Prepare breakfast the night before and eat early so I’m ready to go out or work out during the day. 
• Prepare meals for the week on Sundays, which will also help me avoid “decision fatigue”. 

Although these changes sound realistic, I will implement one per week so I don’t overwhelm or stress myself. That is definitely not the purpose. I start today, Monday. Once these changes feel more natural, I will continue making additional adjustments, guided by the same intention of living a happier, more balanced life. 

And you—what’s your purpose? What’s your plan for today or for this week? Do you have a specific goal you want to accomplish? Have you built your plan? 

Here’s to a happier, more balanced life—step by step. Cheers! 🥂

Versión en español

Reflections 2025: A Soul Whisper

How curious—I have a list with dates and details of the goals and projects I successfully completed this year 2025… but all of them are work-related. I don’t have a single list showing personal goals or projects. I did some things, but they’re not as present in my mind as work achievements. That’s not a good sign. 

I feel proud of having made significant changes at the company: shifting paradigms, having the courage to go somewhat against my manager and colleagues, and convincing them that change—even when scary—is good. With my determination and persuasive skills—always backed by solid arguments—we accomplished changes that just a year before would have been practically impossible. While this will look great on my resume, it felt like the reward was more work. During the second half of the year, I was performing two roles with the salary of one, supporting another department while doing my slightly reduced daily job and my innovative projects. A week ago, I gathered the courage to speak with my manager. This “efficiency” that usually defines me was taking a toll on my health. 

And then I started reflecting. Was all that effort and dedication worth it? In the end, the only reward was more work, more stress, worse health, and more mental and physical exhaustion. And what about my personal achievements? In fact, I didn’t have clear, specific personal goals… what a disappointment. 

Two or three months ago, when my body started paying the price for overwork with frequent migraines, aches, and pains, I decided to put my health first… well, more or less. I’m still doing both jobs (until the end of the year), but I started making time to exercise, even if it’s just during lunch. I also ventured into yoga at one studio and Barré at another. I’ve been consistent with strength training and yoga, which I fell in love with. I also returned to meditating, even if just for a few minutes each day. But today, I feel it’s not enough. I still feel trapped in a cage where I have everything, yet must dedicate most of my life to work just to keep living in this prison where I “lack nothing”… except my mental and spiritual peace. 

They say numbers are cold, but objective. Let’s do the math: my main activities are work, sleep, exercise, and meditation. According to my calculations, almost 40% of my existence is dedicated to work. And while the financial reward is respectable, the fact that my “free time” is only 7% of my life is honestly ridiculous. The rest is spent sleeping. 

These percentages don’t include the time it takes to get ready in the mornings, the constant switching between activities, the leftover mental residue that lingers, the study time for my certification, or physical therapy for my injured shoulder. Not to mention cleaning the house—even coordinating with Brenda, who helps me—doing laundry, grocery shopping, preparing meals, or taking care of the dog… It’s overwhelming. My “free time” becomes almost virtual or imaginary. No wonder washing dishes sometimes feels like a huge burden, and weekends feel short and unproductive. It’s sad to think that every Monday, coffee is the only reason to get up. 

It’s time to make changes. If you read my blog a few months ago, you’ll remember this question: What would I do if I weren’t afraid? 

Let’s imagine I’m not afraid. Fear doesn’t exist—it’s just a thought, a learned or copied belief that, just as it arrived, can leave. 

Thank you, fear, for protecting me, alerting me, and keeping me safe. Today I don’t need you. You can leave. Thank you. 

Throughout my adult life, I’ve made crazy, impulsive decisions: going to university at 40, radically changing my life by moving to the U.S. at 45, or buying a house in Tucson at 53. I think it’s time for another one of those decisions, this time for the health of my body and my soul. This isn’t a mental crisis, a nervous breakdown, a menopausal thought, or a childhood trauma; it’s a gentle tap on the shoulder from my soul saying, “Hey, we need to talk.” And today, I’m listening. 

Before taking action—because I’m that impulsive—I want to visualize how I want my life to be. I know I don’t want to keep dedicating 40% of my existence to work, of that I’m certain. And if it must be that way, it should be work I enjoy so much that I could do it for free. 

So I want more than 7% for exercise, meditation, and study. I don’t yet know exactly how to get there, but I will. Now, let’s go for this new life. 

Purpose and Reflection. I’ll take a few days off this December during the holidays to step back, reflect, and envision what my ideal life looks like. This time will help me clarify my goals, understand what truly matters, and reconnect with why I want to make changes and with what purpose. 

Self-Assessment. I’ll look at my current situation with honesty: how I spend my time, how much money I spend and why, what gives me energy, and what drains me. I want to understand my priorities and what supports my well-being. 

Exploration. I’ll explore possibilities and consider new ways of living and organizing my life. I’ll reflect on what adjustments could make my days more aligned with my values and aspirations. 

Planning. With clarity from reflection and exploration, I’ll decide how to move forward in a way that feels realistic, manageable, and meaningful. I’ll trust myself to take the steps that feel right, at my own pace. 

Review. Every three months, I’ll check in with myself to see how things are going, how I feel, and whether my life is moving closer to what I want. I’ll use these reflections to adjust and refine my approach as needed. 

This Friday is my birthday, and I’m taking the day off. I plan to go to yoga in the morning, then get a DEXA scan—which fits perfectly into this project and will be part of the self-assessment—and in the afternoon go to the hairdresser to refresh my hair and feel better. 

During these few days off, I’ll focus on this project. I’m going to change my life for the better—for the well-being of my physical, mental, and spiritual self. 

My soul found the perfect moment for me to go through this process: the start of a new trip around the sun, the end of one year, and the beginning of another. But more than recognizing the perfect timing, this time I listened. 

And you—what has your soul been telling you lately? Don’t ignore it. Pay attention; it probably has incredible plans for you. 

Happy holidays and Happy New Year! 

Versión en español 

Why I Started a Blog at 53

I’ve always liked writing. It’s been my outlet for many years, especially when I feel overwhelmed or stressed. But since I usually feel better after writing, I never did it consistently. Until now. 

This time, I didn’t want to “wait until I was ready.” I didn’t want to write only when I needed to decompress, or wait for a specific date like turning 55 or reaching some milestone. I just wanted to start, so I did. 

I don’t feel any different being 53. Aside from the occasional muscle pain that appears for no apparent reason, I feel the same as when I was 25 or 30. Except now, I enjoy freedom more than ever before. Freedom feels like a right—like a part of my soul. It’s something I can’t live without. 

I’m free of the fear of what others might think. Free from needing to be accepted or liked. Free from the fear of making mistakes. Free from regrets. That freedom feels like a huge relief. Honestly, I don’t care anymore about what people think of me or my decisions. I guess I didn’t care before, but I resisted the idea of not caring. Why? I’m not sure. Maybe it was the way I was raised, the culture I grew up in, or maybe just my mind playing games with me. 

I’ve always considered myself a free spirit, though I wasn't always like that. When I was 19 and thought I’d met “the one,” I went all in. I believed that was the next step in life, as if life was a checklist or bingo card I needed to complete in order to find happiness. At the time, I didn’t understand that happiness doesn’t come from a relationship, a job, a house, or a husband. With time, I learned that happiness was in me the whole time. So I stopped looking for it outside of myself. 

I began to focus on me—just me (well, and a few years ago, my dog too). I realized life is too short to spend it feeling sad about things I can’t control, angry about what I can’t change, or waiting for something magical to happen. Life isn’t about waiting for someone to love you or make things better. It’s about making something beautiful out of what you already have. 

It took me, in my opinion, far too long to learn that I could do things without needing others’ approval; not from my (now ex-) husband, not from my family, not even from my friends. That’s one of the reasons I started this blog at 53. I want to share my experiences and adventures, funny, joyful, sad, or a mix of it all. I also want to encourage you to stop waiting until you’re 40 or 50 to live your life your way. Don’t let fear stop you. Do that thing you’ve always wanted to do. 

And remember: you don’t have to live a conventional life if you don’t want to. When I was younger, married, and confident in my decision not to have children, people called me selfish or silly. I was told I was “too young” to know what I wanted, and that I’d regret it. But I never did. I never regretted it—not for one second. I’m grateful to see younger generations living on their own terms, without apologizing. It gives me hope. 

So, if you’re part of that bold new generation, cheers! You’re doing amazing, and you’ll enjoy life a little longer than those who waited. And if you’re closer to my age, don’t worry. Life might be a bit shorter, but it’s still beautiful. 

Here’s what I’ve learned so far: 

1. Get to know yourself to know exactly what you want and what you don’t want. 
2. Do what you want—big or small, one step at a time or all in. Don’t be afraid to make mistakes (as long as you’re not hurting anyone). 
3. Be happy and proud. Write down your attempts, lessons learned, and successes. Learn from your mistakes and keep going. 
4. Be grateful for everything you’ve lived through, for everything you have now, and for the chance to plan your future. Whether that future is long or short, it can still be beautiful. 

So here I am, writing, sharing, creating at 53, simply because it brings me joy. If there’s something on your heart, don’t wait for the “right time”. Start now. Life is too short not to live it fully. It’s never too late to begin again. 

If you liked this reading, leave me a comment below! Thank you!

Versión en español

How to Fall in Love with Yourself

When I was sad because I couldn’t find my match, my mom always used to tell me, “Siempre hay un roto para un descosido,” which loosely translates to, “There’s someone out there just as messed up as you.” And I hated it with all my heart. I was not messed up or broken! Was that all I could get? A broken match? I know she meant well—she was trying to give me hope—but I still hated it. 

The context at the time was that I kept getting into bad relationships—relationships going nowhere, with people who didn’t appreciate or care for me. It wasn’t just a few—it was years and years of the same. So when she or others said that phrase, I’d think, “I’m not a bad person. I’m not broken. Why the hell would I deserve that?” 

So, I gave up. 

It took me years of heartbreak, tears, and hitting rock bottom to finally decide I wasn’t going to keep looking for “the one,” my “other half,” the person who would bring happiness and love into my life. I was done. I was sick and tired of that vicious cycle. I cried, a lot. I thought being alone meant being a loser. I couldn’t even get someone to love me. I accepted that sad reality and moved on. 

That’s when everything started to change. 

I began planning my life on my own, with zero expectations. No more searching for Prince Charming. I accepted that I might be “alone” for the rest of my life. Little did I know that decision would be the best I’ve ever made. 

As I planned my life for me, I stopped considering “what if I find a boyfriend?” and started focusing on what made ME happy. I began having fun, doing things I’d never tried before—like riding a bicycle on the open road! I traveled more and filled my life with what I loved. 

I started making decisions without even thinking about “my person.” I was my person. And while I felt alone at first, I slowly began learning about myself—without even trying. 

One day, one of my nieces came to talk to me about a job offer she got in another state in Mexico. She wasn’t asking for advice, but we talked about how I did it when I moved countries—from Mexico to the U.S. After she left, I kept thinking, “Wow, I’m a badass. And now I’m telling someone I love that she can be a badass too. How freaking cool is that?” 

That’s when the conscious journey began. From that point forward, I became more intentional with my decisions and actions. I wasn’t just pretending to be okay on my own—I actually was. I felt liberated. It was freedom from other people’s expectations—or maybe the ones I had created in my own mind. Expectations like being married by a certain age, having kids, owning a home, bringing a date to a wedding or Christmas party. I didn’t care about stereotypes anymore. 

One day, while talking to my younger brother about becoming a “better version of yourself,” he said, “Be you, just better.” We laughed—it sounded so simplistic. “And how the hell do I do that?” I asked. He said, “Talk to yourself in third person. Treat yourself like you’re getting to know someone.” 

I laughed, but I started doing it after he left. It felt weird at first, but over time, that exercise gave me so much insight. I couldn’t believe it. I became my person, someone who now dreads the thought of searching for a love partner. I’m so happy with my life and where it’s taken me; I don’t want to mess it up! 

I want to share with you what helped me become my person, so you don’t feel the need to look for love, approval, or acceptance outside of yourself. Let’s stop the nonsense. 

Step 1: Get to Know Yourself 

Think of yourself as someone you kinda like and want to get to know better. Imagine a new friend—someone you’re a little curious about—and start asking questions. 

Here’s an example: 

Hey, [insert your name here], 

• What do you like to do when you’re not working? 
• Why? 
• What for? 
• Does it make you happy? 
• No? Why do you keep doing it? 
• Yes? Why don’t you do it more? 

You can do this with anything: 

• Do you like your job? 
• Do you like where you live? 
• What do you enjoy most in your life? 
• Where would you like to live? 
• Do you want a pet? 

You get the point. This exercise will help you understand what makes you tick—what motivates you and what doesn’t. Once you know more about yourself, make a list: the things you love, the things you need, and the things you don’t. Start making changes or improvements that benefit YOU. 

Step 2: Be Kind to Yourself 

I live with type 2 diabetes, so if I want to live a long and healthy life, I need to be very mindful of my diet and exercise. Whatever your situation is, if there’s something you “have to do”, be kind to yourself about it. 

If you skip a workout or eat too much chocolate—it's okay. It’s not okay to do it every day and make excuses, because in the long run, that’s not good for you. But if it’s an exception, forget the guilt. Forget the sadness. 

The more importance we give something, the more important it becomes. If you focus on guilt and sadness, they’ll grow heavier and harder to carry. We all do our best. So do your best, then move on. 

Step 3: Be Grateful 

This is a big one. 

We all have something to be grateful for. If you’re reading (or listening to) this blog post, that means you can. Not everyone has that privilege. Be grateful for your ability to see or hear, for having shelter, food… the list could go on forever. 

Try this: 
Every morning, for one week, write down three things you're grateful for. Just three. Try not to repeat any for the whole week. After a few days, I had to expand my list to ten—because there is so much to be thankful for. 

There are scientific studies proving that gratitude benefits your physical and emotional wellbeing. If you don’t believe me, look it up! 

Proven Benefits of Gratitude: 

• Reduces stress and symptoms of depression 
• Improves sleep and strengthens the immune system 
• Enhances emotional resilience 
• Encourages healthier lifestyle habits 
• Helps lower blood pressure and inflammation 

Gratitude won’t guarantee you’ll be happy every moment of every day—but it makes it so much easier to find that state of mind and soul. 

I want to leave you with this: 
Don’t look for love outside of yourself. Be kind to yourself. Be grateful. And above all—get to know yourself. You’ll be surprised by the awesome, badass person you are. 

Once you truly get to know yourself, you’ll fall in love with YOU. Happy soul-searching! 

If you enjoyed this post, please give it a like and leave a comment. See you on the road! 

Versión en español