My move to Mexico has been a personal growth journey for me.
We moved during the pandemic, and I was burned out from working endless hours in my job and trying to fit in life, between work and constant travel. My hyper-efficient life had a price, and I never realized that until I came to Mexico and time slowed down.
I knew that moving to Mexico would be uncomfortable, and yet transformational, and it has been both of those things for me.
Here are three quotes that resonate with my journey this year and what I have learned.
“The secret of happiness, you see, is not found in seeking more, but in developing the capacity to enjoy less.” – Socrates
I have always been a goal oriented person and in becoming that, as years went by, I somehow completely forgot to enjoy the journey.
Whenever I achieved one goal, I had to set my sight for the next goal, which was bigger and more difficult. When we moved to Mexico, I quit my job without any plans for the future. I had gotten tired of the chase. It required too much work, energy, time just to move and inch forward and when I did, I felt more alone and empty.
I just wanted sit for a while without any plans, slow down, internalize, experiment, allow myself to get bored, reconnect with myself and listen to what my soul really needed to feel re-energized and alive. In Mexico, after a year or so, I started to paint again. I fell in love with colors. I stopped watching TV. Instead, I loved sitting at the town square and watching an entire Mexican family dancing to Mariachis music. I would smile watching the kids play soccer in an alley in late evenings. I started cooking and inviting friends over, experimenting with food. I started reading 2-3 books at the same time. My guilty pleasure was visiting nurseries and buying plants. Simple things felt very rich. These were all creative things, there was nothing materialistic about them and yet, they were so enriching. For the first time in a long time, I felt more content, more often.
“Maybe the amount of extraordinary things that happen in your life depends on what you notice.” – Sophia Joan Short
I feel like I am just starting to learn this lesson.
To grow, one needs to unlearn some old habits and make space for new ones. Being a goal-oriented person, I never took the time to observe the little extraordinary things that had to happen to help me achieve that goal. I was always in a hurry.
Life is so much simpler living in Mexico – and by that I mean less distractions and less consumption. At times, that also means power shortages and no hot water for a few days, things I have taken for granted in the U.S. I am learning to not react to things that are not in my control. That is not easy. But, neighbors and friends welcome me to use their homes. All of a sudden, I am learning what it feels like to truly be a part of the community.
In my time here, I have met amazing people, women entrepreneurs of all ages, and they all seem to have one thing in common: they are all searching for joy; the joy that comes from helping, learning, growing and giving back.
They don’t consider themselves expats, they are immigrants, here to be a part of the community fabric. In my many world-wide travels, I never experienced this. These are extraordinary encounters, simply because they are all here to be the best version of themselves and somehow, life in Mexico has given them the space, the opportunity and the energy to do that, to start another chapter.
“He who loses wealth loses much. He who loses a friend loses more. But he who loses his courage loses all.” – Miguel de Cervantes
Buying Mexico News Daily and jumping into entrepreneurial life has been tough. It has been a near-constant roller coaster ride with many highs and lows.
Many times this past year, I have doubted my skills, my grit, and my judgement. I have also realized that it is inaction that leads to a fear of failure. Courage is developed through action, as is confidence through personal growth. After each stumble, I have felt humbled yet more determined and assured of my path ahead.
Mexico News Daily has become a labor of love and very hard work. My husband and I have invested significant time, energy, and financial resources into the business. We have faced adversity and made mistakes, but are building a team of like-minded people, creating a purpose-driven culture, and seeing the impact our platform can make for small businesses and entrepreneurs in Mexico.
In my heart, I am absolutely confident that we are on the right track as we aspire to make an even bigger impact. I want to be useful. There is a difference between ambition and aspiration. Ambition is about achieving a goal, aspiration is about who one wants to become. Our venture in Mexico News Daily is shaping me into who I can become.
I will conclude with a bit of advice:
If you are searching for joy, a change in direction, or a more personal connection in life, take the plunge and come to Mexico. You don’t have to figure it all out at once, just start by thinking of it as a new chapter in life. Start by believing in yourself.
Tamanna Bembenek was born in India, studied and worked in the U.S. and lives in Mexico with her husband, Travis. They are the co-owners of Mexico News Daily.
Beautiful, Tamanna!! Love the sentiments and the art!
So eloquently stated and clearly from the heart. Recognizing the benefits is one thing, but implementing and appreciating the impact is the true success. Thanks for so openly sharing. It gives one pause and redirection.
Tamanna, your article poignantly captures the essence of embracing change and finding joy in simplicity. Thank you for sharing it with us. Your story is a testament to the power of courage, community, and self-discovery. Congratulations on your transformative journey and the impactful work you’re doing with Mexico News Daily!
Loved the article, Tamanna! While we won’t (yet) move to MX, we do hope to visit San Miguel in 2024…Tara will be in college and we will find a long weekend and come visit.
Deepali
Thank you very much for expressing your journey from your heart!
I am so fortunate I have met you both. I want to thank you for all your support and advice that you gave me during my time in San Miguel de Allende.
San Miguel de Allende is lucky to have you.
¡Enhorabuena Amiga y mis mejores deseos para Ustedes!
So I pay for a subscription yet I still have to scroll through countless advertisements? What a joke
This couple committed all their resources to provide an exceptional product, unique in its space. Not only are the few adds dwarfed by the robust, informative content, but how great that they’re able to generate some additional revenue to support it.
You mean like with the Washington Post and the Arizona Republic, the other newspapers I subscribe to? The cost of a subscription would be much more if ad free.
Great article!!! I have lived in Mazatlan Sinaloa for 21 years full time and wouldn’t change it for anything!!! I love the people here who are so friendly and helpful!!! Totally different than my life in Oregon
I love your art and enjoy Mexico Daily News so much. We live in San Diego County and travel to Mexico frequently. Your articles are informative and interesting.
I hope your journey will bring you and your team to visit and explore Lake Chapala. We at the Lake Chapala Society welcome exchange and sharing about the expat experience and finding ways to better. Know and connect with our neighbors and gracious hosts, the people of Mexico.
Loved your story and greatly appreciate your newspaper.
I too fell in love with Mexico… I love having a paper that has broad insights to living in Mexico. I’m hoping to spend extended periods in PVR… My first visit was in 2003, and I’ve only missed 1 year since then. Somehow I came across your newspaper and finally decided to purchase… Everyone that I share it with have enjoyed it too.
Thanks for such a great connection.
And buy the way, I love your artwork. Are you selling that piece? Great colors! Most Sincere, Karin
Beautiful article. Thank you for exposing yourself and expressing your soul. There’s nothing like being genuine and transparent.
I used to read some of the articles and finally subscribed a few days ago. I’m happy I did especially now knowing your story. Your artwork is intense and beautiful and your life journey inspiring. Thank you for sharing. It makes a huge difference. I hope to meet you some day. Diegomondragon.com
Bien dicho Tamana!
The 3 quotes you use are useful ,simple tools to circle back to the Mission or “aspiration”. It’s not such an easy task to be an Entrepreneur which by it’s nature is all consuming, goal focused, forward planning into both the near and distant future all the while living in a culture where forward thinking is a culturally unified trajectory toward ” manana” or “Domingo”. Hopefully, your striving commitment toward”ambition” and ” aspiration” will lead you to a fullfiling blends of the very best of both worlds. You will have to keep us posted!
Congratulations on everything that you and Travis have accomplished this year. You so beautifully sum up the incredible experience of living in Mexico. Here’s to continued personal and business success.
A beautiful, honest and inspiring article, Tamanna. And that artwork in the middle of it – is a total stunner. Can’t wait for you to share the rest of your artwork with us. The adventure you and Travis embarked on is fun to witness, and you have provided a happy, thriving, creative and warm space for so many people. You should be proud of yourselves – and wish you all success for next year.
Good for you guys! Moving down here twenty years ago was an inspiration for my wife and I. after knocking around for a couple of years my wife Karrie wanted to start an amateur theatre company. And so Boutique Theatre was formed. We too invested heavily in a nonprofit operation and still cherish very much the dozens and dozens of actors, directors, stage hands and many others whose talent contributed to our success. Unfoymy wife is no longer with me so I am searching for something new to do in this wonderful country. Keep up this important communication venue. We need you!!🤗
Nice upbeat article. This year 2024 will mark 40 years since I arrived in Mexico. You need a sense of humour to live here and an understanding of the “M Factor”
(El factor México) which basically means that the chances of things getting screwed up are in direct proportion to the opportunities given to do so but it’s still a great place despite all of that especially when you see all the nonsense going on in the USA, Canada and Europe. Congratulations on your newspaper and your bold decision to take it on.
Thanks for sharing that. I will enjoy reading mexico news daily more knowing who is behind it.
Hola Tamanna Feliz Año Nuevo.
I’ve had a house in Mexico near Tequila for 2yrs 4 months. What I’ve learned being in México is what not to do in the United States. Television is at the top of the list. In particular CNN, FOX, MSNBC and those type of channels that I no longer look at. I do still enjoy American sports. The other thing is everyone working in the US until 65 with no real thought about what’s next. Too busy worrying about bills and today. My number one advice is start planning at 45 to come to Mexico at 55 not 65.
I’m a car and motorcycle person. What I miss about California(Los Angeles) are good roads, seeing nice cars and motorcycles, Petersen automotive museum. Also non automotive museums like The Getty Center. California is a beautiful state.
Bloom where you are planted and enjoy life wherever you are.
Merle
I’ve noticed that over the last year, both the breadth and depth of the publication has increased. And now I know why. Keep up the good work.
Tamanna, your story resonated with me so much. I retired from Corporate America and 80 hour weeks when I was 51 and headed to Lake Chapala in Mexico I had two goals when I got here the first was to never have another goal and the second was to never let pantyhose touch my legs again. I retired at age 51. That’s now been 17 years ago. I love the Mexican culture and I love being part of the community and learning the lessons that the Mexican value system has taught me. I now have balance in my life and I try and follow their ability to live in the moment and let’s see what life has to offer me. During that time I’ve published two books and hundreds of articles on moving to and living in Mexico. I wish you all the luck with this magazine and I loved reading your story.