I started this blog back in 2006, before Paul and I had even decided where to move in Mexico. Our move was 17 years and 5 months ago, how amazing is that?!?
In all those years I have become more and more in love with our life South of the Border. There is so much to love here. I recently realized that when I head out on errands, whether on foot or in the car I am greeted – waved at – smiled at – had a little conversation – with lots of people even just within a few blocks of home. People smile freely. Young guys with neck tattoos tell me good morning. Old folks shuffling. People sweeping. People driving the other way. It’s like living in Mayberry, only better.
I feel so lucky to be living here and I wonder if I will ever even visit the US again. I just can’t imagine it.
It’s not perfect here – of course there is crime here too. Recently a horrible place was discovered in Jalisco that was so terrible I can’t even write about it. But in general this kind of stuff doesn’t touch most immigrants*, and I am thankful for that and so sad for those it does. But I can say that for most Mexicans – no matter how hard life is or how little money they make – they find joy in life, in family and in community.
For us and our American friends, these times are a bit nerve-wracking. Will we continue to receive Social Security? Will we continue to be able to transfer funds easily? How will sentiment towards immigrants change if tariffs (and rhetoric, etc.) make life harder for the Mexican people? How will badly treated repatriated (um, deported by ICE) Mexicans feel about the Americans in their midst?
When I lived in Washington State I only knew a couple of Canadian people. Since moving to Mexico, I would guess that a third of our friends are Canadian. The way Canada is being treated is just shameful and I just hope that our Canadian friends know that we do not support (and did not vote) for this aggression.
So how are we going to get through this awful time? I really don’t know. Meditation. Good friends. Knitting. Exercise. Video Calls. Dogs. Healthy food. Good books. Chocolate. They all help. I fear something wicked has been set in motion that may not be stoppable. (Who am I kidding, I know it is unstoppable.)
So then how to be happy in these end times? At my age and since I live away from the US, there is little I can do to influence the powerful there. But I can work in my small circles here to make things better when I can. I volunteer. I give money to the poor, both in person and through charities. I smile. I buy locally as much as possible. I support local artists and attend concerts and plays.
What are you doing to care for yourself and others in these especially hard times? Please share in the comments, we can all help each other.
At the top? Jacaranda trees are just starting to bloom!
*I use the term immigrant rather than expat as immigrants have settled permanently somewhere and expats have changed locations for a finite period of time.
Elena Page
March 13, 2025So glad to hear from you again via your blog. I think it’s been a while. You are very lucky, indeed, to be living the life I would wish for. Enjoy! And keep sharing.
Nancy
March 13, 2025Hi Elena, Thank you for your comment, gratitude goes a long way to making it better, doesn’t it. I hope to be more active here from now on. Saludos
Anne
March 13, 2025Good to see you writing again Nancy. Like you, we are attempting to do small things in our local communities – volunteering; buying locally; never watching TV news ( I find out what’s happening by – gasp – reading) and generallyapologising to our Canadian and Mexican friends! I’m still thankful that I live in WA state! This too shall pass! Hard to believe, I know, but history proves otherwise. Stay well and do keep in touch. Hugs.
Nancy
March 13, 2025Hi Anne! So nice to hear from you! I just really haven’t felt like I had something to say and then all of a sudden I did! I am glad you feel hopeful, I would like some of that to rub off on me. xoxo
William
March 14, 2025Good to see you writing again on your blog.
As someone who has been traveling to Mexico for over 50 years, and who made the permanent move to Mexico City a year and a half ago, I fully understand and share the feelings you have at this very scary time in our country’s history. I may sound like an ostrich sticking my head in the sand, but I simply try to avoid the news as much as possible. I will not allow the craziness north of the border to drive me into depression. Instead, I try to enjoy life in Mexico to the fullest.
Best wishes.
Nancy
March 14, 2025Hi William, Thank you for your comment. I wish I had the control to avoid the news but it seems like I just can’t. I think of it like how during WW2 people sat by the radio with their map of Europe out tracking what was going on in a way. I can’t seem to turn away.I am going to really start the blog back up and I need to update the blogroll too. I hope all is well with you and that the jacarandas bring you joy! They are so lovely in Mexico City!
Barbara Lane
March 14, 2025How lovely to find you here this morning! Welcome back! I’ve been reading you since you began the blog. I lived in Gig Harbor then and had years left before I could retire and move to San Miguel de Allende in 2016. Like you, I’m an immigrant. I love my life here in Mexico. I cope with what’s happening up North by what I always try to do – just shine my light wherever I go. I’ve never allowed DT’s image in my home, as I’m very protective of the energy that enters. I do not watch the news, or read news articles. I read the NYT every morning, and headlines are enough – they tell the story without immersing in the gory details. I”m gobsmacked as to how one person could wreak such havoc in the entire world – alas it’s happened. I’ve no doubt his dark doings will not be untangled in my lifetime.
So on I go, being the best friend, neighbor, and spiritual warrior I can be, all the while loving Mexico and living the life of my dreams.
Best to you and Paul!
Nancy
March 14, 2025Hi Barbara, Spiritual warrior, I like that! I think we are kindred spirits. Thank you so much for writing. xoxo
Dave
March 14, 2025It’s nice to see a new post from you, Nancy. Glad to hear you’re both well. I got in touch with you a couple years ago because my wife and I were exploring a move to Mexico. That’s on hold for now — it’s not the right time or place — but I continue to follow the stories of those who’ve left the US for Mexico so I’ll be informed if/when we move. So, thanks for continuing to share your story.
As for coping, I’m reading just enough news to be informed, avoiding social media except for my soccer and music feeds, pouring myself into my music, and enjoying our new home and community in Milwaukee. Speaking of music, my falling in love with Chapala inspired a song on the record I released in November. You might enjoy it:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=bM7q3vZ_PVY
Take care!
Nancy
March 14, 2025Hi Dave, Love the song, thank you so much for sharing! And congratulations on your move and album. Saludos 🙂
judith
March 14, 2025Nancy, first let me say as a Canadian that the situation is NOT your fault. We don’t blame you, we blame him. I’m sure you hear the same from your other Canadian friends, and it is the truth.
I loved to read about your ways of coping, and I am doing many of the same things to try to stay peaceful. The only suggestion I can add is that I find keeping a gratitude journal helps me immensely. I write for about half an hour every morning as soon as I wake up. Often I find that I repeat myself, but that is okay. If I miss my writing, I notice the difference in my stress level during my day. It grounds me and helps me to keep things in perspective.
Spending time with like-minded friends also helps me a lot. Right now, Canadians are united and pulling together as never before: Elbows Up! There is a spirit that has caught on like wildfire as we are feeling that we are all in the same boat and will come through this together or go down trying! I notice it in daily interactions – people are even kinder than usual and take pleasure in interacting, even with strangers on the street.
I am hopeful that this too shall pass, but I don’t know if I will live to see it. In the meantime, I will cheer on our new Prime Minister (as of today!) and hope for the best for us and the rest of the world. All the best too to you and Paul!
Nancy
March 14, 2025Hi Judith, Thank you so much for reminding me of a gratitude journal. I have done this on and off but the habit has never stuck. Now is the time I think. I am so grateful for your friendship and send my love to you and Ken. xo
Kathi
March 14, 2025Nancy – great to see you writing your blog again! As a Canadian, I know this situation is not your fault, nor the fault of the majority of Americans. What is shocking is how a small (but, oh so powerful) group can cause such disruption and chaos, and find supporters (STILL!). They have always shown the world the same craziness and inane logic, but have enough backing to argue and cause confusion in the real world. All we can do is make the right choices in our own spheres of influence. Spread peace and rational thought, kindness and creativity wherever you go (and you do!). Thrilled to call you a friend!
Nancy
March 14, 2025Oh Kathi, you always have just the right words! Thank you so much. Hope to see you and Bill soon. xoxo
Wendy
March 17, 2025So pleased to see you doing this again. Bodie lost his mojo for writing after a couple of years of my Long Covid during which I couldn’t get out of bed before 5 after which I was fine until 9 or so, so he had to do everything, and was still renovating the house and looking after the workers. He just put the writing aside eventually. Although he now has time, he’s never really got that enjoyment back, and it’s a loss for him. Not the end of the world, his new life here is keeping him engaged with new endeavours, but I know he misses the fun and satisfaction of writing. So I’m hoping that you have returned to this task with enthusiasm and that it brings you much joy. Certainly your friends, old and new, will be v happy. Stay well both of you and dogs.
Nancy
March 17, 2025Hi Wendy, I’m not sure exactly why I stopped writing or why I’m writing again. I think maybe it has something to do with the anxiety I feel about what is going on in the US. Something like when awful things are happening people need to know we are there for each other. Hopefully Bodie gets his mojo back sometime, we all loved his humorous insights into life in Mexico and I know we’d love to hear about Australia too. Hey, he could do a guest post on Countdown if he wants! Love to you both. xoxo