I’m always in awe of when I experience the unexpected and come out better on the other side.

Case in point was when I was on my last day of my annual getaway down south. It was my fourth trip travelling solo and it was by far my most challenging one.

The culprit was my darn expectations and the realization that the benchmark for my trip had evolved. When planning this fall 2018 trip, I set a price that was in fact lower than my four previous trips (2 by myself, 1 with my besties and 1 for friends’ wedding) because I had travelled down south twice in the previous 12 months – once in November 2017 with my besties and again in April 2018 to officiate the wedding of my beautiful friends on a beach.

Both of these trips had stretched my budget a little and had introduced to a new concept – boutique wellness resorts – that were amazing!

Consequently, I found my complaining during the first two days of my budget-friendly trip – I complained about the beach, the restaurants, the food, the types of families that were there and I even complained that I was by myself.

Imagine that – I was laying on a beach in the Mayan Riviera, Mexico, in sunny 30 degree Celsius weather surrounded by blue sky and the sounds of waves coming in and out and I was complaining.

I thought to myself, “Wow – this is going to be a long week.” Which was quickly followed by “What in the hell is wrong with you? Do you know how privileged you are to be here? Do you know that you are on a week break from caregiving – exactly what you want and need?”

It took about 30 minutes of self-talk to move from berating myself to telling myself that the contrast was good. I took that moment to acknowledge that knowing what I didn’t want helped crystallize what I do want for the future.

I also reminded myself that everything is a choice and I now had concrete examples of what I wanted and did not want for my next trip.

I gave myself permission that it was alright to evolve from “I just need to get away” to “I want a resort with early-morning meditation, yoga, healthy food, high-quality restaurants & adult only.”

The previous two resorts where I had stayed had offered these exact amenities and they were amazing. I now know that the extra cost is worth it and will plan accordingly.

As far as the the rest of my trip, I focused on everything positive – I read three amazing books, I listened to inspirational podcasts daily, I exercised and I spent every day resting on the beach.

Life is good. I am grateful for it all. The week of self-care, self-awareness and personal growth.