From Mexico, to Ireland, to Costa Rica, and Discovering the Joy of Unplanned Experiences Along the Way

I am, once again, on a plane thousands of feet above the earth. What a year it’s been—a year of new and exciting travels. I can’t wait for my first time in Costa Rica, and I’m thrilled to experience it with my mom. I feel fortunate to tag along on her third yoga retreat, which she co-teaches with another instructor. I’m not a yogi, but I can hold my own with some beginner poses, and I’m looking forward to immersing myself in Pura Vida at the Resort and Retreat. I hope the weather isn’t too rainy (though it probably will be after the hurricane; not sure what letter we are on, just rolled over ), but either way, I’m ready for it—another fresh experience, another adventure.

That’s my mindset right now, and honestly, I think it’ll be that way for a while. I’m all about experiences! New places, tastes, views, customs… just all-around newness. Even if it’s in my backyard (okay, town), I’m excited to share each experience with my favorite people.

I love that I have no idea what to expect—this keeps disappointment pretty much off the table. Once you’ve been somewhere or have researched a place to death, you end up with this mental picture of what it “should” be, which can lead to disappointment if reality doesn’t match. Sure, if you’re naturally easygoing, you might avoid those letdowns, but when you step into something totally unknown? You just get to experience it, and that, in itself, is amazing.

I’ve improved at keeping my expectations in check on trips, whether in a familiar place or somewhere completely new. Each time stands on its own, with no comparisons. It’s all about flexibility—changing plans, adapting, and relaxing. Isn’t that the whole point of a getaway? Why work so hard and spend so much just to stress when things aren’t 100% perfect? Nothing in life is perfect, so why hold our travel experiences to that unrealistic standard? I’m all about freedom in my experiences, which means keeping expectations low and staying present, whatever I’m doing or wherever I am. And right now, I find myself right here……

I should catch you up on my last two trips, which I haven’t fully shared yet. But where to start? It’s a bit overwhelming to think about the six days in Mexico and the twelve in Ireland, so I’ll focus on highlights rather than give you a day-by-day recap. So stay tuned for randomly arranged stories that are entirely out of order! Expect more of a “thought collage” than any chronological order, LOL.

Maybe one day I’ll get organized enough to journal in real-time and share everything as it happens… but let’s be honest, who am I kidding? If I get any posts up at all, I’m winning! Rather than set expectations so high I feel guilty, I’ll just be grateful for any progress. Already winning because, well, previously, there wasn’t much happening on this blog! LOL.

And away we go! BTW, nothing says sophistication like red wine in a paper cup with Oreos, LOL! Just sayin’