As you read this, we’re in Mexico again. And it’s about time. Seriously.

It has been well over a year since the last time I had a Mexico vacation and let’s be honest… a lot has happened since then. Usually, we come to Mexico for the New Year. But this year? Well, we didn’t. We couldn’t. And now, with it being spring break, we felt it was about time we got back there.

I’ve never needed this time away more than now. I always say how important it is to be honest with ourselves, right? Well, I 1000% needed this vacation. As much as I pride myself on “having it all together,” I have been at max capacity adulting lately. For the past eight months, I’ve just been doing, doing, doing. And while I’m happy to be there for others – I’m not complaining – I have been feeling due for a severe battery recharge. I can BE better, when my battery is running on full. 

Even before arriving back here, I had begun daydreaming about this week. A week of less doing and more being. A full week of basking in the sun. Vitamin D and Vitamin Sea. Family time. Friend time. Reading. No to-do lists. No reason to look at the time.

An entire week where I won’t have anything that needs to be done.   When I can shut off and take a break from doing “all the things.”
I have not felt that for so long. 

Sometimes life is extra hard, and, amid everything, life doesn’t stop. I still have to be a mom and do all the usual things. Picking up my kids from school and taking them to baseball or dance – and to all the other things. When you’re already busy, and life hits you with some whammies, you just have to figure out how to keep going and manage it all.

So, while it is not easy for me to slow down for a full seven days, it really was about time. 

And I want FUN to be a part of as many days in 2024 as possible. Remember my word for 2024?

When I’m 82, thinking back to this year, I want it to be full of FUN memories spent with family and friends. Time BEING rather than doing. Travel and trips exploring places. Beaches and sunshine.

When I look back on this time, I don’t want obligations and “to do” lists to be the only way I spent my time and energy…

I don’t want to lose that life balance and perspective.

If you don’t have the time to enjoy life and have fun with those who matter most, isn’t it missing a bit of the point?

Living our best life has to include some fun.

So, maybe some days back in Chicago my to-do list has some weight – but not today. Or tomorrow. Or the next day.

Because right now, I’m in Mexico – with John and the kids, along with my friend Allison (my oldest friend from seventh grade) and her family. It’s always a really good dynamic with the eight of us.

We are in Nuevo Nayarit, and this is the first time exploring this part of Mexico… for all of us! The sun shines just as beautifully here as it does in Playa del Carmen, Tulum, and Cabo San Lucas. 

Mexico is the perfect getaway for us. It’s not too far, and it NEVER disappoints.

Sunsets that are literally perfect. Snokeling. Good friends. Wildlife. Adventure. Local food. Boat Rides. Private Beaches. This week has completely filled my cup.

This time has been turning out to be JUST what our whole family needed this week. And by the time we’re back in Chicago, I know my heart will be so full – and my battery too.

Where are you filling your cup?