Hi friends!
So, I’ve been in Cuernavaca now for just over three weeks. I
haven’t written yet because I really haven’t done all that much outside of
making this feel like my normal life. I have some observations that I’d like to
share, but first I’ll talk about the fun stuff!
I’ve taken a couple days since I’ve been here exploring
around Cuernavaca. I went to the Robert Brady museum, ate lunch near the
Cathedral, and went to a movie and enjoyed a glass of wine. I spent another day
at a small festival celebrating Día de Muertos, and exploring that neighborhood
a bit. I have a strong extroverted tendency, so it’s been strange spending so
much time by myself, but I’ve chatted with some people along the way. At the
same time, it’s been so peaceful and wonderful to enjoy my days in this beautiful
country, just soaking in the warm weather, views, and some nature. I can’t wait
to explore more. 
I’ve also been working on building a normal life here. I went to the market to buy produce and cooked for myself a few times. I took my clothes to the laundromat – then looked for a new laundromat when they forgot my clothes TWICE. I’ve been to a few coffee shops, and have gone to them to do some of my work prepping for my presentation (this is the thing that makes me feel the most normal). I’ve gone for a few runs (lots of hills…not used to it yet) and done yoga quite a bit. I even found a bar I like that serves a lot of Craft Beer, and made a few friends there! All this is making me feel like I could build a life here for a year or so, and I love that feeling!
Now for the deeper stuff😉…
The first is that I think I have never been so focused on my
mental health. I have been in therapy for long periods at a time, and definitely
worked on my mental health, but it was one thing among many others taking my
focus. I only have myself to focus on right now, and that’s been both extremely
helpful and difficult at the same time. There’s nowhere to hide from my
emotions, so I’ve had to confront them right away. And to seek support from my
immediate surroundings, I’ve had to try to express myself in Spanish, adding to
the challenge. But it’s also been very helpful. I have journaled more in the
last month than I have in my life, and I’m not finding myself confused about
how I feel or distracted by other priorities in my life. It’s liberating! What’s
been the hardest is just to be patient while things unfold. I am not a
naturally patient person, so to remain calm and mindful while waiting for
certain things to fall into place has been a challenge. I’ve oscillated between
joy, anxiety, loneliness and isolation, love and warmth, independence, peace,
support and encouragement, confidence, and pride. I’ve tried to be a sponge
just soaking up as much information and experience as I can, while being
mindful about how I’m feeling and adjusting to take care of my needs. And so
far, I think it’s been going well! I feel VERY good about where I am right now,
I’m learning to be patient, but to also ask for/take action to meet my needs.
One huge stressor for me was also the primary reason I came
here when I did. I was invited to give a talk at a conference for university
students. I had never given a professional talk before, and was feeling
insecure professionally. In addition, the talk was to be in Spanish! Much of
what I’ve focused on in the last three weeks was working on my presentation,
talking with people that gave me suggestions about what to discuss, and feeling
anxious about how it would go. I gave my talk on Tuesday this week, and it was
amazing! My Spanish could have been better, I could have been more prepared in
some areas, I could have done things differently. But I really loved it. I
loved sharing my experience. I loved taking a risk and shining some light on a
topic that these students didn’t know very much about. And I loved that I could
communicate all that in Spanish. I definitely know some things I’d do
differently next time, but it was a great experience. And I’m incredibly
grateful for the invitation, and for my peers and friends that helped me succeed!
I also attended the rest of the conference, and did my best to absorb
everything, understand the other talks, and work on my comprehension. It was a
wonderful and exhausting two days!
I’m also working again! I started working for Betterhelp, an
online counseling platform, which allows users to access mental health services
in a way that best fits into their lives. It feels so good to be working again!
I didn’t realize how much I missed this in my life, but I think I was feeling
like I was in a bubble before, first in Wisconsin and then here, while I was
waiting for things to come together. But once they did, I got started with a
few clients, then a few more, had a few live sessions, and now it’s beginning
to feel normal again. Rebuilding a caseload is interesting, after I’ve been
working so long with many of the same people. But I’m feeling more confident by
the day, and adjusting to the differences in an online platform. I’d recommend
it to colleagues if you’re looking to have some additional income and
experience with this type of platform. I’d also recommend the services to any
of you or your friends who feel like you might benefit from mental health
services, but don’t want to/are not able to go to an office and hour a week.
Also, I’m very sorry for the cold. I am not jealous😉
Love, Becky
PS...if anyone is good at formatting blog posts and can help me fix the layout of the pictures, hit me up!
PS...if anyone is good at formatting blog posts and can help me fix the layout of the pictures, hit me up!
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