Summer of Change

I’m writing this post from my sister’s kitchen in sunny (but still chilly) southern California.  It’s a change from my usual coastal casa in Central America, but a trip back to the States has been long overdue. Since I was last here in 2019, there have been no less than 3 new babies born into the family. It’s exciting to be here, but it also feels a bit off. I’m trying to find my footing in a country that feels huge and commercialized compared to my Nicaragua lifestyle I’ve enjoyed the last 8 years. Reverse culture shock is real: huge billboards advertising products I haven’t heard of yet and Target stores looming larger and more expansive than Nicaragua’s capital.

 

The commuter traffic I’ve become accustomed to means slowing from 60km/hour because there are twenty-some cows standing idly in the road with their babies.  Here, 8 lanes channel 75mph+ racing vehicles that feel enormous to me, and spacious enough inside for a cow.  My sister’s car has more buttons and lights in the interior than I do in my house.

 

While the highways are intimidating these days, the food is beyond incredible. I haven’t eaten a bad meal yet.  Stepping off the plane and straight into my sister-in-law’s parents’ home, they greeted me with hugs and cherry pie. Fat sushi rolls, bubble-crust pizza, gourmet mushroom tacos and fresh caught seared tuna have all been on my plate in the last few days.  Habanero spiced margaritas and translucent, chilled rosé have been in my glass.  My niece served chocolate cupcakes in the park. There’s no complaining from me.

 

Accompanying the abundance (and confusion) of choices for cuisine (or abundance of anything, really, in any color, size, shape and have it delivered to your door the same day), I can’t help but notice the lack of connection between humans in some places.  My sister ordered breakfast using Door Dash one morning as we all sat working in front of our screens. Thirty minutes later, some kid brought us burritos and avocado toast.  He left it at the door, then dashed away.  We knew he had arrived because my sister’s phone dinged. There was not even an exchange of “hellos”, “good mornings”, or “thank you’s” between the Door Dash guy (Kennie) and us starving busy-bees. Perhaps these were exchanged via text or an auto-type function within the app.

 

While there are eye-popping differences in California I had forgotten about, and some technical upgrades that make the average life here easier (wide, hanging TVs in every room, offering every channel; work desks with no less than 3 large work screens; iRumbas sitting quietly in clean corners), life here still seems hard and stressful. Overwhelmingly, sometimes.

 

While there is so much to see and connect to, I’m not sure that we feel seen.  I’m not sure we are connected with each other in ways that help move us through the overwhelm.

 

In Nicaragua, I deal with power outages regularly and seasonal plagues of insects. Here in Southern California, people demonstrate road rage, juggle chaotic schedules, and struggle to feel heard, supported, or helped in some way.  Even within families.

 

I realize this is not everyone’s truth.  I have witnessed examples of the opposite (remember the cherry pie? The cupcakes?) These acts of kindness and warm gestures are not lost on me.  The DNM’s I have been able to enjoy with family (deep and meaningfuls), while not always within immediate reach, have still been reached in some way. Perhaps I’m thinking too harshly here, or focusing too seriously on passing complaints, or on the absence of connection I personally need. Perhaps I’m being too sensitive.

 

I’ve only to observe the change of scene I find myself in, as I’m being passed from family member to family member and do what we can to catch up with each other.  While I won’t get to see all the people I’ve missed over the years, I am grateful for the few days I can get.

 

After all, I wanted this – to be here now, even if freedom and possibility to dive deep with every friend and every member of the family just won’t be possible on this trip. But it is time.  Three years is too long to go without hugging close all those I love. Without cruising through post-(ish)-pandemic America to see what the mental climate is that most of my coaching clients who live in the States or Canada live through daily.

 

While Zooming is one avenue of connection, breathing the same North American air makes a difference.  Just physically being around family, with friends of family, or with strangers on the plane shape my perspective of how everybody up here is really doing.

 

Life is tough. It’s busy. There’s an undercurrent of stress. The vibe is friendly, there is no doubt.  But the sense I feel from the collection of isolated chats and chats I’ve overheard is that – something has to give. Expectations are brutal. The economy is impossible. The direction and the “something better” we are hoping for, it seems to many – in Nicaragua and North America – is unknown.  We are all working so hard to feel . . . .what? What is the end goal for each of us and why does it feel so unreachable at times? Perhaps you’ve felt this for a while.

 

Change has to be on the horizon for any of us feeling this exhaustion, or the gulf of genuine connection. Personally, I’ve been ready to temporarily shift the energy from my tropical beach to the fast-lane.  Spend valuable time with dear ones.  Eat.  (A lot.) Connect deeply with new friends.  Listen to what others are going through, and be of service where and how I can.

 

And with that, if you also are of the mentality that life is spinning chaotically, and you’re not sure it’s headed in the direction that’s best for you, I have three new offerings for you.

 

If you’ve been a coaching client of mine in the past, then you have already experienced the benefits.  If you’ve been curious, but haven’t pulled the trigger, then here’s your chance to try it out for the summer.  “Summer of Change” is the coaching program I am offering: 4 sessions over the summer that help you shift from where you are to where you want to be.

 

In addition, if you REALLY want to change it up, then change your environment and come see me in Nicaragua.  My next Travel With a Purpose Retreat is in September, and you can check out details here.

 

Lastly, most of you know I’ve finally published my book (and THANK YOU to those who jumped in on the Pre-sale!). After working with a few clients in the past on their writing projects or books, I’m making it official and now offer Book Coaching to all of you burgeoning writers out there.  You read my stories.  Time to write yours.  Details are here.

 

With that, I’m off to take in as much of the good vibes, family, and food as I can while I’m here.  I hope you enjoy good vibes too. While there is much happening in our world, inner and outer, that leave us feeling spun out and off-center, there are good vibes still to connect with and to feel good from if we learn what to change.

 

Have a great weekend!