12/10/2021
I don't like change, it's uncomfortable and scary. It's physics really, inertia can only be overcome by a strong external force.
About 3 years ago, I decided to start a wellness business on the coast of Colombia, but somehow found myself settled comfortably in the city of . There I have made wonderful friends and filled my days with urban walks with my pups, and long lunches and even longer dinners with friends over sangrias and artesanal beers. Life was great and the pandemic was a perfect excuse to keep on cruising. But in the back of my mind, I still dreamed about living in nature and starting a retreat business but to leave my leisurely life in Medellín seemed crazy. I had it all... well almost...
In June, I came up to the coast to see if I could REALLY live here. Here, life is different, it's hot, chaotic and people speak way too fast. On the other hand, there are mountains, beaches, a small vibrant community of yogis and booming eco/wellness tourism. Santa Marta seems still the right place for my project. I mulled over the idea and finally decided to drag my two dogs and all my belongings 800 km up the coast. Over the next few months, I stressed about having to drive and buying my first car ever and about finding a new place to live. I stressed about packing and about traveling with my two dogs. I stressed about saying goodbye to my friends. I stressed about having to start nearly from scratch again. Bottom line, I was stressed.
I've just moved into a house in . There are daily battles with mosquitoes and ants. It is so damp here that mold is sprouting out of walls and even out of my yoga mat. My clothes smell like mildew already and my bed feels like a damp sponge. All my neighbors have heard me yelling "Panelita!" as puppy has escaped 3 times already. On the upside I wake up to the chirps of birds and a river swim is only a minute away. I have started developing my retreat project. Is it all worth it? The jury is still out on this but at least I've overcome the inertia.
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