Jules, a blogger at Call it Kismet, was born in Eastern Kentucky and is currently cruising the Pacific coast of Mexico on our live-aboard sailboat. Here’s what she has to say about her life.
What brought you to Mexico?
Opportunity to sail in a different country.
How has your life changed?
My stress level had lowered dramatically. Mexico has a very casual vibe. We don’t have a car, so no traffic problems.
How has your belief system changed?
It hasn’t.
How have you changed?
I am learning to become more patient and not so time-obsessed.
What challenges have you overcome?
Living in a small space (boat) with my husband and 2 dogs has simplified my life.
What challenges are you still facing?
I still miss shopping at Target and Marshalls.
What keeps you going?
Good friends we have met along the way and travel with keep me from getting lonely.
What accomplishment makes you the proudest?
Shedding our material life. We had two beautiful homes and two cars. But it was all just “stuff”.
What things do you miss about your life before?
Being close to family. But my parents died recently, so I don’t feel the desire or need to return to the US.
What have you found is no longer important to you?
Material things like houses and cars. And shoes. I now wear flip-flops every day.
What do you consider the defining moment in your life in Mexico?
When I got my residency card I realized that Mexico truly and legally is HOME.
How do you spend your free time?
All my time is free time. Since we move around a lot, I go “Urban Hiking” to explore the local towns.
How do you maintain yourself/your family financially?
Retired.
How have you overcome fear?
No fears.
How have you grown as a person?
I am a work in progress but am mellowing out.
What skills have you learned in Mexico?
A bit of language-learning. I take classes at marinas sometimes and went to Spanish School in Taxco for 6 weeks.
What skills do you still have to master?
The language. Each summer, during hurricane season, we plan to continue our travels inland for 3-4 months and take Spanish classes in different areas.
What inspires you? What angers you?
What angers me is the vast overpopulation of homeless animals. But I am inspired by the groups that are raising awareness and helping with spay-neuter and rescue.
What would you do differently if you could do it all over again?
I wouldn’t change a thing.
What is your current goal?
Just going with the flow for now.
How do you make your life meaningful?
I surround myself with good people.
Do you volunteer?
Since we move around a lot, it is difficult to volunteer, but I frequently donate $$ to animal welfare groups.
Surviving Mexico 