Is There Such A Thing As A Geographical Cure?
Over the past eight years that I've lived in Mexico, I've had countless conversations with people considering a move here. One recurring theme that comes up is the notion of a "geographical cure." Many believe that by simply leaving their life behind in the U.S. and relocating to Mexico, all of their problems will magically disappear. The idea is that a change in scenery will somehow provide an immediate solution to their challenges—be it personal, political, professional, or emotional.
When I made the move, I didn’t share that assumption. My reasons for coming to Mexico were more nuanced. At the time, I was going through a difficult divorce, the dissolution of my business, and a sense of disillusionment with the political climate in the U.S. I wasn’t expecting a quick fix. Instead, I was seeking a fresh start—a soft place to land, a space where I could breathe and regroup.
I sold nearly everything I owned, keeping only what I could fit into two suitcases and, of course, my golf clubs. It was a bittersweet departure, filled with both excitement and trepidation. I was stepping into the unknown, unsure of what the future would hold but certain that I needed a change. I wasn’t expecting to find all the answers, but rather, a chance to pause, reflect, and begin again.
As I settled into my new life as an expat, I quickly realized that the expression “wherever you go, there you are” was particularly relevant. No matter where you are geographically, you cannot escape your past, your baggage, or your unresolved issues. It became clear that moving to a new country was not a magical solution to life's challenges. The problems I had left behind in the U.S. didn’t vanish overnight. I still had to confront them, process them, and ultimately evolve from them.
However, what I did find—what I truly believe—was that while a "geographical cure" does not exist, a geographical place does. A place where you can sink into the depths of your being, a place that offers the space and environment for true personal evolution and growth. This, in my experience, is what Mexico has provided me.
Living here has allowed me to evolve into a better version of myself—not because the country waved a magic wand, but because the environment here offers an ideal backdrop for transformation. It’s not handed to you on a silver platter; it requires effort and introspection. But the slower pace of life, the lower stress, and the absence of the relentless hustle and bustle of my former life in the U.S. have created fertile ground for growth.
In Mexico, I have found a community of like-minded individuals—other expats who, like me, have made the courageous decision to leave behind their previous lives in search of something different. The conversations here are often deeper, more meaningful. There is no rush to the next meeting or appointment. People have time to connect on a more personal level, to share their experiences, their challenges, and their aspirations. This slower, more intentional lifestyle encourages reflection and self-awareness, allowing space for personal growth.
I’ve learned that the key to this growth is not just about the external environment, but how you choose to engage with it. Mexico may not offer a quick fix to all of life’s problems, but it provides an opportunity—a place where you can step back, breathe, and reset. It offers the time and space to reflect on who you are, where you’ve been, and where you want to go next.
In the end, while a geographical cure may not exist, the right geographical place can provide the conditions for a profound personal transformation. And for me, that place has been Mexico.
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