Chapter 1: A Year of Reflection

Greetings from Mexico City! 🎉

Every birthday, I take a moment to look back at my highs, lows, and everything in between. I've maintained this ritual since 2015 (see my past reflections from 2022, 2021, 2020, 2019, 2018, 2017, 2016, and 2015). This tradition allows me to appreciate my journey and recognize how far I've come. Here’s a recap of my 2023.

I embraced the concept of “slow living” this year!

The idea of constantly moving from city to city every week never appealed to me. While I enjoy adventure, I yearned for genuine connections, a routine, and the comfort of a stable home. Thus, I experimented with a “digital slomad” lifestyle, where I traveled more deliberately, residing in a few chosen bases. My primary locations were Mexico City (of course), Toronto (to visit friends), and California (for family and work). This approach turned out to be quite successful!

By the year's end, I had spent six months in CDMX, three months in Toronto, and one month in California. The remaining two months? Freedom to explore wherever I wanted. I opted for two visits each to Portland and Guadalajara, and a solo retreat in Puerto Escondido. It’s the perfect blend of having a home base while also enjoying new experiences. I’m thrilled with this setup and plan to implement a similar version next year.

Major strides in bachata dancing

This year marked significant progress for me in the world of bachata. I never imagined I would label myself as a “dancer,” but here I am, and it feels surreal.

Here are some highlights captured visually:

Building friendships in CDMX has been incredible. 🎉

Meanwhile, I feel that my strongest connections are in Toronto. ❤️

Sometimes, I overindulged in dancing...

There were moments when my passion for dance overshadowed my health, personal relationships, and work obligations. Late nights spent dancing often left me sleep-deprived, lagging behind on tasks, and struggling to maintain connections outside of the dance scene. While I recognize that periods of imbalance can lead to great achievements, I realized I needed a more sustainable approach.

In October, I significantly reduced my bachata sessions to prioritize workouts, dating, and revisiting my Spanish studies. This shift has positively impacted my work and side projects. I’m committed to maintaining a balanced approach to dance (and all aspects of my life) for sustainability.

Chapter 2: Blogging Highlights

Here’s a list of my favorite blog posts from this year:

• I'm not wealthy, but I'm truly content — My perspective on the relationship between money and happiness.
• Living life in "chunks" — A realization that my adult life has unfolded in roughly four-year segments.
• Single and childfree by choice — An argument against the societal pressure to marry and settle down by 30.
• Finding joy in Mexico City — An exploration of what makes me feel alive in Mexico, including the downsides and my thoughts on choosing a place to live.
• Brutally honest about work — Addressing the gap between your current and ideal relationship with work and the risks involved in making changes.
• The impact of random bloggers — How influencers can illuminate paths to new possibilities in life.

I didn’t request donations this year, but if my work has positively influenced you, consider contributing here. I cover $500 annually for software costs, and my aim is to break even to keep this passion project thriving. Also, it’s my birthday, so you’re obliged to help me out! 😄

Chapter 3: Personal Challenges and Discoveries

I’ve struggled with sleep for years, and my close friend Chloe encouraged me to undergo a sleep study. The results indicated mild sleep apnea, a common condition that disrupts oxygen flow, hindering restorative sleep. I now use a CPAP machine nightly, which has been somewhat beneficial. If you’re doing all the right things yet still facing sleep issues, I highly recommend getting tested.

On another note, I discovered that dental insurance offers minimal help. A single crown costs over $1,000 with PPO health insurance, which is outrageous. I’ll need several more crowns, so I plan to seek treatment abroad in Mexico, a route I had not previously considered. If you need dental work and find it financially burdensome in the U.S., there are reputable dentists abroad who can assist you at a fraction of the cost.

I also tested my testosterone levels, which were alarmingly low, largely due to my neglectful health habits during my bachata obsession. This post compiles resources on boosting testosterone that I’ve found incredibly useful.

Additionally, a light-hearted comedy video I made went viral on Instagram, racking up over 600k views! I also started using an air fryer this year, and it’s a game changer for those of us who prefer quick and healthy cooking.

My blog post about dancing in CDMX ranks high on Google when searching for “bachata Mexico City.” This has led to numerous spontaneous friendships, showcasing the positive side of the internet! 🌟

Chapter 4: Looking Ahead to 2024

So, what lies ahead for me?

I plan to spend more time embracing slow living in Mexico City and other locations. I aim to transform my Bachata Library into a comprehensive membership site I wish I had when I started dancing. Additionally, I’ll focus on my health while alternating between learning more Spanish, exploring Zouk dance, and enjoying time with amazing people.

I feel profoundly aligned in all aspects of my life right now, which is a wonderful sensation. I hope to channel this energy for positive outcomes.

Thank you for taking a moment to reflect on this year of my life. I wish you good health, both physically and mentally, as you navigate the holiday season.