Less is More

Many relationships in my life have changed this year. One in particular was my relationship to stuff. Backpacking through Latin America the year before taught me great lessons about how much we really need to get by.





I learned less is more and simplicity is a pillar of happiness.



However, over the years I had accumulated many things. Part of this was due to the fact when I moved twice in the past I put things in storage and vowed to return and claim my precious keepsakes.

That time came this year in a serendipitous fashion....My things from two different chapters of my life all collided in my cozy loft. The places I have lived in the past had been about 3 times the size so imagine only having space for 1/6 of your stuff. Saying that I was overwhelmed when the movers unloaded all the boxes is a serious understatement. The process of sifting through my things was draining. Everything had emotional triggers. Pictures, Books, Handicrafts, Letters, Clothing, CD's and so on...

I avoided the process for a few days and then slowly began to decide what to keep and what to let go of. As the process progressed it became easier and easier. In fact about half way through I found the emotional weight of things I thought I wanted to keep was gone. I ended up giving away or selling 70% of my belongings.

At the end of the process I felt incredibly light and liberated.

Playas de Mexico

This year I have been fortunate to visit many of the beaches of Mexico. Here is a little summary of my experiences and suggestions in ranked order.


1. Playa de Carmen & Tulum, Rivera Maya- The most physically beautiful beaches I have been to in Mexico. The white sand beach and azure water make it a great place to relax.















2. Sayulita & Litibu (Cerca de Puerto Vallerta) - This area is low-key, has a bohemian vibe and has decent waves for surfing. My favorite for atmosphere.











3. Beach camping (Between Acapulco and Zihuatanejo)- Nothing beats the waves rocking you to sleep and waking up to the sunrise in solitude. There are various areas to camp on the beach all around the Mexican coast and I highly recommend giving it a try.












4. Acapulco - I visited the area 4 times this year and each experience was very different. Since it is around a 4hr drive from the DF it is always an attractive option. Acapulco has a diverse range of choices from romantic hotels like Las Brisas to huge villas you can rent for party weekends.













#1 Mexican Beach on my list for next year to explore is Puerto Escondido.