Finding Balance Between Life and Business in the Heart of Mexico

My recent trip to Jalisco, Mexico was filled with culture, beautiful landscapes, and family celebrations, It was a vacation that not only filled my cup but also reinforced my commitment to building a business that fits my life, not the other way around.

As someone living with stage 4 colon cancer, the way I integrate my life and work is vital. I want to prioritize my family time so having the flexibility to travel and take time to enjoy these special moments, while still keeping my business running smoothly, is my top priority.

This trip to Mexico wasn’t just a vacation, it was an important reminder of why I’ve built my business the way I have

While the main reason for our trip to Mexico was to celebrate my boyfriend’s dad’s 57th birthday, we were still able to take a few days to explore Guadalajara and the surrounding areas before heading to Arandas to meet with the family.

Exploring Guadalajara, Chapala, and Tequila

Our first day was spent taking in the beautiful street markets of the Grand Plaza and doing a little shopping. There was so much to see and do it was almost overwhelming. We found a place to eat and watch the people go by right on the square and we had some of the best ceviche I’ve ever tasted.

The next day was a day full of much-needed relaxation and healing at Termal Cosala Spa in Chapala, about an hour’s drive from Guadalajara. The spa overlooks the calm waters of Lake Chapala and boasts 5 infused hot tubs, including an oatmeal hot tub that was so moisturizing for my skin.

As part of our spa day in Chapala, I had the incredible experience of being in a Temazcal, a traditional sweat lodge made of stone with steam of purifying herbs. We spent about 10 minutes inside and walking back out into the cool evening air felt like rebirth.

Our evening trip to Tequila was another highlight. The town, the birthplace of the liquor by the same name, was such a treat. We strolled through the Puebla taking photos and enjoying the nightlife while enjoying a Cantarrito, a drink made of Tequila, citrus juices, and grapefruit soda.

These experiences are what fuel my creativity and keep my business thriving.

The Power of Love and Acceptance

After spending a few days in Guadalajara, we met up with his brother and Tias who flew in from Houston to join the party. From there we drove to Santiaguito, a small town near Arandas, where their parents own property.

It was here that I truly felt the power of family and community.

Here, I had the pleasure of meeting his dad’s mom and sisters. These women, with their strength, warmth, and humor, made me feel right at home and deeply welcomed into their family. If you ever get the opportunity to celebrate with a large Mexican family, don’t skip it. It’s a beautiful experience filled with amazing people, delicious food, and the best music.

During this trip, I had a bad flare-up of the rash on my face and it made me feel super self-conscious while meeting everyone. It’s a very visible and often painful reminder of my battle with cancer and it can make it hard to feel like myself.

However, the love and acceptance I received from my boyfriend’s family helped me feel so much better and even brought me to tears.

The whole experience reminded me that in both life and business, having a supportive community is invaluable. It’s that support that keeps you going on the tough days and celebrates with you on the good ones.

Staying Productive on the Road

One of my favorite things about building a business that fits my lifestyle is the ability to work from anywhere, assuming there’s a cell tower nearby. Even though I was far from home, I was still able to check in with my clients and keep things running smoothly, all while enjoying the beautiful landscapes of Jalisco.

The key to this is having set up my business with the right systems. From client communications to social media, everything is designed to keep things efficient and manageable. I love that so much of my business can be managed right from my phone and if necessary my laptop.

This trip is the perfect example of why it’s so important to build a business that doesn’t require you to be chained to a specific location.

The only thing I don’t like to do remotely is process my photography work. For that, I lock in at my desk with my headphones and my Wacom tablet and flow through my editing.

But in Mexico, there were mornings when I’d wake up early, grab a cup of coffee, and sit outside to get some work done before heading out for the day.

I am so grateful for the shifts I’ve made in my business that make this dream a reality.

Gratitude for My Support System

Of course, none of this would be possible without my support system back home. My 18-year-old son stayed home to take care of our pets, and my mom helped get my daughter to and from school.

This level of support is something I never take for granted. It’s what allows me to travel, explore new places, and still run my business. It’s a reminder that even a solopreneur needs a reliable support network.

Building a Business That Complements Your Life

As I write this, I am filled with such gratitude for my life. Yes, it’s a challenge to balance my business, my family, and my illness, but it’s also so rewarding.

This trip to Mexico validated the shifts I’ve made in my business recently as well as my commitment to restructuring it to fit the current stage of my life.

It’s not always easy, but it’s always worth it. By prioritizing flexibility, support, and self-care, I’ve created a business that doesn’t just survive when I’m away—it thrives. And that, to me, is the ultimate success.

How Do You Balance Life and Business? Share your story.

Now I want to hear from you. How do you balance the demands of life and business? Do you have a support system that helps you keep things running smoothly? What strategies do you use to stay productive, even when life gets busy?

Let’s share our stories and learn from each other. Leave a comment below, and if you’re interested in more stories and insights, be sure to subscribe to my blog. Together, we can build businesses—and lives—that work in harmony.