Diving Headfirst into Mexico's Kaleidoscope of Passion and Soul

Soaking in the Juicy, Raw Heartbeat of My Mexican Existence

In May 2022, I dove headfirst into the vivid tapestry of Mexico, lured by its sizzling warmth and the soulful embrace of its people. This wasn't just a geographical hop south of the border; it was a leap into a more humane chapter in the twilight years of my seventies, a wild contrast to the cold, creeping changes I'd seen back in the States.

I stepped into a technicolor dream. Mexicans didn't just meet you; they welcomed you into their hearts with the kind of warmth that wraps around you like a sun-soaked blanket. There was a rhythm of connection there, a genuine communal heartbeat that pulsed through the streets.

Back in the U.S., though, the scene was quite different—more like a slow-motion nosedive into societal decay. Suicide rates were up by a staggering thirty percent, and depression was spreading like wildfire. A whopping thirty-six percent of Americans were marooned on Lonely Island, and a gut-wrenching forty-five percent of teens were drowning in despair and hopelessness. Friendships were becoming as rare as honest politicians, with the number of people without close pals quadrupling. Romantic relationships? Down by thirty-six percent. And folks slumped in the lowest happiness bracket had spiked by fifty percent.

The picture was as clear as a tequila sunrise: America was swimming in a sea of discontent. It was like an epidemic of feeling like you're screaming into the void—unheard, unseen, undervalued. This cocktail of insult and injustice was making people lash out, painting society with strokes of sadness and hostility.

A couple of examples which tell the story quite well: These days, New York restauranteurs are playing bouncer every week to boot out rude diners—a scene as rare as a snowball in Cancun just a few years ago. And there’s a crisis in nursing today with many of these much needed, highly prized professionals jumping ship because patients are treating them like punching bags.  No shortage of teachers who feel this way about the parents of their students, as well.

So, what's the deal? Why's the land of the free home to so many trapped in a funk? The usual suspects? Social media and a society that's unplugged from real-world connections, getting cozy in echo chambers. The result? A tricky time relating to fellow Americans, with many feeling more at home in their digital caves than in their actual communities.

It's possible that the increasing sadness and hostility among Americans stems from a lack of genuine consideration and empathy towards one another. At the heart of this issue lies the ability to be openhearted and truly present in our interactions. This deficit in emotional connection and understanding is likely why many struggle in roles that require nurturing qualities, such as being a friend, parent, teacher, or colleague. Central to these roles is the skill of active listening, a trait that proves challenging for those with narcissistic tendencies, who often find it difficult to focus on others' needs and perspectives.

Let's dive headfirst into the heart of Mexico, amigos. This isn't some utopian fantasy land; no such place exists. But, after soaking up the Mexican sun for a year and a half, I can tell you that life here dances to a different rhythm than the America I've left behind. Mexican culture is a warm embrace. Hospitality isn't just a word here; it's a way of life. They've got this thing called "amabilidad" – it's kindness, but deeper, woven into the very DNA of society.

Family here isn't just a unit; it's the cornerstone of everything. Imagine homes buzzing with multiple generations, where grandma's tales blend with the laughter of kids. Family gatherings? They're not just events; they're the anchors of life. There's a palpable sense of duty and support that ties everyone together.

And then, the community vibe. Man, it's something else. You've got festivals and religious feasts that aren't just for show – they're the soul of the community. People here don't just attend; they belong. You feel that shared identity in the air, thick and vibrant.

Respect for elders isn't just a phrase here. It's real. Homes are a tapestry of ages, where the young and old share roofs, stories, and lives. Elders are treasured, not just taken care of.

Traditions? They're not just memories; they're living, breathing parts of Mexican life. From Dia de Muertos to Christmas Posadas, these aren't just dates on a calendar; they're the threads that weave the communal tapestry.

Face-to-face chats over digital pings any day. Business or personal – doesn't matter. Relationships are the real currency here. Trust is earned and cherished.

And this whole collectivist thing? It's not about losing yourself; it's about finding yourself in others. The group, the family, the community – they're the priority, and that changes everything.

Here in Guanajuato, where I've pitched my tent, community and connection aren't just concepts. They're the warm, beating heart of daily life. Way different from many corners of the States.

Living here in Mexico, it's like I've discovered a new color in the spectrum of joy. Something I never quite felt back in the U.S., except in very limited doses. It's a rich, fulfilling part of my life, a treasure I didn't know I was searching for. Welcome to my Mexican chapter.