Finding Serenity: The Tranquila Vida Journey

In 2007 I visited my sister who had moved to Spain. Upon my return, I put my house on the market with the intention to move and become and expat as well. I had fallen in love. The Mediterranean diet, social connections, and amazing wine just felt like home. I was recently divorced, second guessing every decision I had made, and I was rundown and defeated by the unrealistic grind for minimal pay. I had my masters degree in a health field and I was working in obesity management and cardiac rehabilitation. Every day I was helping patients walk through their health plan and finding ways they could take small steps to improve their health and their overall wellbeing. The work was important, but I was burnt out. I knew there was more to life and I had found it in the small villages surrounding Barcelona. I wanted to live in a country that focused on community and human needs. A country that was not driven by the rat race and capitalistic values. I had also felt so empowered as a woman. Body shaming didn't exist and I felt safe as I walked the streets, not matter the time of day or night. I wanted this to be my norm, not just something I got to experience on vacation.

However, the real estate bubble burst and my houses did not sell. My dreams were put on hold. I also fell in love again, but this time his name was Drew. Drew and I built an amazing life together. I had never been so in love and loved by someone. We were raising two children and creating the typical American family dream. We were happy and thriving even though we were financially struggling in the recession. Tragically, after only six short years, I lost the love of my life to cancer. My role and my focus in life changed once again. I was raising two kids, completing my docorate and launching a nonprofit business alone. 

It took ten years after losing my spouse to return to my dream of owning a home in Spain. COVID spurred me to take significant steps in life to focus on my happiness and health. I sought a quieter, balanced lifestyle that aligned with my renewed values. The global crisis was my catalyst for reevaluation, pushing me to make bold choices that prioritize my safety, health, and a deeper sense of fulfillment. The decision to embark on a journey that led to a small village in Spain represents a profound desire for change and a pursuit of a simpler, more fulfilling existence. My motivation to make such a drastic transition also stemmed from a yearning for a deeper connection to nature, community, and personal wellbeing. After traveling five weeks with my mother, visiting many cities and villages, we fell in love with Vilafamés. The allure of Spain's tranquil villages, with their cobblestone streets, rustic charm, and idyllic countryside, offered a stark contrast to the frenetic pace of my life in the United States. I downsized my footprint in the US so that I could afford a second home in Spain. A second life that revives me with every visit. I learn lessons every time I visit Spain, and I bring those lessons back to my life in America.

For many, the prospect of trading the chaos of our grind culture for the serenity of a small Spanish village represents a leap of faith towards a more authentic and meaningful life. The allure of immersing oneself in a close-knit community, where neighbors greet each other by name and time moves at a more leisurely pace, holds a powerful allure. The opportunity to cultivate a deeper connection to the land, savoring the simple pleasures of fresh produce from local markets and leisurely strolls through sun-drenched vineyards, serves as a source of motivation to embrace a more balanced and harmonious way of life.

Ultimately, my decision was based on a profound desire for personal growth, fulfillment, and a sense of belonging. I want to live my best life. By embracing change and stepping outside of my comfort zone, I am embarking on this journey and am fueled by a sense of adventure and a willingness to embrace new experiences. I savor the joys of a slower pace of life, the motivation to be the healthiest version of me through continued self-discovery.

Come experience your best self in Spain. Immerse yourself in healthiest country in the world and find your best quality of life.