My Adventures in Panama, Part 2: Chaos, Perspective, and Grace

My adventures in Panama reminded me that growth does not happen in calm, curated moments, it happens in real life. I lost my phone in the middle of a Christmas parade with thousands of people. Total chaos. And then… I found it. A blessing, a miracle, and a reminder that not everything spirals just because it could. Next came the move to the beach. It’s beautiful: right on the ocean, with waves I can see and hear from my balcony. Also? No hot water. And it is far from the city, which means I now have to consider buying a vehicle, something I really did not want to do. Welcome to fucking first-world problems with a side of reality. I found myself frustrated and overwhelmed until a conversation with an American woman who moved here three years ago completely shifted my perspective. She understood exactly where I was coming from and validated every feeling I was having. That moment reminded me to give myself grace and time to adjust instead of expecting everything to click instantly. If you are navigating change, discomfort, or the messy middle of a big transition, I hope this episode reminds you that you are not doing it wrong... you are just doing something new.