Amy Jones

After college, I had the privelege to live and work in London, England for a short period of time. Although I began traveling internationally with my family at age 9, this was my first deep exposure to living in another country. Returning to the U.S., I experienced reverse culture shock and had a feeling I was not meant to live in the U.S. for the rest of my life.

My first trip to Mexico was in the early 90's. Even though it was short, I felt something different. Growing up in a small rural town just outside of Lubbock, Texas, I'd been around Mexicans my entire life and thought I knew everything about them. However, this was far from the truth. Seeing Mexico in person and being around locals began my fascination with Mexico.

Fast forward to 2006-2007, I lived in Riviera Maya and worked at Bahia Principe selling golf course lots. This was THE life-altering moment. Not only was I fascinated, I was enamored. Because the pull was so strong, I wanted to move my family at that time. But the timing wasn't right and I returned Dallas. I knew something was missing; in my life, in my marriage, in my career in real estate, and in my relationships with others. Everything was off and I needed a drastic change.

After I divorced and changed careers, I set my sights on moving to Mexico. Researching, planning, and preparing, I became obsessed with a vision for my new life. Mérida was at the top of my list. It was recommended by many of my coworkers and friends when I lived in Riviera Maya. Over a 2-year period of time, I planned to visit 5 cities and make a decision.

However, once I arrived in Mérida I felt a pull so strong I could not ignore it. I stood in Santa Lucia Park and closed my eyes. My feet felt like they were growing roots. My intuition whispered, "Move, move now." The whisper turned into a shout by the time I left. Radically changing my plans, I moved to Mérida three months after my research trip on Christmas day 2019. I know when my intuition is so strong I cannot ignore it. There's a reason I'm not aware of and I need to follow it, no matter what.

The gift I gave myself in 2019 continues to give back on a daily basis. I met my husband, Angel Rodriguez, just 4 days after I arrived. We've created a beautiful life and a successful business together. I am fulfilled in more ways than I could ever imagine. In my former life, I pursued happiness but it was illusive. Now, I wake up and go to sleep every day fully understanding what happiness truly is.

Being in an environment that engages my senses, around people I love and that love me, and knowing I am right where I am supposed to be . . . that is my definition of happiness.