Every summer we take a family trip and this summer was no different. This year we pulled out the passports and headed to Cancun, Quintana Roo. After having completed my first graduate class, this trip definitely gave me a renewed strength. And it also gave me an opportunity to cross some things off of my bucket list.

Being the only female in my household results in me taking many adventures. Because of this, I know being dainty is not in the agenda. This year was no different. In my mind, we would relax on the beach, enjoy a few cocktails and watch sunrises and sunsets. In fact, I searched long and hard for cute bathing suits for lounging purposes. And then, I was presented with the agenda. It was nothing I would have imagined doing in Cancun.

Day one, we got settled and sat on the balcony relaxing and enjoying our view of the beach. Then we went to a nearby restaurant and had the most amazing, authentic mexican food ever. Day two is when the games started. We went from riding ATVs to ziplining to horse back riding to swimming in the Cenote’. Lord knows I was out of my comfort zone, but I was not one to ruin the party. I went through one adventure after another faking it. When it was done, I was happy I had gone through each experience. When my husband asked if I would ever do it again, my reply was, “If I never do it again, I will always be able to say I’ve done it once.”

Activities for days three and four were more relatable to me. On day three we spent time during the day shopping at Mercado 28. That evening we went to the nightly food festival at Parque las Palapas for more authentic mexican food. We ate and drank until we could barely walk anymore. From tacos to nachos to churros to cotton candy, we wanted to delight in everything. The next day (day four) we took a ferry ride across to Isla Mujeres and rented a golf cart to drive around on the island. We decided to take a break and enjoy lunch before heading to the beach for pure relaxation. The water was blue, the sun was bright and the noise was calming. I’m not sure which one, but one member of our party of three was so relaxed they went to sleep before making it to the water.

By the time we left Cancun, I was so relaxed I didn’t want to go back to adulting. The trip was so refreshing and relaxing it made me lose sight of my professional commitments and obligations to myself for a brief minute. The calm I experienced gave me an opportunity to really understand how important it is to clear my mind of clutter. This trip brought me so much more than an exciting adventure, it magnified my awareness of the importance of self care. What are some of your favorite places to visit when you want to clear your mind?