Embracing acceptance: Insights from September's journey
Acceptance, letting go, and new beginnings
Hola mi gente!
Greetings from a cozy café in Amsterdam. September marked the conclusion of our three-year journey in Pacifica. Together with Laura, we said “hasta luego” to our casita, making way for new adventures and a fresh start in the coming year.
Throughout this month, clarity emerged, sometimes veiled in challenges, serving as a poignant reminder to tune in to life's messages. Simultaneously, it marked the initiation of my two-month trip across Europe and India.
If I were to distill September into one word, it would be 'acceptance.' Derived from the Latin 'acceptionem,' which means 'action of taking or receiving what is offered,' acceptance is a skill well within our reach. It's intricately tied to adaptability and tolerance—vital qualities that enable us to be fully present and to embrace whatever life bestows upon with love.
In this update, I'll share stories about my local community, feeling lighter, and the liberating power of letting go. From navigating the 'Seven-Year Itch' to understanding mid-life unraveling, we'll traverse the intricate terrain of life's transitions, uncovering the inherent beauty within them.
Gracias for being part of this adventure!
-Mario
HIGHLIGHTS
Burning Man birthday: Witnessing the man burn at midnight, just as my birthday began, was epic! Gracias to Laura for arranging a BlackRock radio shoutout and for embracing serendipity as we celebrated my birthday with newfound friends.
Feeling loved by our local community: The move brought forth a wave of support from friends that reinforced my sense of belonging in the Bay Area. Whether it was packing, car loans, or box transport, the aid was abundant and heartfelt, underscoring the value of friendships nurtured over eight years.
The gift of less: Laura and I downsized, donating about 70% of our belongings from our Pacifica home. Letting go brought a sense of freedom and lightness. Engaging with the "Buy Nothing project," a network of local gift economies, allowed us to donate to our Pacifica community and make new friends.
A Pacifica farewell: I organized a small gathering to bid farewell to our Pacifica casita. We hiked, dined, and savored the sunset from a cherished treehouse nearby.
Book launch fiesta: I finally had the chance to cross off a seven-year wish list item—attending my friend Daniel Gomez's birthday weekend in Monterrey, MX. We celebrated his birthday and the launch of his second book, which features insights from our deep dives into personal growth over the last years.
LOWLIGHTS
Seven year itch: Closing our home has surfaced challenges, especially in my marriage. My therapist identifies this phase as the "Seven-Year Itch," a known dip in marital satisfaction.
Experienced exhaustion: The past three months have been an emotional roller coaster—leaving my job, closing the house, returning the car, now being apart from Laura for 2 months. The net effect? Emotional exhaustion.
Mid-Life Unraveling: I've come to terms with the fact that I'm experiencing a mid-life unraveling, a concept championed by Brené Brown. This insight has illuminated the futility of pursuing quick solutions during my sabbatical.
Leaving Pacifica: This isn't just a change in address; it's an emotional upheaval. The sense of community I had in Pacifica is not easily replicated. I aim to return sooner rather than later.
LEARNINGS AND INSIGHTS
Taking out the trash: Three years ago, I met my good friend Juan while taking out the trash. Recently, as I was moving, Juan helped me haul a truckload of garbage to the SF dump. Standing there, a surge of gratitude washed over me. With a tear in my eye, I thanked him for always helping me "take out the trash."
Personal statement: On a flight to Mexico, sparked by a conversation with Adam, I jotted down a personal statement. It's become my morning ritual to read it every day since.
Finding my mountain: A conversation with my friend Karlo, a conqueror of Everest, Aconcagua, and Pico de Orizaba, revealed how mountains transformed his life—shedding tons of weight and uncovering purpose. His advice to choose my own 'mountain' in personal growth resonates deeply.
Acceptance: An old boss in NYC used to say, "The harder you push, the less you achieve." This month, that wisdom resonated. Despite my efforts, I faced internal challenges. Faced with a choice—resist or accept—I chose the latter. Embracing reality without trying to change it brought a new sense of peace.
SPECIAL GRACIAS
Juan: Grateful for your kind support during the move, from lending me your car to being constantly available for those much-needed heart-to-heart conversations.
Mafe, Jhon, and Silvia: Your help made a potentially stressful move seamless and even joyful. Gracias for your time, love, and for making the trip to Pacifica to lend a hand.
Maryanna and Adam: Thanks for being there when most needed. Your love and support amplifies my sense of belonging. Also, the music project and the coolest recording device are already sparking lots of creativity. Gracias!
Farewell rituals: Special thanks to Nicholas for leading gratitude meditations, Adam for ocean shouts as a symbol of embracing letting go, and Maga for guiding us in visualizing new beginnings.
Felipe: Gracias for joining me in Monterrey. Your advice helped me to shape my travels, reiterating a focus on self-improvement. Additionally, the AI online course you gifted is already catalyzing work on my sabbatical projects.
Daniel Gomez: Your hospitality in Monterrey was next level. The curated experiences—from ballet and art to fiestas and your own second book launch—not to mention the unforgettable meals/walks, made the trip incredibly impactful.
FAVORITE WISDOM NUGGETS OF THE MONTH
“There are stars exploding around you and there’s nothing you can do” Kjartansoon’s quote from a song I heard at SFMoma reminded me of the impermanence of everything around me, urging me to be present.
"I'm always ready to help you clear away the emotional, mental, and physical trash" -Juan’s words reminded me that even everyday tasks, like taking out the trash can lead to meaningful connections if we stay open to life's signals.
“The purpose of existence is simple, it is just to be present. that's all!” - Maestro del hilo reminded me of the importance of being fully present in each moment of my life.
"Sometimes it is more difficult to hit the target when you are close than when you are far away” - Adam’s quote reminds me to practice acceptance and give myself the necessary time and space instead of constantly pushing forward.
“If someone can bounce back strongly, it’s you” - Former grad school roommate Anmol’s reflecting on my resilience and ability to navigate life's transitions.
SEPTEMBER IN FLICKS