How a Life Coach in Peru Helped Me Reconnect with Myself
December 27, 2024
There are moments in life when the universe sends you exactly what you need — even if you don’t realize it at the time. One of those moments happened on my birthday, deep in the Amazon rainforest in Peru. But it wasn’t the beautiful surroundings, the stillness of the jungle, or the stunning hike to Machu Picchu that marked that moment for me. It was the unexpected meeting of a life coach who, in the quietest of ways, helped me find myself again.
The Dark Days Before the Light
A few months earlier, I had been living in paradise — Mauritius, with its pristine beaches and a lifestyle that felt almost too good to be true. But as much as I enjoyed the beauty and peace of the island, my life lacked direction. It was easy to lose myself in the bliss of beaches and sunsets, but something deeper was calling me. The decision to leave was unplanned, but it felt right.
I found myself traveling to Central and South America, hoping to make a fresh start, but the reality of being a digital nomad started to weigh heavily on me. In Cusco, Peru, where I was based after an unforgettable four-day trek to Machu Picchu, I found myself staying in an Airbnb with a man I’d met in Honduras. There was nothing between us but shared goals — and the same destination. He was much older, self-absorbed, and constantly talking about his amazing experiences, dismissing anything I had to say.
His arrogance drained me. As the days passed, my doubts about the digital nomad lifestyle grew. I’d already been struggling for months — since arriving in Central and South America, my sense of direction had become increasingly clouded. My laptop had been stolen in Honduras (which, by the way, will probably be a post for another time), and when I joined a "Remote Year" community in Guatemala, I found myself constantly clashing with difficult personalities. Being part of an already-established group left me feeling like an outsider, and every day felt like a new challenge. The toxic energy around me wore me down, and my hope began to fade. The heaviness I felt in South America was in stark contrast to the peace I had experienced in Mauritius. There, everything had felt effortless — serene beaches, vibrant culture, and a quiet sense of self-discovery. But now, the negativity that surrounded me only deepened my sense of isolation.
Thanksgiving was approaching, and with it, my birthday — a time when I felt more alone than ever. I wanted to escape, to retreat somewhere deep in the jungle, away from the dissonance and negativity I was surrounded by. I found a place through our nomad network, booked my tickets, and decided to go.
I didn’t know it then, but this trip would turn out to be exactly what I needed.
A Serene Escape to the Amazon
The moment I arrived at the lodge deep in the Amazon, I could feel a change. It was the most serene place I could imagine. The sounds of cicadas, frogs, and birds constantly filled the air, and I was surrounded by dense, lush greenery. The air was thick with humidity, and the colors of the jungle were almost too vibrant to believe. The food was fresh and healthy, made from the farm’s ingredients — every bite a reminder that life could be simple and nourishing.
There, I had no worries. No work deadlines, no toxic people, no expectations. It was just me and the jungle, my thoughts, and my feelings. But the greatest gift I didn’t expect was the woman I met there — a volunteer at the lodge who would help me heal and begin to reframe my journey.
Meeting the Life Coach: A Gift I Didn’t Know I Needed
It was a chance encounter, as so many life-changing moments are. She was the only other person at the lodge who spoke English, and I was drawn to her calm, open energy. At first, we made small talk. She told me how grateful she was to be volunteering at the lodge, how much she loved the peaceful environment. Something about her energy struck me. I was still reeling from my own struggles, but her presence felt like a breath of fresh air.
I opened up, telling her about my journey — about the toxic people I’d been around, my doubts about the digital nomad lifestyle, and the frustration I felt about being isolated and alone. She listened. She didn’t interrupt. She didn’t offer advice or try to fix me. She just listened. And in that simple act, I felt something change inside me.
I felt heard.
The Power of Listening
There was no judgment in her eyes. No rush to tell me what I should do. She asked curious questions, like “What do you feel you need right now?” or “What’s been weighing on you the most?” She simply made me feel safe to express myself, to pour out the sadness, frustration, and doubts that had been festering inside me.
And in those moments, something shifted. I realized I had been holding on to toxic relationships and negative energy for far too long. I had been surrounding myself with people who didn’t care for me, who dismissed my worth, and who drained my energy. But in this conversation with her, I realized that what I needed more than anything was a change — a shift in my environment. I needed to surround myself with people who genuinely cared, people who listened without judgment.
The weight I had been carrying for so long began to lift. I felt lighter. The hopelessness that had been clouding my thoughts started to fade.
A Birthday Revelation: The Environment Shapes Us
That evening, as the jungle grew quieter and the night settled in, I realized something profound. My birthday, which I had expected to be just another lonely day, had turned into one of the most meaningful days of my life. Meeting this woman — a life coach who had dropped everything to volunteer — gave me hope that there are still good, caring people in the world. I realized that if I wanted to become a better version of myself, I had to start with the environment I was in. Sometimes, to heal and grow, we need to change our surroundings, to find places and people who uplift us rather than drag us down.
Her listening, her presence, her gentle words were a turning point. They helped me see that I was worth more than the negativity I’d been surrounded by. I started to believe that I could find my own way, create a positive life, and that I didn’t have to settle for anything less than people who genuinely cared.
What I Learned: Self-Care, Boundaries, and Purpose
I also learned an important lesson about self-care. I realized that in order to protect my own energy, I needed to be more intentional about who I let into my life. I needed to reflect on my feelings and set boundaries with people who didn’t respect or support me.
That experience inspired me to become a life coach myself. I want to be someone who listens, who doesn’t judge, and who helps others shift from a place of despair to a mindset of positivity and self-love. I want to guide people to find the courage to change their environment, to surround themselves with those who uplift and support them, and to ultimately step into their life purpose.
That birthday in the Amazon wasn’t just a reminder of how far I’d come — it was a reminder of the kind of person I wanted to be for others.
Conclusion: Trust the Journey
Sometimes, life’s most transformative moments come when we least expect them. It took the quiet, simple presence of a life coach in the Amazon to help me rediscover my sense of hope and purpose. And that’s why, no matter where you are in your own journey, I encourage you to trust the process — trust that life will give you exactly what you need when you’re ready for it.
Whether you’re struggling in toxic relationships, feeling lost in your career, or just unsure of your next step, remember that it’s never too late to shift your environment and reconnect with yourself. Surround yourself with people who support you, listen to you, and help you grow. And when you find those people, hold on to them — they are your greatest gift.
Next Steps:
If you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed, or just need someone to listen, I’m here to help. Let’s work together to find the environment that nurtures you, to set clear boundaries, and to step into a life that feels aligned with your true purpose.
The Day My Laptop Was Stolen in Honduras: What I Learned About Trust, Boundaries, and Resilience as a Digital Nomad
December 27, 2024
As digital nomads, we embrace a life full of adventure, flexibility, and freedom. But with that freedom comes a set of unexpected challenges — some of which we never see coming. One such challenge hit me in an unexpected way on the island of Roatán, Honduras, and it taught me some lessons I’ll never forget.
Roatán is known for its pristine beaches, crystal-clear waters, and world-class scuba diving. It’s where I earned my Rescue Diver certification and where I began my journey into learning Spanish. A paradise for divers and travelers, but as I soon learned, it’s also a place where unexpected risks can crop up, even in the most serene surroundings.
The Incident: A Thief in the Night
It was a typical evening on Roatán. I had been working from my Airbnb for most of the day, enjoying the peaceful island life while staying on top of my projects. I had just wrapped up some work and was getting ready to sleep, completely unaware of what would happen next.
Sometime during the night, someone broke into my Airbnb, but not in the way I expected. I had left my laptop charging by the window, where I always worked when I wasn’t on the go. The house was locked up, the windows shut tight, and I felt secure in my space — after all, this was a relatively quiet area on the island, far from the hustle of the city.
However, a metal fence surrounding the garden had been tampered with, and a window had been broken. The thief had reached through the bars of the window and, using the charging cord plugged into the wall, pulled my laptop through the broken window. They didn’t physically walk into the Airbnb, but managed to quietly extract my laptop in the most unusual way.
By the time I woke up the next morning, I found the window shattered and my laptop gone — no sign of forced entry into the house itself. Just the broken glass, the missing laptop, and the realization that I had been targeted in the night.
Lesson 1: Trust, But Don’t Overtrust Airbnb (or Anyone Else)
I’ve always trusted Airbnb as a reliable place to stay while traveling. But that trust came with a new realization: never assume a place is completely safe just because it’s on a trusted platform. Even the most highly-rated Airbnb can have vulnerabilities. In my case, the broken fence and window were obvious points of weakness, but I hadn't thought to double-check the security of the property in advance.
It’s easy to forget that just because a property is advertised as secure doesn’t mean it’s invulnerable. This experience taught me to always assess my accommodations beyond the listing photos and reviews — checking for security features like strong locks, good window bars, and properly functioning fences. Since then, I’ve made it a point to ask the host about these details before booking.
Lesson 2: Keep Your Work Life Low-Profile (Especially Your Laptop)
As digital nomads, we often share our lifestyle freely. We tell people we work remotely, we show off our laptops in cafes or coworking spaces, and sometimes even casually mention how we "work from anywhere." But this incident made me realize that not everyone around you has the best intentions, and some may see your laptop as a tempting target.
Though I never directly shared my work details with anyone around the island, I learned to be more cautious about mentioning that I worked remotely or that my laptop was my primary source of income. It’s a reminder that we often unknowingly advertise our most valuable possessions just by being open about our work and lifestyle.
Now, I keep my work life more discreet, especially when traveling to unfamiliar places. I try to minimize the number of people who know that I depend on my laptop for work, and I avoid setting it up in public areas or in places where it might attract unwanted attention.
Lesson 3: Losing Your Laptop Isn’t the End of the World (But Backup is Key)
The hardest lesson I had to face was realizing that my laptop was gone. For a digital nomad, it feels like a disaster. Your laptop isn’t just a device — it’s the lifeline to your income, your projects, and your entire career. But I quickly realized that the loss of a laptop isn’t the end of the world, as long as you have a backup plan.
Fortunately, I had cloud backups for most of my important files. The real challenge wasn’t just losing the laptop; it was the initial shock of seeing everything that had been on that device — all the ongoing work and research — suddenly out of reach. But with a little effort, I was able to replace the laptop, get back on track, and re-access my cloud files.
The key takeaway here was that systems and backups are everything. I learned to make sure I back up my files regularly, use cloud services like Google Drive and Dropbox. It’s easy to take our tech for granted until something like this happens, but it really reinforced the importance of being prepared for the unexpected.
Moving Forward: A New Mindset
That morning, as I stared at the broken window and felt the weight of the loss, I could’ve panicked. But instead, I took a deep breath and reminded myself that setbacks are a part of the journey — especially as a digital nomad. The important thing wasn’t that my laptop was gone. What mattered was how I responded.
This experience pushed me to be more mindful and intentional about my work, my belongings, and my overall security. And it also reminded me that resilience is one of the most important qualities we can develop on this nomadic journey. Whether you’re traveling or working remotely, setbacks — big and small — will always come. But the way you choose to navigate those challenges will define your experience.
Conclusion: The Journey Continues
Losing my laptop on Roatán was definitely a tough moment, but it wasn’t a moment that would define my journey. Instead, it became an important lesson in security, boundaries, and adaptability. I’m more cautious now, more prepared, and more resilient in the face of setbacks.
If you’re a digital nomad, or anyone who works remotely, I highly encourage you to take steps to protect your equipment and your work. Here’s what I do now to stay secure and minimize risk:
Always back up your files to the cloud.
Ask your host about the security of the property before booking your stay, and look for signs of vulnerability.
Keep your work life low-key — you never know who may be watching or listening.
Be prepared for the unexpected and keep a positive mindset when things don’t go as planned.
The journey may be full of challenges, but it’s also full of opportunities to learn, grow, and continue moving forward — stronger and smarter than before.
Have you ever had something valuable stolen while traveling? How did you handle it? I’d love to hear your stories in the comments below.
Tips for Fellow Digital Nomads:
Backup your work regularly using cloud services (Google Drive, Dropbox, iCloud) and external hard drives.
Be discreet about your work and the value of your gear. Not everyone around you has good intentions.
Check the security features of your accommodation — ask hosts directly about locks, fences, and windows, don’t leave your laptop next to the window :)
0 Likes
← How a Life Coach in Peru Helped Me Reconnect with MyselfEmbracing the Simplicity of Life in Kenya: A Digital Nomad’s Journey to a Sustainable Community →
Comments (0)
Newest First Oldest First Newest First Most Liked Least Liked
Preview Post Comment…
Latest Posts
How a Life Coach in Peru Helped Me Reconnect with Myself
Dec 27, 2024
Dec 27, 2024
Embracing the Simplicity of Life in Kenya: A Digital Nomad’s Journey to a Sustainable Community
Dec 27, 2024
Embracing the Simplicity of Life in Kenya: A Digital Nomad’s Journey to a Sustainable Community
December 27, 2024
Sometimes, the most powerful lessons come from stepping out of your comfort zone and immersing yourself in a new environment — not just physically, but emotionally and mentally. My trip to Kenya was one of those moments. It was my first time joining a group trip with other digital nomads, and I wasn’t just traveling for the sake of adventure. I had the opportunity to live in a sustainable community deep in the rainforest.
What I encountered was nothing short of eye-opening. I met inspiring people who are still part of my life today, I witnessed the complexities of living in an environment that is deeply connected to nature, and I saw firsthand the resilience of communities that live with less — but in ways that made me question the value of “more.”
A Digital Nomad Group Trip: Connecting with Like-Minded Souls
I arrived in Kenya with a mix of excitement and curiosity. It was my first time traveling with a group of digital nomads, and I wasn’t sure what to expect. I had worked solo for so long that the idea of joining a group felt both exhilarating and a bit intimidating. But from the moment I met the group, I knew this was going to be a transformative experience.
We were a diverse group of remote workers from different parts of the world, all with different skills, backgrounds, and interests, but united by our desire to explore, learn, and connect. Some of us were designers, others were writers, developers, or entrepreneurs. There was a sense of camaraderie and shared adventure in the air, and it didn’t take long before we started exchanging stories about our digital nomad lives.
The community I stayed in wasn’t just about work and travel — it was a place focused on sustainable living. We were situated in the heart of the rainforest, surrounded by dense foliage, wildlife, and the rhythm of life that comes with living off the land. The villagers welcomed us with open arms, eager to show us their way of life. And while we lived in the same space for a short time, the experience gave me a glimpse into their daily struggles and joys.
The Hardships of Local Life: Living Without the Basics
Living in a sustainable community opened my eyes to the challenges that many local people in Kenya face every day. Building materials were scarce, and people had to make do with whatever was available to them. The community relied on mangroves, which they used for construction. While mangroves are essential for the ecosystem, harvesting them causes river erosion, which is slowly shrinking the land that locals rely on for farming and living.
This cycle of using the land’s resources while facing the consequences of depletion is one that is all too familiar in many parts of the world. The constant struggle for sustainable resources was a reality that made me reflect on the environmental impact of my own lifestyle as a digital nomad. It reminded me that the choices we make — especially when we take things like building materials or food for granted — have far-reaching consequences.
But it wasn’t just the land that was scarce. The children in the local schools were learning in conditions that many of us would find difficult to imagine. There were no laptops, no electronics. They didn’t have the luxury of tablets or e-learning platforms. Instead, the kids learned in a more traditional, “old-school” way — with notebooks, chalk, and blackboards. The scarcity of books meant that not every student had the chance to study from a textbook, and there was often a shortage of the most basic educational resources.
Despite the challenges they faced, these children had something that many city kids lack: a deep connection to the land and to each other. Their lives were simpler, yes, but they were also grounded in community, resourcefulness, and resilience. There was a richness in their simplicity that I hadn’t anticipated — a joy in the little things that reminded me how much we often take for granted in more developed parts of the world.
Lessons in Simplicity: Embracing Life’s Essentials
As a digital nomad, I had grown accustomed to the comforts and conveniences of a life that comes with a laptop, a stable Wi-Fi connection, and the ability to order food or supplies with the click of a button. I had access to technology that made my life easier, my work more efficient, and my experience more comfortable. But in Kenya, I was reminded of something essential: life doesn’t need to be complicated to be meaningful.
The simplicity of life in this community taught me to embrace the basics — the importance of food, shelter, and human connection. The people there, despite the challenges they faced, seemed to live with a greater sense of fulfillment and contentment than many who live in the city surrounded by luxury. Their day-to-day lives were focused on the things that truly matter: family, nature, and community. They were grateful for what they had, and that sense of gratitude made them rich in ways that went beyond material wealth.
The local children, despite having so little in terms of resources, seemed to find joy in their education and their work. They had a spirit of hope that was infectious. In contrast, many city dwellers, who have everything they could possibly need at their fingertips, often struggle with stress, overwork, and disconnection. The people of this village had very little, but they had something that the fast-paced, tech-driven world sometimes lacks: a deep sense of belonging and purpose.
A Simple Life, A Renewed Perspective
My time in Kenya left me with a renewed perspective on what truly matters. It’s easy to get caught up in the pursuit of more — more gadgets, more comfort, more speed. But after living among people who had so little yet still found joy in life’s simplest moments, I began to appreciate a life of simplicity.
It reminded me that material wealth is not the key to happiness. Instead, it’s our ability to connect with each other, to be grateful for the small things, and to find purpose in our work and our relationships that truly defines success.
In the end, the time I spent in Kenya, living alongside locals in a sustainable community, didn’t just teach me about their hardships and challenges — it taught me that I didn’t need all the luxuries I thought I couldn’t live without. It taught me that a simpler life can be a richer life, one that is full of connection, purpose, and joy.
Conclusion: Reflecting on Simplicity and Connection
As I reflect on that trip to Kenya, I am deeply grateful for the lessons I learned from the local community. They showed me that despite hardships, we can still thrive by embracing the essentials of life — community, resilience, and gratitude.
It also reminded me of the power of traveling with like-minded people. The digital nomad community I met in Kenya remains an important part of my journey. We continue to stay in touch, support each other, and share our experiences as we move forward in our individual paths.
If you're a digital nomad like me, I encourage you to take the time to connect with new communities, not just for the networking opportunities, but for the life lessons you can learn from those who live with less but often have more to teach than we could ever imagine.