Morelia, Michoacán
October was a much-needed month of rest and reflection for me. I traded the hustle of Chicago for the vibrant streets of Mexico City and the quiet warmth of Michoacán, where my family resides.
My father and I make it back home to Mexico once or twice a year, but this time felt different. It felt necessary. And the timing couldn’t have been better. From navigating life without Norman to the expansive shifts in my life and career, this trip wasn’t just time away — it was a journey back to my roots and a reconnection to the essence of who I am.
Time for myself, woven together with connecting with relatives, filled my days. Listening to stories of my ancestors, including my abuela Bartola — one of Bestola’s namesakes — re-inspired me. A playful joke early in the trip about staying in Mexico for good actually planted something real within me: the realization that my purpose is tied to both my roots and my place in Chicago.
I’m fortunate that I was able to spend an entire month away. What I took from this experience was exactly what I needed — and more profound than I could have anticipated.
In an effort to document the lessons I gained, here’s what I’m carrying with me from my time in Mexico.
To Move Forward, You Must Know Where You Come From
“You can’t really know where you’re going until you know where you have been.” — Maya Angelou.
There’s a misconception that revisiting the past means being stuck in it. What I learned in Mexico is that our roots aren’t meant to hold us back — they’re intended to be the foundation that propels us forward.
Immersing myself in the stories, traditions and spaces that have shaped my family for generations helped me feel more connected to my roots in a way I hadn’t experienced before. Having that much time fully absorbed in the essence of where I come from helped me to experience a deeper sense of connection to the land itself — and to my family that has walked it for generations.
Their resilience, their sacrifices, their dreams — all of it has paved the way for me. By hearing more of their stories, I was reinvigorated by my own journey. It’s humbling to realize that my ambitions today are built on the experiences, hardships and triumphs they had, and it’s grounding to know that their strength runs through me.
When We Lose Our Path, We Lose Ourselves
It’s easy to get lost in the hustle of everyday life — to let the weight of expectations and the blur of daily demands cloud our vision. But when we lose sight of where we’re going — or why — we risk losing ourselves in the process.
Going back home gave me the opportunity to honor the path my family paved for me and recognize the strength of trekking my own. Every decision I make, commitment I agree to and opportunity I embrace reflects not only my journey, but theirs as well. Their dreams flow through me, guiding my steps as I create a life and legacy built on the values they instilled: resilience, kindness, generosity and unwavering strength.
Moving Forward with Purpose
What I brought back from Mexico wasn’t just a sense of renewal — it was clarity. I returned to Chicago with a fuller heart, a clearer vision and a deeper connection to my purpose.
My gentle invitation to you is this: When you’re feeling lost, overwhelmed or disconnected, look back. Explore your roots. Absorb the stories that shaped you. If you’re quiet enough, those who came before you will remind you of who you are and help you along the way — just like my ancestors graciously do for me.
Because when we reconnect with what makes us, us, we find our footing again. And with strong roots, we can do anything.
