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What if the richest version of your life isn’t bigger, faster, or louder—but slower, smaller, and full of presence? We sit down with McKinzie Corona, a critical care nurse turned expat mom, who traded the American rush for a walkable, family-first life in Mexico. Her story isn’t a highlight reel; it’s a candid look at mindset, logistics, and the very real moments that test your willingness to grow.

We trace the journey from an itch to be more present to the steady steps that made a bold move possible—dual citizenship for the kids, visas, remote income through drop shipping, and a month-long scouting trip to choose a city. McKinzie shares how they sold almost everything, packed eight suitcases, and promised to give the new life time to take root. What followed surprised her: the way stillness reveals how deeply hustle culture lives in your body, the way peace can outrank productivity, and how parenting changes when time isn’t scarce. She describes letting her kids “live with me,” turning chores into connection, and discovering she thrives in a slower rhythm.

We also get practical. Expect bureaucratic detours for banking, licenses, and immigration. Notice the security presence without panic. Carry pesos because cash is king. Learn tipping norms, watch how locals do it, and embrace being a beginner—right down to the haircut lost in translation. McKinzie's perspective on Mexico’s late-night plazas, family-friendly restaurants, and genuine greetings offers more than travel tips; it’s a guide to reshaping daily life around community and attention.

The heartbeat of this conversation is a line worth pinning: change doesn’t guarantee comfort, but it almost always guarantees growth. If you’ve felt the nudge to live abroad—Mexico, Costa Rica, Portugal, wherever—start with small steps. Research neighborhoods, test remote work, take a scouting trip, and see how your nervous system responds. You don’t need to be fearless; you just need to be willing. Listen now, then tell us: what small step toward a slower, richer life can you take today? Subscribe, share with a friend who needs a spark, and leave a review to help others find the show.

Make sure to continue to follow Mackenzie's adventure: @makenziecoronaa

Follow me on Instagram - @sparking.radiance