I’m so proud of you (Vacation in Montego Bay, Jamaica)

I recently vacationed in Montego Bay, Jamaica. Now, I won’t lie and say I wasn’t initially nervous. Mom guilt set in heavy and I was concerned with being away from my son for 6 whole days (the longest I had  ever been away from him). But this vacation was so needed and daily FaceTime calls made it easier. This trip was filled with laughs, good food (the oxtails!), good music and good people. My cousins and I had the most fun when we ventured off of the resort to shop, eat, roller skate and even play dominos with the locals. Every day was time in the pool and on the beach, we even went snorkeling, and my skin is still peeling from my tan. But, Jamaica was about more than relaxation. Jamaica was needed for reflection, for me to be reminded of just how blessed I am and just how much I have to be proud of. As I sat on the plane headed back to the states, looking out the window, someone must have started cutting onions because tears formed in my eyes. I thought about where I am currently and how different it is from where I was not long ago. I was filled with pride and here’s why…

Ability to Travel

At the end of my divorce, being able to run a household and still having the luxury of doing things such as traveling, seemed completely farfetched, impossible even. How would I afford it? How would I arrange for childcare? But, it was possible. Now, it definitely took sacrifice and financial planning, but possible nonetheless. Family vacations, girl trips and even baecations don’t end at divorce or with life changes. You owe it to you and as a mom to your children to experience new places and new cultures.

New Body, New Confidence

For the first time in what seems like forever, I felt comfortable in not only my swimsuits but every single outfit I wore in Jamaica. The tops were cropped and I felt great about it. Weight loss this time around has been so much more meaningful. It has taken place during the period of me falling in love with myself and appreciating the skin I am in. All of it. This confidence is constantly being displayed through each aspect of my life and I love it.

If we are honest, we often forget to be grateful and to thank God for our blessings. Even more often, we forget to be proud of us and to celebrate what we’ve accomplished.  Accomplishments aren’t always huge events, some days your greatest accomplishment will be getting out of bed and choosing to face the day. Celebrate yourself still. No one knows better than you, how much you have to be proud of, so don’t forget to recognize it all. Your deserve it !

As always, thanks for reading! Follow me on Instagram (instagram.com/tiffini.tierra) for great vacation pictures and videos!