Kristy Jansen, known to longtime listeners of The Optimist Daily, recently joined a podcast conversation from Mérida, Mexico, where she shared her personal and professional journey after leaving the renewable energy industry and California behind. Now living a slower-paced life surrounded by nature, Kristy reflects on the challenges and joys of starting fresh in a new country.
- Kristy transitioned from clean energy work to living in Mérida, Mexico
- She enjoys a slow life surrounded by nature and local culture
- Learning Spanish and local customs is part of her new daily routine
What happened
Kristy Jansen, former co-host and Executive Director of The Optimist Daily podcast, left her role about four and a half years ago to return to work in renewable energy. Recently, she relocated to Mérida, Mexico, embracing a drastically different pace of life. Instead of a traditional nine-to-five schedule, Kristy now enjoys a flexible lifestyle that involves outdoor activities, feeding local wildlife, and practicing Tai Chi while adjusting to the tropical surroundings.
She shares that although the timing of her move was not fully planned, it was a welcomed downtime to recharge. Her days are filled with simple pleasures such as early morning coffees, swimming, cooking, and practicing Spanish with locals. This marked a transition from working in a fast-paced industry in California to a much slower, nature-close existence that she truly values.
Why it feels good
Living in Mérida, Kristy embraces the natural environment which includes a rich variety of birds, insects, and even iguanas that have become part of her daily life. This immersion in nature offers a peaceful rhythm that contrasts with her previous professional life. She finds joy in the sounds of the tropical mornings, the slower pace of daily routines, and the opportunity to connect with community members through language practice and social activities like Tai Chi classes.
Kristy also expresses a meaningful reflection about her identity as an immigrant in Mexico, recognizing the privilege of her situation and committing to learning local customs and language. This openness to understanding the culture deeply enhances her integration and fosters gratitude, making her transition not just a change of place but of perspective.
What to enjoy or watch next
Listeners interested in sustainability and personal growth will find Kristy’s perspectives inspiring as she plans to re-engage with work that contributes positively to the world by the end of the year. Her journey highlights how stepping back can lead to renewed purpose and effectiveness in one’s career, especially in impactful fields like clean energy.
For those curious about expat life or cultural immersion, Kristy’s story encourages embracing the challenges and privileges involved in relocating abroad. Following her path provides insight into how slowing down, embracing local culture, and adopting mindfulness practices like yoga and Tai Chi can enrich life. Tune into The Optimist Daily podcast for their latest episode and follow their platforms for more stories of positive change.