Cancun 2014 | Photos & Words

Aaron and I rang in 2015 on the beach in Cancun, Mexico. 

As many of you know my word for 2015 is give. And as many of you might have read in my reason why post, one of the things I want to work on this year is giving myself a break. I might, ahem, be a little obsessive about work and projects and have seemed to amp up that part of my personality this past year with my business changes. Yes, I have a hard time letting go of control. I wanted (if you ask Katie she'd probably say I "needed") to go somewhere and do pretty much nothing even if for just a few days. There were a couple times I sent her messages about work stuff I'd seen online when I was checking in and she'd say, "You are supposed to be on vacation. Stop working. Get back to relaxing. I've got everything under control."

It was a fairly last-minute trip (booked the week before we left) which limited where we were able to find a place to stay because of the holidays. We found one room that was reasonable in Cancun in the hotel zone at The Royal Caribbean and plane tickets on United. 

Happy New Year digital word art set used on the top photo available here

We left Eugene early in the morning on New Year's Eve and made it to Cancun by mid-afternoon. 

I decided to leave my big camera at home because I wanted to simplify things. All these shots were taken with my iPhone 6 (just upgraded after Christmas). 

Make It Happen digital word art is part of my new Goals set available here

Our view from our room at The Royal Caribbean. We read on Trip Advisor reviews that this hotel seemed to feature an older crowd which makes it a quieter place - which was fine with us since we weren't really going for the big-time party vibe. There were definitely families with kids there too but for supposedly being full it really didn't feel like it at all. 

Aaron's been to this area of Mexico quite a few times before - usually staying in Akumal (no space available since we booked on such short notice) - so it was fun to hear all his stories of past adventures and get to see some of the places he's loved. It was his first time staying in the hotel zone. I think we both agreed that if/when we go back sometime we'd rather be in one of the smaller communities (such as Akumal or Tulum) vs. the hotel zone but this worked out just fine for this trip. 

Just a little bit of screen-time in the morning. 

New Year's Eve fireworks from the beach. 

We spent one day sitting on the beach at our hotel and played in the water like kids. 

We spent one day sitting by the pool. 

I started a new daily yoga practice (again, "giving" myself permission to take care of myself). I downloaded an app called Yoga Studio that has a really great collection of classes for beginners, intermediates and advanced. What I really like about it is that it has options for 10 mins, 15 mins, 30 mins and 60 mins. My goal is really just to do something - even if it's the 15 minute one in the morning before I take the kids to school. I've had an all-or-nothing-mentality for way too long.  

Aaron taught me to play Canasta one night. He was the big winner of course. 

We watched the Oregon Duck football game (The Rose Bowl) from our room. 

On our last day we rented a car and drove to Akumal and Playa del Carmen so Aaron could show me some of his favorite places. 

I would love to go back and stay there for a few days. Great vibe. 

We ate lunch at this outdoor restaurant. Gotta love the sand on the ground and we sat in swings. Take me back

His and hers smoothies. 

The view from our swing. This was actually a busy place - I caught this shot in-between people sitting at these tables. The weather was just starting to get sunny again after being really overcast for the first half of the day. 

This guy. So much to say about him. Huge heart. Smarty pants. 

After our long lunch in Akumal we drove back towards Playa del Carmen (passed it on the way to Akumal earlier in the day) and parked and walked on the beach and checked out all the restaurants. 

For dinner we ended up in a restaurant on the beach. We had been hoping for a spot out on the sand, but took the next best option (in our opinion) behind the band. This cover band was rocking it and we ended up staying longer to watch them finish up their set. Love live music. 

On the way home we both read books on the plane. I'm about half way through Wally Lamb's We Are Water. 

Going was really, really good. I came home with a clear head, clear intentions and a renewed mental balance (which I definitely needed) about what's most important. That's really the gift I was hoping to give/find for myself during this getaway. 

I got clear again in the ways I want to inhabit my life. I want to be awake and alive and purposeful and let go of some of the negativity I've been holding on to this past year. It's an ongoing, likely life-long process and I'm okay with that. 

I'm excited to see what this year brings and looking forward to sharing the journey with you here as well as in my projects and workshops. 

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39 thoughts

  1. desilei says…
    01/09/2015

    What a great place to visit! I love it there too. One of my goals this year is to get away more without my kids. Just because I need it too. Connect with myself and just chill. I had commented on Instagram regarding the pic of both you and Aaron smiling that you were just exuding joy! You look so happy and that is beautiful! I wish you the best in 2015! I can feel this will be the year of great things! :) --Desiree

    Reply 0 Replies
  2. Ballfieldmom says…
    01/09/2015

    Looks like a perfect way to ring in the new year. I am so jealous.
    And of course..... GO BUCKS!! ;)

    Reply 0 Replies
  3. skemp65 says…
    01/09/2015

    Looks like The Blue Parrot to me :) glad you had a blast!

    Reply 0 Replies
  4. hgauvin says…
    01/09/2015

    It looks gorgeous there - so jealous! Very glad you had a wonderful time and I'm looking forward to the new year ahead filled with inspiration and classes with you. Happy New Year!

    Reply 0 Replies
  5. ScrappinMyHeartOut says…
    01/09/2015

    Thank you so much for sharing this, so happy you rang in the New Year on such a wonderful note. I needed your photos and words today as a shot in the arm to adjust my attitude and goals, and I am commiting to adding some reflection and fun into the rest of January - I need to relaunch the month.

    Reply 0 Replies
  6. jesscornman says…
    01/09/2015

    I love that you only took your iPhone and not the big 'ol camera. I've struggled with that being okay and it's so good to hear other people who just want to keep things simple. Thanks for sharing.

    Reply 0 Replies
  7. Cmbezou says…
    01/09/2015

    Love all the pictures you took in Cancun. I always take my iPhone everywhere we go on our vacations. Since you upgraded to iPhone 6 which do you own 6 or 6 plus? Im planning to upgrade mine next month. Not sure which to get since plus seems too big to carry when we go out for a walk or adventures. Great pictures!

    Reply 3 Replies
    1. AliEdwards says…
      01/09/2015

      I just went with the 6 - the plus felt too big for me.

    2. scrapfin1 says…
      01/09/2015

      I thought the 6 plus would be too big, but decided to try it. I love it more of a "phablet" then a phone. Looking at photos on it and websites is amazing. In my forties w declining vision....so great for my need of glasses:)

    3. AliEdwards says…
      01/09/2015

      I believe it! I still like mine to fit in my pocket :)

  8. Mandy_G says…
    01/09/2015

    It looks perfect... I good place to welcome the new year... :-)

    Reply 0 Replies
  9. CaroleJulius says…
    01/09/2015

    My husband and I have been to Tulum twice and I just booked a trip for this April so that will be our 3rd time there. We absolutely love it and always drive up to Akumal, too, for snorkeling at the Yal Ku Lagoon. I'm glad you guys had a good time, Mexico is a great place to relax and recharge.

    Reply 0 Replies
  10. chp97 says…
    01/09/2015

    Love hearing about your adventures Ali! Sounds like it was a great place to enjoy some R & R! We only live once so I think it's so important to do things like this when you can! Happy new year!

    Reply 0 Replies
  11. theglor01 says…
    01/09/2015

    The picture of the both of you is my favorite.

    Reply 0 Replies
  12. Carolly says…
    01/09/2015

    Ali, so happy that you had a great getaway! Woo HOO! Also, thank you for letting me live vicariously through your lovely photos. Being in Montana, I dream daily of sand, waves and warm sunshine....I guess my internet '"fix" will have to do, ha!

    Reply 0 Replies
  13. jeannine says…
    01/09/2015

    Great photos!!! Everybody needs sometime to getaway and relax. I have this book on my list to read. What other books are you wanting to read? Thanks

    Reply 0 Replies
  14. abragg79 says…
    01/09/2015

    What a wonderful way to relax and kick off the new year! Thanks for sharing!

    Reply 0 Replies
  15. patowle says…
    01/09/2015

    I love your 2nd to last paragraph. I, too, want to be more purposeful and intentional this year. Life sometimes has a way of feeling like it's dragging you along, rather than you being in charge. Thanks, I needed that reminder.

    Reply 0 Replies
  16. Jana_NJ says…
    01/09/2015

    Is this a resort that people take kids or just for adults?

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. AliEdwards says…
      01/09/2015

      There were kids there too.

  17. ChrisyC says…
    01/09/2015

    The posts where you document your trips away are one of my most favourite.
    Maybe l like to live your vacations vicariously through you ;) but it's probably more because l love the way you document them, and am always interested in your observations and reflections. This one sounds like a cracker on more than a few levels. What agreat start to 2015.

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. AliEdwards says…
      01/09/2015

      Thank you!

  18. mtercha says…
    01/09/2015

    Your photos are so beautiful. Happy for you that you were able to take a step back, and you feel rested and renewed. You deserve that. Michelle t

    Reply 0 Replies
  19. jchurch2 says…
    01/09/2015

    Wow, what an awesome way to start the new year. I'm putting Cancun on my bucket list!! I love your attitude about the yoga (will be downloading the app) because I have been an all or nothing girl, too, and it has held me back. Look forward to spending the year with you.

    Reply 0 Replies
  20. verbena says…
    01/10/2015

    Looks like a great trip! Ali, do you always read "real" books or do you ever use an E-reader? Just wondered?

    Reply 1 Reply
    1. AliEdwards says…
      01/10/2015

      Yep - I'm a "real" book fan (not as great for travel with the weight, but I just like it better).

  21. rhondaw says…
    01/10/2015

    What a great way to start the New Year! An awesome treat to give yourself and so deserved. I have been yearning to go somewhere tropical and your pictures were so nice. I think it is time to "commit" ( my OLW) to taking a personal break and booking a trip. You are so inspiring, thank you. This is just the motivation I needed.

    Reply 0 Replies
  22. KarenC says…
    01/10/2015

    What wonderful words and pictures. I could almost feel the sand between my toes! I looked at the pictures thinking of your Lens of Joy class. It was a really nice mix of perspectives and you have everything here that you need to make an album or pages. What a great way to start the new year especially after you've worked so hard on your new endeavors. Thanks for sharing!

    Reply 0 Replies
  23. majkenmarie says…
    01/10/2015

    Awesome photos, and what a lovely place to re-charge. Thanks for sharing! I have been interested in trying yoga and/or meditation so I will check that app out. Sitting here in 35 degree weather (in south Texas!) makes me long for some white beaches!

    Reply 0 Replies
  24. Missus_Wookie says…
    01/10/2015

    Thank you for the yoga studio - I've been all or nothing about it too and am delighted to find a way to fit yoga into my day again.

    Reply 0 Replies
  25. Cookingmylife says…
    01/10/2015

    :) for you!

    Reply 0 Replies

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