Musings from Medellin: Volume 1

Welcome to the first installment of “Musings from Medellín”. In a perfect world, I would have created a separate email list for you to opt in to. Buuuut, since we’re not doing “perfection” in 2024, you’re all getting it. I will always put “Medellín” in the subject line, so you can skip these if you’d like. 

That said, I made it to Medellín on Sunday! It was the smoothest, easiest international trip I’ve ever taken. For that, I am extremely grateful.

I am happy that I arrived at night; my first view of the city took my breath away. From the airport, which is in the burbs, you have to drive through a long tunnel and when you emerge, the entire city is sparkling on display. Since Medellín is in a valley, there are really great views.

My second impression was made on my walk to the co-working space from my apartment yesterday afternoon. I have never been to a modern urban center this lush. Medellín is nicknamed “the city of eternal spring” but could just as well be called “the city in the jungle” because, WOW! 

My co-working space, Selina Medellín, is soooo cute. It also has some (weak) A/C, but it’s more than my apartment has, so it’s a win!

It is also very dog-friendly and because I love dogs, and animals in general, I’m in heaven.

This is Matilda; she walks around the co-working space like she owns the place. She is super sweet and friendly. 

Unfortunately, her gas is strong enough to singe your nose hairs. LAWD!!!! What you be eatin', Matilda?!

I look forward to sharing more in the days and weeks to come!

A quick note about how notifications are frying your brain and draining your energy...

People who know me well know that I don’t have any audible, vibrating or pop-up notifications. None. Not for email, texts, Slack, LinkedIN, etc. It is something that I am really passionate about; it helps me stay present and mindful. 

However, because I am traveling abroad in connection with a group, I enabled the notifications for our WhatsApp group.

It took me a few days to realize that it was making me super anxious. In just a couple weeks I have received more invitations to do things than I could do here in a year along with questions, suggestions, cautionary tales…It was just too much. 

Whew! Now that I’ve muted them, I feel so much better.

There. Is. Absolutely. No. Way. you can work/play/focus/create/rest well when you are getting “dinged” every few minutes. If you think you can, it’s because you’ve acclimated to it and you don’t remember what things felt like before that was your reality. 

The research has been done! If you want to dramatically improve your attention and quality of life, mute your notifications. Your future self will thank me. You’re welcome. : )