It was December 2021, and I was sitting next to a campfire at our family ranch in West Texas. My sister—who had moved to San Miguel de Allende in 2016—was beside me, holding my niece Bea and singing along to Empire of the Sun’s Walking on a Dream.
I was finally on the other side of one of the most trying seasons of my life. I had gone through a divorce, sold my home in Austin, moved back to my mother’s hometown of Beeville, and was finding my footing again as a single mother.
Beeville was what I needed at that time: small, quiet, familiar. I lived next door to my mom—my best friend. I had support, routine, and the space to put myself back together. But deep down, I felt restless. I wanted more. To do more. To live a life that felt fuller, deeper, more inspired.
That night by the fire, I looked at my sister with her baby and then at my own children. I thought of our own childhood—how we were raised side by side, always together. And without planning it, I said the words out loud:
“I think I want to move to Mexico.”
The words caught me by surprise as much as anyone else. But from that moment on, the path unfolded quickly. I promised myself I wouldn’t force it. Everything had to line up naturally. Six months later, it had. I packed up my life and moved to San Miguel de Allende with my kids.
If San Miguel calls you, listen. And if you need help making it happen, we’re here.
Grace in one hand, tequila in the other.
XOXO,
Madeleine Rose Bell
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