With Love From Belize
Letters From Allora
It is hard to believe it has been almost a month since I journeyed to Punta Gorda, Belize. I will be living here until Oct-Nov 2026 serving a small, close to my heart clinic called Hillside Health Care Clinic.
A bit of background – I was a student here in 2016, one of my final rotations prior to graduating with my Doctorate in Physical Therapy. I did not expect to return. I was so focused on getting back stateside to finish up my final term and school work that I can’t say I was fully present, in the moment. My perfectionism was on high. I wanted to finish my care report and get to graduation so I could take my licensing exam and start practicing. As I reflect on that period, I wish I had slowed down and did not feel this urgency to rush into starting my first job.
Nine years later, I have returned with a different perspective and mindset to appreciate the blessing it truly is that I am able to be here. I’ve completed multiple therapy sessions to strengthen my mental health including internal work such as self-acceptance and coping strategies for anxiety. This of course continues just like any other good habit – refinement and adjustment to keep getting stronger.
I am still setting in, which I think is to be expected. There have been quite a bit of ups and downs since arriving but I contribute this to a learning curve that comes with uprooting your life from what is comfortable. This move to Belize is….. different from my move from Japan to the US back in 2007. This is a new experience and sharing this with you all is not something the previous version of myself would have done. I want to be intentional about staying connected. What better way to do so than with a blog, newsletter or even a mini voice clip!
I quickly came to realize just how blessed we Americans are. We say “first world problems” jokingly. Being in a third-world setting such as here, that saying seems so trivial. You will get to see what I do in the community with Hillside, how I try to embrace living as a Belizean in Punta Gorda (not what Insta-book-chat posts may show) and what I do to keep my mental health in check with everything.
I look forward to sharing this experience with everyone. I hope it inspires you to take risks, even when the world around you encourages you to stay in comfort.
With Love From Belize,
Allora Mariesa
So incredibly proud of you, Allora! I’m looking forward to reading more letters. Keep following your heart and doing what makes you happy. You deserve all the happiness in the world! Love you!
Thanks Steff! I appreciate the support. Love you!
our family is so proud of you Allora. We are blessed to have you in our family. We miss and love you so much. Keep up the wonderful work you are doing.