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Because no one wants to feel trapped in paradise.My perspective here is as crew, not at a boat captain looking for crew. But, most of these ¨rules¨ can go both ways.&nbsp;Let’s be real — living on a boat with strangers can either feel like the most freeing experience of your life, or like you’ve signed up for a reality show with no off switch. I’ve had both. This is Captain Jack — my favorite of all! He’s the reason I left Canada in 2021. After about a month of getting to know each other long-distance, I flew from Toronto, Canada to San Diego, California to help prep his boat for the journey down the Mexican Baja Peninsula. I later boat-sat his boat solo at a marina in Chiapas, Mexico for three months and came out of it with some of the best friendships and memories I’ve ever made. Thank you, Jack!<figure id="figure-lht9y51y7mbjy3m78"><img id="lht9y51y7mbjy3m78" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31mdXs9XSMLTpBZFmT9zOC9UyK00aCILZhCxyIX3aXzBorHTf9rT141Fht8kqIMJ.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 45% 30%;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="1:1" data-caption="Me and Captain Jack Buckley from SV_Magic Carpet" data-positionx="45%" data-positiony="30%" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/31mdXs9XSMLTpBZFmT9zOC9UyK00aCILZhCxyIX3aXzBorHTf9rT141Fht8kqIMJ.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 1/1; object-position: 45% 30%;"><figcaption class="body-normal text-gray-500 mt-2">Me and Captain Jack Buckley from SV_Magic Carpet</figcaption></figure>His afterthoughts: I, Jack Buckley, highly recommend Chantal to anyone needing a responsible and organized person to help or manage a vessel, household, or company's business. &nbsp;She has crewed for me on SV <a data-mce-href="https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1983-challenger-custom-60-9623025/" href="https://www.yachtworld.com/yacht/1983-challenger-custom-60-9623025/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Magic Carpet</a> (For Sale now, have a look!) and reorganized and watched over its care for months while I traveled away on business. &nbsp;I was always impressed with the improved condition of the boat upon my returns. She has a wide range of talents and is quite an intrepid and resourceful traveler. &nbsp;Having her as an organizer or manager will add value to your vessel, home, or company. &nbsp;I can always be contacted for additional verification. - Jack BuckleySee this beauty of a boat here : <a data-mce-href="&lt;iframe%20width=&quot;560&quot;%20height=&quot;315&quot;%20src=&quot;https:/www.youtube.com/embed/f6wQYq7nB4A?si=qWPfbGlSfV0u9yfN&quot;%20title=&quot;YouTube%20video%20player&quot;%20frameborder=&quot;0&quot;%20allow=&quot;accelerometer;%20autoplay;%20clipboard-write;%20encrypted-media;%20gyroscope;%20picture-in-picture;%20web-share&quot;%20referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot;%20allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;" href="&lt;iframe%20width=&quot;560&quot;%20height=&quot;315&quot;%20src=&quot;https:/www.youtube.com/embed/f6wQYq7nB4A?si=qWPfbGlSfV0u9yfN&quot;%20title=&quot;YouTube%20video%20player&quot;%20frameborder=&quot;0&quot;%20allow=&quot;accelerometer;%20autoplay;%20clipboard-write;%20encrypted-media;%20gyroscope;%20picture-in-picture;%20web-share&quot;%20referrerpolicy=&quot;strict-origin-when-cross-origin&quot;%20allowfullscreen&gt;&lt;/iframe&gt;" target="_blank" rel="noopener">SV Magic Carpet</a>New Boat, new captain, new stories; I’ve crewed over 1,300 nautical miles up the Pacific coast of Mexico, from south-west of Chiapas to Puerto Vallarta, in a situation that tested every part of me. This other captain? (I will mention any names) He had mild military PTSD, a small drinking issue that showed up here and there, and what I’d call little man syndrome with money. That said, he respected our personal boundaries. He wasn’t a bad person, but it definitely wasn’t smooth sailing the whole way.&nbsp;And many more crewing gigs. But these ones stand out to me.Here’s what I’ve learned about choosing the right boat or crew:FREE Printable PDF: <a data-mce-href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u_wKrDYCp1wugdSaw1f1PLyAzAIGYl_l/view?usp=sharing" href="https://drive.google.com/file/d/1u_wKrDYCp1wugdSaw1f1PLyAzAIGYl_l/view?usp=sharing" target="_blank" rel="noopener">BOAT + CREW COMPATIBILITY CHECKLIST&nbsp;</a><h3>&nbsp; 1. Trust your gut.</h3>If your body says no, listen. One time, I toured a boat and the guy literally stood in front of the hatch while I was inside. It made me feel trapped. I couldn’t get out fast enough. Instant no.<h3>&nbsp; 2. Early tension is a warning sign.</h3>If you’re already arguing about little things before even leaving the dock, it’s not going to get easier at sea. I once backed out of a trip that was already planned, bags packed, because every conversation turned into a debate. I knew if I stayed, I’d be miserable.<h3>&nbsp; 3. Get organized.</h3>When I’m looking for my next opportunity, I literally write out a list of about 15 options. Some come from Facebook groups, others from sites like:<ul style="list-style-type: circle;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: circle;"><li><a data-mce-href="https://www.findacrew.net/" href="https://www.findacrew.net/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Find a Crew</a></li><li><a data-mce-href="https://www.crewbay.com/" href="https://www.crewbay.com/" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crewbay</a></li><li><a data-mce-href="http://www.crewseekers.net" href="http://www.crewseekers.net" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Crewseekers</a></li><li>Sailing Networks (like <a data-mce-href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1320475181851553" href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1320475181851553" target="_blank" rel="noopener">Boat-Sitting Crew Networking</a>)&nbsp;</li></ul>I write down where the boat is, where it's going, how many crew are on board, if there’s a cost or contribution, how much free time I’ll have, what’s expected of me, start and end dates, and whether it could be extended.Then I take my time getting to know them. If the trip is two months away, I’ll make sure to call at least twice a week and send updates every couple of days. Nothing heavy — just small talk. “Hey, I updated my passport,” or “How’s the boat coming along?” We’ll hop on video calls, text back and forth, and build that trust before I ever step foot on the dock. It’s a simple but powerful way to feel like you already know the person, and it helps avoid walking into a totally unknown situation.<h3>&nbsp; 4. Check their references — for real.</h3>I always call at least three people who actually know the person. I’m talking close friends, family, coworkers, or best of all, previous crew. I’ll take a voice message or video chat over text any day. It tells you so much more about who they are and how they operate on a boat.<h3>&nbsp; 5. Ask about romantic expectations.</h3>This one’s huge — and often skipped. Most of the captains I’ve met have been single men. Some are respectful, some are lonely, some are both, and yes, some are looking for something more than just crew. Before saying yes, ask directly: are you looking for a relationship, or is this strictly platonic? etc. It might feel awkward, but not nearly as awkward as being stuck on a boat with someone who was hoping for more than you were offering.Ask their past crew too — has anything ever felt off? Inappropriate? This isn’t about judging, it’s about staying safe.<h3>&nbsp; 6. Be clear about your boundaries.</h3>Whatever matters to you — sleeping arrangements, alcohol on board, shared meals, personal space — talk about it. Early. The right boat will respect that.&nbsp;&nbsp; Bottom line: your peace and safety come first.There are so many beautiful, wild, unforgettable experiences waiting out there. But none of them are worth sacrificing your gut, your values, or your sense of safety. Say no when it doesn’t feel right. Say yes when it does.The ocean’s big. You’ve got options.Chanty on SV_Bullseye&nbsp;

Crew Compatibility 101: How to Pick the Right Boat or People

Whether you're looking to sip cocktails in style, keep the kids entertained, or just chill by the sea without spending a fortune, Isla Mujeres has a beach club for you. Here's a local's take on where to go based on the kind of day you're after.<h3>If You Want a Luxe, Laid-Back Experience</h3>Gurú Beach Club Located on Playa Norte, Gurú is perfect for adults looking to relax in a peaceful setting. Think cushioned loungers, oceanfront pool, craft cocktails, and no kids running around. It's more upscale but still welcoming.Zama Beach Club Tucked away near the marina, Zama offers a more exclusive, high-end vibe. It’s a great choice for a romantic afternoon or a long, slow lunch with a view. Their food is top-notch, and the ambiance is always on point.<h3>If You're Feeling Social and Fun</h3>Areia Beach Club Right on Playa Norte, Areia draws a younger, lively crowd. It’s upbeat but not overwhelming, with a mix of music, drinks, and people-watching. Expect daybeds, DJ sets, and a vibrant atmosphere.Green Demon Beach Club (Sunday Funday) Laid-back and friendly, Green Demon serves up good food, icy drinks, and front-row seats to sunset. It’s a solid choice if you want to hang out, meet people, or just enjoy a casual beach day with great service.Kin Ha (My personal favorite) Kin Ha has that rare combo of being fun for kids and relaxing for adults. There’s a water trampoline, free kayaks, a swing off the dock, and a volleyball net in the ocean. Plus, the swim-up pool bar is adults-only, so if you're kid-free, you’ve got a splash-free zone to chill in peace.<h3>If You're Bringing the Kids</h3>Amazona Beach Club A solid family-friendly option with space for the kids to roam and a menu that includes everything from fresh seafood to burgers. It’s low-key, welcoming, and easy to settle into for the day.<h3>If You Want Adventure Without the Fuss</h3>Garrafon de Castilla Not to be confused with the larger Garrafon Park, this smaller spot offers a simpler, budget-friendly experience with snorkeling right off the shore. Perfect if you want some underwater time without paying for a full tour.Kin Ha (again, because it fits here too) No entry fee, activities built in, and an oceanfront layout that invites both action and relaxation. It’s ideal for those who want to mix sunbathing with a little play.<h3>If You're on a Budget</h3>Tarzan Beach Club Simple, chill, and affordable. You can rent a lounger or grab a table, order a drink, and enjoy one of the best stretches of sand without any of the touristy pressure.Chimbo’s Beach A bit more tucked away, Chimbo’s has a relaxed, no-frills vibe with solid service and a great view. It’s a favorite for locals and repeat visitors who just want to enjoy the beach without the scene.<h3>Local Tips</h3>Get there early if you want a good spot, especially at places on Playa Norte. Some clubs have minimum spend requirements, so check before settling in. Bring cash, especially if you’re headed to smaller or more casual spots. Be respectful of the environment, take your trash with you and skip the glittery sunscreens. &nbsp; This list isn’t exhaustive, but it’s a real-deal local perspective on some of the best beach clubs the island has to offer. Whether you’re splurging or keeping it simple, Isla’s got a place for you. Enjoy!

The Best Beach Clubs on Isla Mujeres (For Every Kind of Vibe)

“Just because someone is older, or someone you love and trust, doesn’t mean they’re qualified to give you advice. Especially on things they’ve never actually done.”I started thinking about how often I’d followed advice simply because it came from someone close to me. I never really questioned if they were actually speaking from experience, or just repeating what they thought was right.The book challenged me to pause and test it. Call someone you usually turn to for advice and ask them a business question you know they have no real background in. So I did.I called my mom.I asked her, “What do you think is the best way to structure a corporation for long-term growth?”Now, my mom has never run a business. She hasn’t worked in anything corporate. But she still gave me an answer. Like she knew. Like it was fact.Then I asked, “How do you know? Have you ever owned a corporation or worked in one?”She paused. It threw her off. She didn’t have an answer, and I could tell she hadn’t expected to be questioned. I told her I loved her and I’d call her later, but that moment changed the way I looked at advice forever.It made something really clear. Even the people we love the most can lead us in the wrong direction without meaning to. Not because they’re trying to hold us back, but because they don’t always know the difference between belief and knowledge.That’s when I realized I needed to be more intentional about where I seek guidance. I can love someone deeply and still not follow their advice when it comes to the kind of life and business I’m building.That realization opened the door to a much deeper truth. A lot of the beliefs I was living by weren’t actually mine. They were passed down. Repeated. Absorbed. Not questioned.<figure id="figure-q0hre5zdrrmbickp9f"><img id="q0hre5zdrrmbickp9f" src="https://media.gettyimages.com/id/1870604554/photo/surreal-woman-reading-a-book-flies-on-an-overturned-umbrella.jpg?b=1&s=2048x2048&w=0&k=20&c=wAERa3y0uDcXyQbPYa8uuThkuu_pn2ymPbSOXrGlIbA=" alt="surreal woman reading a book flies on an overturned umbrella" title="surreal woman reading a book flies on an overturned umbrella" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionX="undefined" data-positionY="undefined" data-fullWidth="false"/></figure>Back in 2007, I read Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker, and it introduced the concept of a financial blueprint. Basically, the internal map we’re all carrying around that shapes how we relate to money.&nbsp;One of the mindset shifts that really helped me years ago came from a book that still sits on my shelf today: Secrets of the Millionaire Mind by T. Harv Eker. It’s where I first learned about the concept of a financial blueprint—and it honestly changed how I saw everything.If you're curious and want to check it out,<a data-mce-href="https://amzn.to/4lblRBN" href="https://amzn.to/4lblRBN" target="_blank" rel="noopener"> here’s the book.&nbsp;</a>My blueprint was full of scarcity and guilt. It was built on ideas like:<ul style="list-style-type: circle;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: circle;"><li>Money is hard to earn</li><li>Success is for other people</li><li>Don’t ask for too much</li><li>Be grateful for anything you get</li></ul>That kind of thinking might have made sense in past generations. Our parents and grandparents grew up in times where the focus was on saving, not growing. On surviving, not thriving. But we don’t live in that world anymore, and those old ideas won’t get us where we want to go.We’re allowed to think differently. We’re allowed to want more.&nbsp; The shift didn’t come from reading books or writing affirmations. It came from catching myself in the middle of those old thoughts and choosing something else.Like when I’d start to feel guilty for wanting ease in my life. Or when I’d find myself hesitating to move forward with an idea just because it didn’t look like the traditional path.I learned to pause and ask, “Is this true? Or is this just what I’ve always believed?”That question has become one of my best tools. It helps me stop those inherited beliefs before they shape my choices. It helps me choose based on who I’m becoming, not who I used to be.&nbsp; This work isn’t just about money. It’s about clarity. It’s about being free in your mind, not just your circumstances.Because while limiting beliefs can be loud, they don’t get to run the show unless we let them.You get to decide what stays and what goes.So maybe now is the time to ask yourself: Whose voice have you been listening to? And are they really qualified to shape the way you live, build, and grow?You don’t have to carry beliefs just because someone handed them to you. You can choose different ones. You can plant better seeds. And your kids, or the people watching you, will grow from those instead.And here's what I’ve learned since that phone call, since that book, since those early questions. Rewiring your beliefs isn’t just mental. It’s spiritual.I’ve made six <a data-mce-href="https://amzn.to/3T9XzMe" href="https://amzn.to/3T9XzMe" target="_blank" rel="noopener">vision boards</a> over the years. Not because it’s trendy, but because clarity matters. You have to see what you’re moving toward. You have to believe it’s already yours, even before there’s any proof.<figure id="figure-xatzzi46l9jmbi9y1q0"><img id="xatzzi46l9jmbi9y1q0" src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3XZD9zxOtVtiSicwBZqo044HDonvCNjlNUczospaEDUMTQecajoQKrN8x30bA3kX.jpg" alt="" title="" class="object-cover bg-gray-100 rounded-2xl md:rounded-3xl lg:rounded-4xl" style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;" data-corners="default" data-aspect="16:9" data-caption="" data-positionx="undefined" data-positiony="undefined" data-fullwidth="false" data-mce-src="https://cdn.durable.co/blocks/3XZD9zxOtVtiSicwBZqo044HDonvCNjlNUczospaEDUMTQecajoQKrN8x30bA3kX.jpg" data-mce-style="aspect-ratio: 16/9; object-position: center center;"></figure>And I say it out loud. Every single day. With conviction. These are some of the affirmations that have helped rewire my blueprint:<ul style="list-style-type: circle;" data-mce-style="list-style-type: circle;"><li>I am a magnet for aligned opportunities</li><li>My success is safe</li><li>I receive with ease and without guilt</li><li>I am building wealth that reflects who I truly am</li><li>I trust myself to lead, to grow, and to thrive</li><li>I no longer shrink to fit old beliefs</li></ul>Manifestation isn’t just about wishing. It’s about aligning how you think, speak, and act with the reality you’re creating. You don’t get what you want. You get what you believe.So I keep choosing belief. I keep showing up like the woman I already am. I keep trusting that the goals I’ve set are already on their way, because I’ve already started becoming the version of me who receives them.That’s not magic. That’s alignment.And it works.Until next tide,ChantalHeads up: some links in my blogs are affiliate links. That means if you click and buy, I might make a little coffee money—no extra cost to you. Don’t hate the hustle, learn from it. ☕😉<h3> </h3>

Limiting Beliefs Are Loud, But They Don’t Get the Final Word

I don’t remember calling this meeting. But here we are.A circle of women who all share my face. Some older. Some younger. Some tired. Some radiant. Some with eyes that have seen too much. Some with hearts still learning to open.They shift in their seats. I do too. Because facing them means facing myself.We begin with the version I’ve judged the hardest. And move, slowly, toward the one I’m learning to love the most.&nbsp; The one who knew the streets smirks from the edge of the circle. "You forget about me?""Never," I say. "You were sharp. Fast. A survivor. You taught me hustle. Instinct. Street wisdom."She nods.&nbsp; The young mom speaks next. She’s barely holding it together—juggling bottles, shame, and the weight of judgment. "I didn’t know what I was doing," she says. "But I showed up. Even when I wanted to disappear. Even when no one clapped."She looks at me with quiet defiance. "I gave you the fire. The reason. The love."&nbsp; The one who lost everything walks in with eyes down. "We had to let go," she says. "It was killing us. But letting go almost killed me too."I take a breath. "You gave me grief. You gave me space to grieve without shame."&nbsp; The fighter steps forward. Jaw tight. Knuckles scarred. "I used to throw fists. Lash out. React first, think later. It was the only power I knew."She looks up with tear-glossed eyes. "But you learned to listen. To breathe. To respond, not explode."I nod slowly. "You gave me survival. But you also showed me what peace costs—and why it’s worth everything."&nbsp; The one who stayed too long. In places that dimmed her light. With people who mistook her softness for weakness. "I confused pain with purpose," she whispers. "I thought if I held on long enough, it would change."Her voice cracks. "I gave you the lesson. The boundary. The proof that you’re allowed to leave."&nbsp; The numb one sits nearby. Calm on the surface, but you can feel the ache underneath. "I didn't want to feel it," she says. "So I distracted myself. I numbed. I checked out."I nod. "You did what you had to to survive." She meets my eyes. "I gave you a pause. The space between the waves. The realization that healing had to come next."&nbsp; The one who broke is next. Slouched. Quiet. Eyes like heavy glass. "I thought it was the end," she confesses. "When everything fell apart, I thought we were done."I reach for her hand. "But you did it. You gave me surrender. You made space for something new."&nbsp; The dreamer walks in barefoot. Hair wild. Eyes full of stars and saltwater. "I saw this life before anyone else did," she says, grinning. "You called it crazy. But I kept dreaming anyway."She twirls a strand of hair and adds, "I gave you vision. Freedom. Permission."&nbsp; The host arrives with grace. Elegant. Calm. Always smiling. "I turned pain into hospitality," she says. "I learned to make people feel safe because I never did."She nods at me. "I gave you connection. Reputation. Community."&nbsp; The professional strides in with sharp edges and schedules. "I cleaned up. Showed up. Got shit done," she says. "I learned the systems. I spoke their language. I became the version they respected."She softens just slightly. "I gave you credibility. Stability. And the chance to rewrite what success could look like."&nbsp; The tenacious one walks in barefoot but unbreakable. She’s the one who kept going when no one was clapping, no one was helping, no one even believed in the dream. "I stayed up late. Learned as I went. Carried the weight alone."She places her hand over her heart. "You owe it all to me. I gave you endurance. I gave you the empire."&nbsp; And finally, the one who forgave. She speaks softly. "You can stop punishing yourself now."She pauses. "You did the best you could with what you knew. And when you knew better, you did better."Tears sting my eyes. "You gave me grace. You gave me peace."&nbsp; At the head of the circle sits future me. Older. Softer. Steady as the tide. She doesn’t speak right away. She just watches."What do I need to know?" I ask.She smiles gently. "Stop fighting the becoming. Every version of you mattered. None of them were wasted."&nbsp; And for the first time, I understand. None of them were mistakes. They were all chapters. All sacred. All necessary.I see them. I honor them. I welcome them home.And in this moment, I feel completely, entirely here.I am ready.Chantal &nbsp;

Versions of Me I Had to Meet

Somewhere along the way, I stopped giving so much airtime to the noise.When I say noise, I mean all the things that pull you away from your path. The distractions, the buzzing of bullshit, the naysayers, the judgmental side-eyes from people who don't understand your journey but still feel entitled to comment on it. Noise is the mental clutter that comes from comparison, criticism, and unsolicited opinions. It's the energy drain of trying to live up to someone else's version of who you should be.The whispers, the opinions, the projections... none of it belongs to me.There was a time when I tried to defend my choices. When I wanted to explain why I live the way I do, or why I chose to leave behind certain people, places, and patterns. But I realized that the need to justify comes from the same place as the need to be understood: a place of old wounds.Now? I let the noise play out in the background while I focus on building something real.Canceling the noise doesn't mean I don't hear it. It means I don't let it steer the ship.These days, my life looks different than most people's timelines or five year plans. I live on a 30ft sailboat in Mexico. I wake up with the sun, make coffee in my little floating kitchen, and spend my mornings studying or working remotely. I'm building a brand and a life that reflects my values freedom, creativity, healing, and connectionI'm not scrolling, I'm studying. I'm not gossiping, I'm growing. I'm not wondering what people think about me. I'm wondering what more I can create with the time I have.Canceling the noise looks like dancing in my sailboat to music that makes me feel alive. It looks like deep belly laughs with my daughter and tears shed in private moments of healing. It looks like pouring my energy into things that matter and letting the rest fade into static.Here's the thing: people will always have something to say. But if they aren't in the arena with you, building, risking, learning, and evolving, their opinions carry very little weight."If you're not in the arena also getting your ass kicked too, I'm not interested in your feedback." — Brené BrownSo if you've been feeling overwhelmed by the chatter, the comparison, the unsolicited commentary on your life... I invite you to ask: what would happen if you canceled the noise and leaned in to your own voice instead?You might just find that your truth is louder than anything outside you.And it sounds a lot like peace.Your girl,Chanty @wanderlust.chanty"Great minds discuss ideas. Average minds discuss events. Small minds discuss people." — Eleanor Roosevelt

Let the Noise Talk - I’ll Be Over Here Building

There was a time when I lived for the escape. Vacations were survival mode dressed up in cute outfits—short bursts of freedom between long stretches of burnout. I chased success the way we’re taught to. Hustled to look the part. Worked to prove something. To feel worthy. To seem rich, even if it cost me peace.Now, I wake up when my body’s ready. I make coffee in my floating kitchen, sometimes still in my underwear. I answer client messages with my feet up in the cockpit, a salty breeze on my skin and the ocean sparkling like it’s in on the secret.This isn’t a getaway. This is my everyday.And still, there are moments I feel like I’m cheating at life. Like somehow this kind of freedom must come with strings or a deadline. That imposter voice creeps in, whispering, You didn’t earn this. This is too good. Why you, and not them?It took time to convince myself. I am allowed to choose differently and expect a different result. For years throughout the process, I felt like I didn’t deserve this life. But I remind myself daily that the choices I’ve made are mine alone. And I made them with courage. With clarity. With heart.I am worthy. I shouldn’t feel guilty for being here just because others aren’t. That guilt doesn’t help anyone. All I can do is live by example. Show what’s possible. And maybe, just maybe, inspire someone else to step into their own version of freedom too.I’ll never forget something a college teacher told me on a field trip. We were on a bus, headed to tour a major communications company. I asked, “Why do some people just want to be a manager here, and others become the owner?” He paused, looked at me, and said:“Because everyone’s definition of success is different.”That stuck with me forever. That was the moment I realized I get to define mine. I don’t have to chase someone else’s version of “making it.” I am in charge of what that looks like.For me, success looks like time. Peace. Creating work I care about, with people I genuinely want to help. It looks like living by the ocean, choosing when I work, and building a life I don’t need to recover from.Family used to feel like something I didn’t get to have. But I’ve learned that family doesn’t have to share your blood. It’s the people you collect along the way. The ones who show up. Who get you. Who care with their whole hearts. That’s the kind of love I’ve found, and the kind I give back.And home? I used to think I’d never feel safe enough to have one. Now I make home wherever I go. I love movement. I love change. I love the feeling of dropping anchor somewhere new and building little moments of beauty and safety right there.Of course I still have hard days. Growth doesn’t erase pain. But I no longer need to run from my life.I built something that feels good to live in.And here’s the truth. Every tiny decision you make shapes your version of success. Even the small, quiet ones. The ones no one sees. You just have to listen to what your soul is really craving and be brave enough to follow it.Because the life you want isn’t a fantasy. It’s a path. And it starts the moment you decide to stop chasing someone else’s dream and build your own.Writing the map as I go,Your girl, Chanty“Life won’t hand you permission. You’ve got to claim it.”

I Built a Life I Don’t Need a Vacation From

Wanderlust Atlas

Wanderlust Atlas —is a way of life. Founded by Chantal Thomas, a seasoned property manager, concierge, and lifelong explorer, Wanderlust Atlas offers curated travel experiences, boutique vacation rental services, and intentional lifestyle guidance for those seeking more freedom, depth, and alignment.

Based in Isla Mujeres, Mexico, we specialize in:

Full-service concierge coordination for travelers—airport transfers, excursions, golf cart rentals, in-home spa treatments, and more

Expert Airbnb co-hosting and vacation rental management for homeowners who want passive income without the stress

Coming soon: sailing excursions and multi-day retreats, crafted for seekers ready to reconnect with themselves and the sea

At our core, we believe that the journey outward begins from within. Wanderlust Atlas exists to support those stepping outside the box—into a life of adventure, self-trust, and soulful living.

The Deep Stuff

Crew Compatibility 101: How to Pick the Right Boat or People

The Best Beach Clubs on Isla Mujeres (For Every Kind of V...

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