If you haven’t been following along, let me catch you up: In July 2025, my family packed up our lives in Chicago and moved to Mexico. This wasn’t some spontaneous decision – it was Plan D.
How We Got Here
In January 2025, I wrote in my intentions that I needed to make a radical change. I had four different plans, and the last one was moving to México with my family.
Fast forward to February: I had a final interview for my dream job. While waiting to hear back, my husband and I were in Acapulco for a wedding, and we made an agreement – if I don’t get this job, we’re doing Plan D.
I didn’t get the job. By July, we were on the road with our two boys, our cat, and a car packed to the brim.
This Is Reverse Migration, Not “Expat Life”
Let me be clear: We are not expats. This is reverse migration.
Our families came to the US out of necessity, chasing the American Dream. But as millennial children of immigrants, we have the privilege to say: The American Dream isn’t working for us. We wanted to give Mateo and Diego something we couldn’t fully have growing up – the freedom to be bilingual, bicultural kids who learn without fear.
The Reality: It’s Not All Perfect
Six months in, and I’ll be honest – there are moments when we feel like outsiders. Even though we’re fluent Spanish speakers. Even though we’re children of immigrants.
Growing up in the US, we questioned if we were “American enough.” Now it’s ni de aquí, ni de allá all over again – just in a different way. Integration is hard work. But then I watch my boys thriving in their Spanish-speaking preschool, and I remember why we’re here.
What’s Ahead for 2026
Personally: I’m still looking for remote work or a job here in México (I’m a dual citizen now!). Real talk – I’ve been job hunting for almost two years. If you’re in the same boat, you’re not alone. The market is rough, especially when you need flexibility as a mom.
For Viva la Mami: I’m shifting into content creation and growing on Instagram and TikTok while keeping the podcast and newsletter going. Season 6 will feature a new “Moms Moving Abroad” series, interviews in español, and the VLM Spotlight episodes you love.
Tips to Make 2026 Your Best Year
I know what you’re dealing with right now. The political climate. The costs of housing, food, childcare. The mom guilt about whether you’re doing enough, breaking generational curses, raising bilingual kids “right.”
Here’s how we make 2026 different:
1. Redefine what “best year” means for YOU. Stop comparing. Maybe your best year is finally setting boundaries or choosing rest over hustle. You decide.
2. Let go of what’s not serving you. We donated so much before our move because we realized we can rebuild. What beliefs are you ready to release? That you have to do it all alone? That you’re not “enough”?
3. Build your network intentionally. Our move wouldn’t have been possible without community – my cousin, my abuelo, mis papás, friends online. Your network is your net worth. Ask for help.
4. Trust your kids (and yourself) more. My boys adapted to México faster than we did! Kids are resilient when we give them space. Stop second-guessing every decision.
5. Choose your own path without shame. This is my motto: Redefine Madrehood. Work, stay home, raise kids in the US or México, speak Spanish or English – ALL valid. There’s no one “right” way to be a Latina mom.
6. Take aligned action, even when it’s scary. What’s one thing you’ve been too scared to try? Starting therapy? Setting boundaries? Taking that trip? What if 2026 was the year you actually did it?
Courage Means Doing It Anyway
2025 taught me that courage doesn’t mean you’re not scared. It means you do it anyway.
Your ancestors crossed borders, learned new languages, and built lives from nothing. That courage is in your blood. You have everything you need already inside you.
So in 2026: Trust yourself more. Ask for help often. Let go of what’s weighing you down. Choose your own path.
Whatever you decide, you’re not alone. We’re in this together, redefining madrehood one decision at a time.
Show Notes
Welcome to Season 6 of Viva la Mami! In this solo episode, I’m getting real with you about our move to Mexico, the lessons 2025 taught me, and how we can make 2026 our best year yet. Whether you’re questioning the “American Dream”, struggling with mom guilt, or dreaming of making a radical change in your own life, this episode is for you.
Let’s redefine madrehood together – one decision at a time.
What You’ll Hear:
- What 2025 taught me about moving to another country and the lessons learned
- Navigating the “ni de aquí, ni de allá” feeling all over again, even in the country our parents came from
- What’s New in Season 6 and exciting changes for VLM!
- Tips to make 2026 your best year yet
Resources Mentioned:
- Living in Mexico Series (Season 5) – Full episodes about our relocation journey
- Apply to be a guest on the show!
- Suggest an episode topic HERE.
- Suggest a guest for the podcast HERE.
- How to Get Dual Citizenship in Mexico E-Guide & Digital Course – My comprehensive step-by-step guide that walks you through the entire process, including all required documents, timelines, and insider tips from our personal experience.
About Jessica Cuevas
Jessica is the founder and creator of Viva la Mami, LLC a community centered around Latina motherhood. Jessica created this platform after not finding empowering stories about experiences of Latina moms. She realized that there was a lack of representation in this space and felt there was a need for mamis to share their stories and to learn more about the nuances about motherhood through a cultural lens.
Viva la Mami’s mission is to empower the modern Latina mom to redefine the meaning of madrehood through education, story-telling, and cultural relevance all while bringing comunidad together.
