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Ajijic, Mexico: Overcoming Fear of the Unknown – What 12 Years Taught Me

Find It Ajijic

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Is moving to or retiring in Mexico scary? After living in Ajijic for over 12 years, I share what life is really like on the ground, how to overcome the fear of the unknown, and why the reality here is so different from what North American media portrays.

From peaceful Sunday mornings at the Ajijic plaza to driving to Guadalajara and traveling across Mexico, here is practical advice on stepping outside your comfort zone, connecting with local Mexican culture, and embracing a fulfilling life at Lake Chapala.

#Ajijic #LakeChapala #LivingInMexico #RetireInMexico #MexicoExpat #OvercomingFear #AjijicMexico

If you have questions about moving to Ajijic or want me to cover specific topics in future videos, let me know in the comments below!

🌐 Check out our website: https://www.finditajijic.com/

00:00 - Sunday Morning at the Ajijic Plaza
01:06 - The Quiet Lifestyle vs. Resort Living
02:23 - Daily Rhythms & Feeling Safe
03:56 - Stepping Beyond Your Comfort Zone
05:56 - Living in Faith Over Fear
07:22 - The Reality of Safety in Mexico
09:47 - Why Fear Ruins Your Experience
11:09 - Exploring Beyond Ajijic & Learning Spanish
13:44 - Cost of Living, Renting & Community

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14 Comments

@FindItAjijic Creator 1 day ago Pinned

After 12 years living here in Ajijic, the biggest lesson I’ve learned is that fear usually disappears the moment you take that first step and reach out.

What’s the #1 thing holding you back from making a move or visiting Mexico? Or if you already live here, how did you overcome your initial fear of the unknown? https://www.finditajijic.com/

@dianaj3139 17 hours ago

AHA! Now I know why I rarely saw any expats... only Mexicans when I was there. I mostly went out in the evening walking and to Chapala early afternoon for a parade and some other festivities that were going on and the events were only Mexican participants I loved that, and I was not concerned for safety or anything. Thanks for showing these lovely walk arounds and the plaza.

@robertchase1472 8 hours ago

I am glad your videos keep popping up on my feed. I really enjoy learning more and more about the area.

@daveexplores 3 hours ago

After living in San Miguel de Allende for 3 years, I completely agree that I have felt safe the entire time I've been in Mexico. I've also only felt safe in the many different cities I have traveled to. And yes, I'm sure you can find trouble if you're looking for it, but if not, you'll be fine. I have visited Ajijic and found it way way too sleepy for my taste, but I'm glad you enjoy it. I was there for the Globos Festival, which was excellent.

@Tino1761 3 hours ago

Your videos are very enjoyable to watch. Renting and Health Insurance are my 2 main concerns. Hoping that you would cover those subjects in the near future. Thanks

@SafeGuardYourSoul 10 hours ago (edited)

Excellent video. Thank you. Mexico is much safer than the USA. Been here 2.5 years. Never a problem. Peaceful and pleasant best describe it.

@ezmealstravels9221 9 hours ago

Thanks for the information

@doreenreifel5390 12 hours ago

If you could please do a video of retirement/assisted living places in the area that would be great!

@dianaj3139 17 hours ago

I sure wish I were there right now...one of my favorite things was to take a short walk to a large tree full of green parrots chattering like crazy. and in the mornings and evenings listening to doves and the waterfowl flying by chattering and splashing as they landed on the lake. only downside was the mosquitos that chased me back away from the grassy areas along the lake near where we stayed.

@oldguytravel4339 6 hours ago

good job am here !!!!!!!!!

@eduardoconstantino1738 17 hours ago

I may take a bus, to Chapala from Houston, TX in Nov, I love to see the country side!! and mountains!! and visit all the little towns around the lake! looking for a retirement place in the future!! I hate flying, with CC and those old old planes!!

@franciscocortez7368 12 hours ago

Can you please post the name of the pizza place you mentioned

@RexPonder-y6b 6 hours ago

Things were nice. Till people like you keep putting it on the Internet.

@mogulrider 17 hours ago

I'm pleased your time has been good. However, after 47 yrs of travelling and living in Latin America on and off. I learned one very important thing. Have an escape plan and never be attached to a latin country. We have had relative stability for almost 2 decades. I have learned over time that this changes rapidly. It's why I rent and never own there. There are global events in play that should make people consider to be mobile and flexible. I've been through 6 regime changes in my life. Some invisible, some very violent and dangerous. We know from the history of South and Latin America change can bring instability.
Look at South America this year. Every nation is shifting right which means the radical Left has lost power. They don't accept defeat well and tend to become violent. Just a caution.