Let's Talk About Time Poverty
The Mexico Edition
*A reminder that the resource guide to support Palestine can be dowloaded here or by clicking on the image. We will not stop, we will not rest.
Hey there, let’s talk about time poverty.
My Substack name clearly lets you know that financially, I’m poor…and that it sucks.
But did you know I’m time poor as well?
Time poverty is when you only have the physical time and emotional space to focus on day to day survival. In short, you don’t have time for fun shit. However at this point, it’s not even about fun for me anymore.
I don’t have space to rest my nervous system, breathe deeply or exist in peace.
Think back on an intensely chaotic day in your life - that’s my every day reality.
My already limited energy is focused on how to not be crushed by financial overwhelm every thirty days. To keep it a buck, this may be the month that finally does me in. I usually have to crowdfund for support with at least one basic need every month.
“Hey community, it’s your friendly neighborhood poor. Will you please help me stay housed, not have my car repossessed, cover the cost of my expensive medicated cat food…”
But this month?
I need $2,000 in the next 48 hours or everything will likely fall apart in the next couple of weeks.
And, ok. I don’t know how to hold my life together with spit and glitter this time.
This is one of the reasons I plan to move to Mexico - I can’t afford to be alive here. And to be clear, this is not a life - this is daily crisis management.
“The cost of living” is a phrase that should not exist.
There is a woman I follow on Instagram named Arielle Simone who recently moved to Mexico City from Brooklyn. As a fellow Black woman, the way her life has leveled up and slowed down has been a beautiful experience to witness.
Her ease gives me hope.
(She doesn’t post often but stay tuned for her stories.)
As for me, I stay dysregulated and on the verge of collapse.
I need to rest.
But as I’ve mentioned fifty-eleven million times, I am poor.
I don’t claim poverty as my reality - life has more for me ahead. However at the moment, I don’t have Mexico money.
It’s taken months of business coaching from a friend and hours of shame induced crying, but I finally put out a GoFundMe to help with the costs.
If you feel called to check it out then love you, mean it. You can view it here.
As for how I’ll make it through this month? Chile, we’ll find out together.
As for Mexico? I’m not clear on much. But what I know for damn sure is that with support from a community that genuinely cares about my wellness, anything is possible.
I’ll leave you with another picture from Cityzen Rooftop bar so you can hold the vision of a rested, relaxed and regulated Robin in Mexico City. (I’m such a sap for alliteration.)
Vamos a México, amigos míos…
Woof - been there, done that. When I couldn't even go for a coffee with a friend because I was negative in my account and they're like, "it's just a coffee." Which I couldn't pay $3 for.
So, advice on Mexico (Latin America in general.) I took a job in Colombia and lived there for four years. I met many African American peeps who LOVED it because it was so chill and there was less overt racism. BUT, there is still economic racism (not what you wanted to hear, but it's true), and in Mexico, your privilege will be that you are "American," however, this means you need to be careful, especially as a woman. One thing I learned is that all over Latin America, they think us American women are "loose" and "looking for it," and that if we live out of our home country, we're rich and can spend TONS of money on them. Yes, I lived like a queen and came home with money in the bank for the first time in my life, but the machismo culture, I could do without. So, just be aware, do your research, and keep your eyes open. I am sure it will be a great relaxing and "leveling" experience for you, for certain.