The Miracle in the Detour

When everything seems to fall apart… what if it’s actually falling into place?

This is the story of how a delayed trip turned into a miracle — and a whole new life in paradise.

Right before our trip to Puerto Vallarta. I’d just finished reading Spirit Junkie, and one line jumped out at me:

“Be open to expecting miracles.”

The night before our flight, I got so sick I couldn’t move. We had to delay the trip — and honestly, I was crushed. But something in me said, “Stay open. Maybe this is part of the story.”

And it was.

Because that delay led us to meet people who would completely change our lives. We stumbled upon a little ice cream and chocolate shop for sale — something we’d always dreamed of owning. We made instant friends, found a community that felt like home, and one morning, standing on a rooftop doing yoga as the sun rose over the ocean, I just knew:

“I could live here.” (below is the actual photo at this moment)

Six months later, we did. And we've been living in Puerto Vallarta since 2016.

My character Larleen had a tough goodbye when she moved to Puerto Vallarta — just like I did. Sometimes, even when you’re following your heart, saying goodbye is the hardest part.

Here’s what I learned:

• Life gives us the best stories when we let go of control and say yes to the unexpected. When you stop trying to force your way and start trusting the way — miracles unfold naturally.

• That’s what I call finding your inner movie star — the part of you that trusts the script, stays open to surprise, and keeps believing that the universe has your back.

  
  

So if you’re waiting for a sign…Maybe this is it.

Be open to expecting miracles. Because when you are —you just might end up living your own version of paradise.

Find your inner movie star.

xo Kathleen Naomi