Lifestyle: Moving to Anguilla with Stacey Bethel

Have you ever thought of moving to another country to live a different kind of lifestyle? I’ve read plenty of stories about people who quit their jobs to travel the world or save a nest egg to move to another country. These stories are inspiring, aspirational and all too normal for many people who emigrate to the U.S. for a better life. My friend and EIC of Triple the Focus Magazine Stacey Bethel did just that. She uprooted her life for a change in pace. Originally from Montego Bay, Jamaica she came to the U.S. in her teen years and has been in New York for most of her adult life. Earlier this year she decided to move to the beautiful island of Anguilla. Now that she’s settled in to a new place and exploring new opportunities personally and professionally,  I wanted her to share her take on moving to another Caribbean island and how it’s been for her.

What inspired you to move away from New York?

I have always wanted to move back to the Caribbean it was just a matter of where and when. Last December my life forever changed and I changed. I realized that I wasn’t living – I worked and worked and at the end of the day I wasn’t happy, there was a huge void in my life. So I decided to do something I had never done before, take a leap.

Originally being from Jamaica, why did you pick Anguilla?

I first traveled to Anguilla in 2013 and immediately fell in love. It held a special place in my heart. It’s just a magical place. I wanted a fresh start and I saw that happening here. I wanted nothing to do with a big city and for me Jamaica is like New York. Now let me be very clear, I am a proud Jamaican – I am not dissing my island whatsoever. I just wanted tranquility, something small – no hustle and bustle.

Now that you’ve been on the island for a few months what do you love and hate about it?

I love everything about Anguilla – the people, weather and lifestyle. The island has slowed me down a great deal. There isn’t anything I hate. I have had to make huge adjustments, of course, but that’s part of my journey.

How have people responded to you, do you fit right in?

The people of Anguilla are very warm and generous. Because it is such a small island everyone knows everyone. I don’t know if I fit in per se – I think my big City persona sticks out like a soar thumb – but I know without a doubt that I am welcomed.

What do you miss most about New York?

I miss everything about New York – the convenience, the shopping, restaurants, my friends and family, my dog – except the weather. I didn’t move because I hated New York, I moved because it’s not what I want for my life at the moment.

Would you ever move back?

I don’t know what the future holds for me but whatever it is, I am open. I’ll always hold New York near and dear to my heart – it gave me a lot, I am grateful. We’ll see.

How has this experience changed how you view life and your career?

Life is great. I think we get bog down by so much that we don’t enjoy the simple things. Moving to Anguilla has given me an appreciation for life, for my family and friends. I have learned so much about patience, slowing down and being still. Letting go of that security blanket that is Corporate America meant I had to trust God – that is the biggest lesson I have learned so far – how to trust God – and its the one I am most proud of. It is not easy to walk away from a stable job with health benefits, profit sharing and a paycheck every week. But having all of that came at a very hefty cost.

What are your favorite spots in Anguilla (restaurant, beach, shops etc.)?

This is tough because Anguilla is a small island that has a lot.

Restaurant: Nat’s Place – Palm Grove, Coba and Sunset Lounge at Viceroy Hotel, Tastys, DaVida’s, Malliouhana, Sandy Island and Dads

Beach: Rendezvous Bay, Meads Bay and Shoal Bay – in that order.

Spa: CuisinArt

Live Music: Dad’s and Viceroy

Shops: The Boutiques at CeBlue, Malliouhana, Viceroy Hotel and St. Maarten (Dutch Side)

What advice would you give to someone who wants to move to an island?

Do it – it is just that simple.

What’s the most inspiring part of your move?

Anguilla. This little island – dubbed “Tranquility Wrapped in Blue” – inspires me every single day. I still pinch myself because I cant believe that I made the leap. I have never been happier or more proud of myself. Also, God! I have never prayed as much as I do now. And everyday he lets me know that he is holding my hand through this journey, all I have to do is trust him and have faith.