A Less Stressful Life in Sayulita

Stress unfortunately seems to be a central theme in a lot of people’s lives these days. Between work, raising kids and other commitments, many people are finding themselves in positions where stress is an everyday part of life.  Here is the story of one young family who began searching for a lifestyle change and found their way to a home in Sayulita.

Two years ago, Kristen and Clint Coddington of Boise, Idaho began looking for a place to relocate to and raise their three children, 10 year old Grace, 8 year old Claire and 6 year old Clinton. They were specifically seeking a location with a slower pace of life, a more family oriented atmosphere and a different culture from that which they were accustomed to.

At the suggestion of a friend, they visited Sayulita in June of 2013. They fell in love with the town and the relaxed pace of life and returned to Idaho to plan their move to Sayulita.

However, during the family’s stay in Mexico, Clint was experiencing chest pain and could not even walk down the beach without feeling pain. Back home in Idaho he sought out a cardiologist, who discovered that his heart had 98% blockage and told him that he needed a double bypass surgery.  That very week, at 39 years old, he underwent heart surgery.

After the surgery, Kristen and Clint reevaluated their situation and their decision to move to Sayulita. While they originally had planned to move in March, they now decided that their move was going to be now or never. So after Clint recovered from surgery, the couple put their belongings in storage, sold their house and decided to take a sabbatical from work.

Clint had been employed as an attorney working long hours at his computer in a cubicle. His work was time sensitive with constant deadlines to meet. Kristen had been working as a paralegal, which is also not without stress.

In January of 2014 they drove five days from Boise to Sayulita with their three kids and two dogs in tow.

The couple is happy with the decision that they made. “Parenting seems to be less stressful here. The kids don’t live such structured lives and there’s not as much running around to get to their activities. Here children run around, climb trees, jump off rocks, run on the beach and just get to be kids. It’s exactly how we want our kids to grow up,” they said.

The children are currently enrolled at Costa Verde International School and attend school from 8:00 a.m. until 2:00 p.m. Back in Idaho, school would let out at 4:00 p.m., leading to a very chaotic few hours with homework, making dinner and the kids unwinding from school. With their current school schedule it allows the family to do fun activities before the evening routine begins.

They enjoy spending time at Playa Litibu, a short drive from Sayulita, and stop several times a week at Km 5 Surf Bar and Restaurant for a relaxing lunch. They also frequent Don Juan's and appreciate the laid back atmosphere of the restaurant. 

They find that their day to day worries are less across the board. If one of their children get sick, there are not the worries about insurance premiums and the hoops to jump through to make sure the kids are covered.  For instance, they have sought treatment for ear infections at the San Pancho hospital, a short drive from Sayulita, and were pleased with their experience. “The trip to the hospital was quick and easy. They were very efficient and the cost was inexpensive,” the couple stated.

They also have made an effort to cut back on the constant stimulation from television, phones, video games and the computer. Both Clint and Kristen have given up their iphones and have disengaged from the constant need to be connected via email and text messages. As a whole, the family leads an active life outdoors and spends a lot of quality family time together.“Here your mind can focus on the present. You can just be,” said Kristen.