Lilia has graced us her presence on the March 2021 issue of GGI Magazine and shared her perspectives on life and passions. Born and raised in Mexico, Lilia currently calls Mallorca her home. She embodies a strength and aura that is important to highlight, particularly during the month of International Women’s Day!
Why are you a Girl Gone International?
I am a Girl Gone International (GGI) because I love traveling, exploring new places and meeting new people! I love getting to know different cultures and learning more in-depth about them.
How has the pandemic impacted you?
I think it’s impacted me pretty much the same way as everyone else. It’s sad but we have to remember that the most important thing in the world is to be healthy, both physically and spiritually. We have to focus on that especially in these trying times.
What are your hopes and dreams and plans for 2021?
I want to invest in my family, my professional projects and myself as a person!
What was the first obstacle you had to overcome since you moved abroad?
To me it was a little bit of a culture shock because Mexicans are extremely friendly. I’ve found in other places this is not necessarily the same. Mexicans are passionate, loving and we laugh all the time. It was quite hard for me when we visited places where that wasn’t the case.
Knowing what you know now what would you go back and tell your younger self?
I would go back and tell myself to remember to be independent. Don’t let anyone take that away from you. And also, never stop learning.
Since March is all about celebrating women, do you have any wisdom or advice for other GGIs?
The most important thing to remember is not to judge others, and to always be kind and empower other women. Solidarity goes a long way and we will go farther together.
Solidarity goes a long way and we will go farther together.
What does “community” mean to you?
Community is a group of people with the same purpose. A community helps and looks after each other, ensuring that everyone in the group succeeds and reaches their highest potential.
Tell us about your passions.
It’s very simple really — I love to live, I live to love and I love to laugh so hard it hurts!
What keeps you going? What keeps you living far from where you started?
My daughters — Naomi and Natalia. They are the reason I do everything I do.
What brought you to Mallorca and how long do you think you will stay?
I came because of my husband and so far we love it here so who knows! Let’s see where life takes us.
If someone only had 24 hours to spend in your Mallorca, what should they do?
Definitely go to the Cathedral, Valldemossa, Deia and the Sea. They should also let the Mallorca GGI Community know you are around!
By Kristyna Hoang
Kristyna is a Third Culture Kid by birth and the queen of living out of two suitcases by choice. She has lived on 3 different continents and in 8 different countries — sometimes due to studying and others through her work in the international security field. When she’s not working you can find her on the couch watching reality TV shows with her two rescue puppies and her first husband (did I say first? I meant “loving”).