Montego Bay Meditations: When Stillness Sets You Free

Montego Bay offered more than turquoise waters and tucked-away cabanas. It gave me breath, pause, and a mirror to see myself clearly again. As I wrap up this Montego Bay Meditations series, I do so with a heart full of peace and reflect on the moments that shaped my journey, both outward and inward. This wasn't merely a vacation; it was a pilgrimage back to myself.

A Moment That Reframed It All

Here—under this roof, wrapped in ocean breeze and quiet—was where I told him I’d done ‘nothing.’ And he reminded me: when you know what fun looks like for you and you choose it freely, there are no limitations.

One of the quiet luxuries and unique aspects at the Zoetry resort was the personal butler service—someone assigned to you for the duration of your stay. My butler was kind, respectful, and present without ever being intrusive. It wasn't until the final day that our interaction transcended the usual pleasantries. We sat on the pier and engaged in a heartfelt conversation about life, culture, and personal experiences.

He asked, “Did you have fun?”

I said yes.

“What did you do?”

“Nothing,” I said, pausing before elaborating.

I shared about my health challenges—how my legs limited my mobility, how heat sensitivity due to Multiple Sclerosis symptoms kept me from engaging in the water sports I would have loved to do, like kayaking or snorkeling. Instead, I found joy in slow mornings, cool shade, people-watching from the pier, listening to the laughter of a group of women on their first kayaking attempt, and watching a young couple chase after their energetic toddler, which reminded me of my own early motherhood days. I explained that while I didn't partake in typical vacation activities, I immersed myself in reflection and writing—the very acts that bring me joy and fulfillment.

He nodded and said, “So then… you don’t have any limitations.”

I blinked. “Wait, what now?”

“You don’t have any limitations,” he repeated. “It sounds like you found out what fun is for you—and you did that. When you know what your fun is and you do it freely, then there are no limitations.”

His words resonated deeply, reframing my perspective on limitations and freedom—words that

will stay with me for the rest of my life.

Threading Through the Journey

As I bring this series to a close, each entry in the Montego Bay Meditations series marks a stepping stone in my healing. In the beginning, I was simply trying to reclaim my groove, my peace, my power—to remember what it felt like to prioritize myself without guilt or performance. That first post was my declaration: I came here to come back to me.

From there, I peeled back the layers of what brought me here. Traveling alone for the first time with an invisible disability was daunting. I carried my fears—of being isolated, misunderstood, or physically unwell—and still, I chose to go. That choice became an act of courage I hadn’t given myself credit for until I was sitting in a cabana, alone and content, in the Montego Bay sun.

As the days unfolded, so did my understanding. I’d expected one kind of experience, but what I received was far more spacious, far more sacred. I learned to release the grip of expectations and make peace with what was—the space between what I imagined and what I actually needed. That space gave me breath, and in it, I found clarity.

And then came one of the most liberating truths: I am whole as I am. In a culture that often ties worth to partnership or productivity, I reclaimed what it means to belong fully to myself—whole, unwed, wandering, and wonderfully unbound

With each blog, I was writing my way back to myself. Montego Bay didn’t give me fireworks—it gave me a mirror. And in that reflection, I saw not only who I had been, but who I was finally ready to become.

The Power of Solo Travel

Traveling alone granted me the solitude necessary for deep reflection. Without the dynamics of companionship, I could fully engage with my thoughts, feelings, and aspirations. This solitude wasn't loneliness; it was a sacred space for self-discovery.

Had I traveled with others, I might have been distracted by their needs and experiences, potentially neglecting my own. Solo travel allowed me to reconnect with myself, to listen intently to my inner voice, and to emerge with renewed clarity and purpose.

Mission Accomplished: When Stillness Sets You Free

So, did I have fun? Absolutely. I had the kind of fun that realigns you. The kind that writes a new story. I may not have engaged in adrenaline-pumping activities, but I indulged in the joy of being present, the serenity of solitude, and the fulfillment of creative expression. For me, fun was a pen in hand, waves in the background, and the feeling that I was finally coming home to myself.

During my Mother’s Day Getaway to Montego Bay, I didn’t do much. But I did everything I needed; and the stillness set me free.

I understand now—truly, deeply—that some limitations are only real when we agree to them. When we expand the definition of joy to include rest, solitude, reflection, and the sacred act of choosing ourselves, then we find our groove, our rhythm and begin to move without limits.

Written by Carlita L. Coley, LPC

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About the Author

I’m Carlita Coley—a writer who uses storytelling, soulwork, and moments of quiet reflection, to help people step into their own wisdom. With roots in mental health and spirituality, I write and reflect from the human experience, navigating disability, leadership, motherhood, and all the beautiful, messy in-betweens.Whether I’m writing a blog, guiding others through reflection, or sharing a hard-won truth, my goal is always the same: to help us listen inward, name what we know, and live from a place that honors us.