Life Experiences – Monica Zorrilla

Jan 04

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Inspiration, Life Experiences, Photography 0 comments tags: architectural photography, clouds, landscape, lima, Peru, Reflection

2026

I look at this photo, and I don’t think about vacations or escape. I think about how I want to live. The sky is cloudy, the sea is not completely still, and the beach is almost empty. And yet, everything feels calm. A real calm, not forced. One of those that doesn’t come because everything is perfect, but because you learn to be at peace even when it’s not. That’s how I want my 2026 to be. I want a calmer mental life. I want less noise in my head, fewer unnecessary loops, and less anxiety over what I cannot control. I want to learn —keep learning— to live more in the present, like this horizon that doesn’t rush, that just is. But I also want the strength of the sea. Not the wave that crashes, but the constant, silent strength that never stops. That strength that keeps pushing even when no one is watching. In 2026, I want many things to keep improving. Some have already started, others still need time. I want to feel stronger emotionally, more confident in myself, clearer about what I want and what I don’t. I want to be more patient, more honest with […]

Sep 27

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Inspiration, Life Experiences 0 comments

The Path I Never Planned, But Was Meant to Walk

My life has been a journey I never imagined. When I left Peru, I thought it would only be for a short time, and without realizing it, more than two decades went by. I left behind my family, my home, and my traditions… and arrived in a country that, over time, also became a part of me. Along the way, I’ve experienced many things: moments of joy, achievements I never thought I could reach, as well as loneliness, goodbyes, and changes that have hurt. I’ve come to realize that no matter how much we try to control everything, life always finds a way to surprise us. People come and go, plans shift, and feelings transform. Over time, I’ve learned that neither I nor anyone else holds all the answers. Only God and life know why things happen, when a door should open or close, and which paths we must walk to grow. Even if I don’t always understand it in the moment, everything eventually begins to make sense later on. Today, when I look back, I see that every step, every tear, every smile, every doubt has shaped me into who I am. And even though it hasn’t always been […]

Aug 04

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Familia, Inspiration, Life Experiences, Peru 0 comments tags: amigas, Apoyo, familia, lima, no hay distancia, Peru, recargar

Stepping Away to Return Stronger

Coming to Peru and spending time with my family has been medicine for the soul. Feeling their love, their unconditional support, their presence… reminded me that I am not alone, that I have a home that always holds me up. Reuniting with friends I’ve known since childhood was also a beautiful gift. They made me realize that distance doesn’t erase bonds — that even if we’re far apart, we can still support, listen to, and be there for each other. I’m deeply grateful to them for reminding me of that with so much love. Taking a break from social media these past two weeks also helped me make space in my mind, to listen to myself clearly, and to understand many things I needed to process. Today, I return to New York with a stronger heart — but above all, with more peace. I know I still have a path to walk, but I also know that I have the power to change, to heal, and to move toward where I truly want to be.

Jul 21

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Familia, Inspiration, Life Experiences, Peru 0 comments tags: Apoyo, bonitos momentos, buenos tiempos, familia, family, hermana, hermanos, lima, Peru, Risas en familia

Family gives you love, strength, and support

My family is the little piece of heaven I always carry in my heart. They are my roots, my refuge, my home — even when I’m far away. Every moment I spend with them fills me with love, heals me, and renews me. It’s as if everything falls back into place when we’re together. My mom, with her endless tenderness and love that embraces me even from afar. My dad, with his calmness, his advice, and his words that always arrive right on time — just when I need them most. My brothers, who each have their own world, are always there for me, unconditionally, whenever I need them. And my sister, who has been and continues to be my partner in crime whenever I want to do something, with her energy, she’s always there to help when I need her. But it’s not just the hugs and the support that connect me to them. It’s also the shared meals, the laughter, the jokes between us… those simple moments that fill my soul. Living far away has only taught me how much I love and value them. Although life takes me down different paths, my heart always leads me back […]

May 10

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Life Experiences, Photography, Travel 0 comments

My Journey to Petra, Jordan: A Beautiful Surprise

My trip to Petra, Jordan, was one of the most fascinating and unexpected adventures I’ve ever had. I had heard about Petra before—the famous rose-red city carved into stone—but nothing could have prepared me for the awe I felt standing there in person. From the moment I arrived, I was captivated. The rocks’ colors seemed to shift with the sunlight, painting the landscape in shades of gold, pink, and deep red. Walking through the Siq, the narrow canyon that leads to the iconic Treasury, felt like stepping back in time. The history wrapped around every stone was exactly what I was craving—ancient, rich, and mysterious. The blend of culture, weather, and warm hospitality made it even more special. The weather was perfect for exploring—sunny but not overwhelming. And the people? Kind, welcoming, and eager to share their traditions and stories. I immersed myself in the local culture, learning a great deal. One of my favorite parts of traveling is discovering new food, and Jordanian cuisine did not disappoint. Every bite was a delight, from freshly baked bread to spiced meats and sweet treats. I love visiting new places, learning about different cultures, and trying foods I’ve never tasted. These experiences […]

Apr 21

by monicazorrilla in Blog, English, Inspiration, Life Experiences 1 comments

Lexi: My Life and Adventure Companion

For more than eight years now, my life has been blessed with a small and wonderful companion: Lexi. She’s not just a dog; she’s my family, my unconditional support, and my partner in every step of my journey. Lexi is a Maltipom full of energy, love, and an adventurous spirit that never ceases to amaze me. A Life TogetherFrom the very first day she came into my life, I knew our bond would be something special. No matter the moment or the circumstance, Lexi has always been by my side, giving me love and unmatched companionship. She’s playful, full of life, and has a personality that lights up any space. Her love for the sun is undeniable — she always finds the warmest corners to rest and enjoy her golden rays of peace. Adventures Without LimitsIf there’s something that makes Lexi truly unique, it’s her love for traveling. She’s not the kind of dog satisfied with short walks in the park; she enjoys every opportunity to explore the world. She has traveled with me by car, by plane, and even by boat. We’ve visited many different places together, but one of the most special is Lima, Peru, where we’ve been […]