LOST

Hola. I’m writing from Oaxaca, Mexico.

I’m on my 2nd week of presenting my inaugural culinary tours here. It’s going well.

Ordinarily, I would be posting regularly about our adventures: food tours, tastings, cooking classes and our exquisite meals and after-hours fun!

Usually, I would be introducing our new professional team members and friends who are becoming a part of our culinary travel family: chefs, guides, historians and artisans, all showcasing their unique skills and talents to my Epicurean Exchange Culinary Travel international community.

I should be actively creating and nurturing connections with hundreds of new, potential customers by tagging our guests and our thousands of followers on Facebook, Instagram and Threads.

As I have for over 20 years, I should be engaged with a multi-national following asking about my work and how to participate in the future. Marketing and promoting our incredible travel programs.

But alas, sadly, none of this is happening.

I have no ability to communicate beyond the 12 people who are traveling with me. I can’t follow new people I’m meeting or share my work beyond those I meet in person.

I’ve also lost contact with hundreds of friends who I ONLY chat with on social media: messaging via Facebook, Instagram and Threads. I’ve disappeared.

A few who know me have asked about me via WhatsApp or email. They are concerned, worried about me. I’ve had periods of struggle and they are rightly asking about my wellbeing.

Frankly I’m deeply saddened by this Meta situation. I’m really lost. I miss my friends, my connections, my chosen family.

I have no idea if I will ever recover from this. If I have the energy or will to recreate my online life and lifestyle. It took heart, soul, courage and determination to make these connections and memories. They are all lost and may not be recovered.

I’m loosing followers, subscribers and potential customers. Not sure I’ll survive this.

Frustratingly, I appear to be unprofessional, incapable and incompetent to others when I tell them I’m not on social media without having to explain the situation or why I’m suspended. It’s not appropriate to share.

So know…I am alive, surviving, but not thriving as I would like.