Once you get used to the tropical sunshine, the long, cold, gray, wet winters of the Pacific Northwest can be tough to take, I think. It sounds like your shift will be just what you are looking for, so here's to your success in the Yucatan.
I do agree that a lot of people are stressed in the US. Hanging out with the younger crowd helps. They are more optimistic, just because the world is still new and they are flexible in what they are willing to try.
I always hang out with younger people for the most part. There is this politically correct thing going on in this country that just drives me crazy. How can we talk about important issues if the topic is not PC?
Anyways, thanks for your support, encouragement and good wishes.
You're welcome! Discussing some issues is definitely challenging! But I think about how many topics were taboo in the past, and we've come a long way from that. So there's some hope. Happy travels!