"No relationship, no breathtaking view, not even monkeys will matter more to you than living near your girl."

I knew I'd miss my daughter, but holy cow did I underestimate just how much. Family dinners, going thrifting together, heart-to-heart conversations over a cup of coffee, hugging her when she needs it most—these "little" moments are HUGE. They are what gives my life the most meaning. My girl is my why.

If I knew then what I know now, I'd have opted to live part-time in San Diego and part-time in Panamá.

"During this journey, you'll discover you have ADHD—and finally grasp that variety and options are your lifeline."

This discovery was life-changing for me in SO many ways. While Panamá has taught me to relax, I've realized I need options in all areas of my life to thrive. Quiet and slow living is great, but too much of it and I go a bit stir-crazy.

If I knew then what I know now, I'd have chosen to live in Panama City or nearby, where I could find a balance between urban vibrancy and nature outings.

"You'll totally miss all of the things that you have been passionate about for years...and it will bum you out."

Hiking, biking, thrifting, interior design, and art—these are all activities that I am extremely passionate about and are too challenging to do where I live. There's one hiking trail (and you have to pay to use it). The lack of road shoulders and the abundance of drinking while intoxicated make biking totally unappealing. (Not to mention the intense heat and humidity!) And, not having quality stores around me means not much interior design or art for me.

If I knew then what I know now, I'd have added another check in the part-time living column.

"Remember all of the social frustrations you experienced growing up in a small town? Living in the Panamanian countryside will take you right back there."

Small towns come with social limitations: fewer activities, a smaller and more cliquey social pool, and limited cultural offerings.

If I knew then what I know now, I'd have added another check in the Panama City column.

"Living without Trader Joe's and all of the food options that San Diego offers you will totally bum you out."

I've been a food snob for three decades and woefully underestimated the long-term impact of very limited food options. It's been a surprisingly big damper on my experience here.

If I knew then what I know now, I'd have added another check to the part-time column.

"Vista Canas (AKA your dream house in the jungle) will be WAY more stressful than the condo you're leaving behind."

Having gone through the transition from single-family house to townhome back in 2007, I should've remembered how much I valued the simplicity and cost effectiveness of condo living. Maintaining a house in the jungle is even more costly and stressful than I imagined.

If I knew then what I know now, I would've rented here instead of owned.

"Your entrepreneurial spirit and ADHD will continue to struggle with the culture here."

Customer service isn't a Panamanian strength, but bureaucracy certainly is. And, while everyone claims to be a specialist, finding true expertise in the countryside has been a huge struggle. This causes me a steady flow of frustration and stress.

If I knew then what I know now, I'd have added a check in the part-time column and another in the renting one.

"It breaks my heart to tell you this, but Panamá won't cure your relationship issues."

I believed a fresh start and simpler life in Panamá would heal my relationship, but instead it revealed huge cracks we couldn't mend.

If I knew then what I know now, I would have approached the move—and my relationship—quite differently.

• I'd have split my time between San Diego and Panamá.
• I'd have lived in, or very close to, Panama City to tap into its social, cultural, culinary, and shopping options.
• I'd have rented in several areas for at least a month to better assess the local vibe, microclimate, and amenities.