Home
Our Services
Portfolio
Blog
Contact Us
How Can We Help?
For 5 years, we've empowered businesses and brands with powerful imagery and video that gets noticed. We embrace the unconventional, collaborating with extraordinary individuals-because, let's face it, we're a little unconventional ourselves.
Contact us now to drive your business forward.
Full Name *
Email *
Phone
About Your Request *
By providing my phone number, I agree to receive text messages from Reamsnyder Media.

Chasing Monarchs: A Journey of Wonder and Self-Discovery in Mexico

Sharing reflections and lessons learned from my trip to see the monarchs in Mexico, including personal resilience, the value of preparation, gratitude, and finding magic in difficult moments.

1. I Am Resilient

Opening up about my health challenges hasn’t always been easy, but this year, I decided it was time to embrace that part of my story. A few years ago, I lost the ability to walk on my own—a moment that changed my life completely. Yet this week, I climbed mountains, all while unable to eat for 90% of the journey. In doing so, I proved to myself just how strong and determined I truly am—stronger than I ever thought possible.

2. Horses and I are not best friends

As much as I love adventure, I’ve learned I’d rather move around on an open-door helicopter than ride a horse up and down steep mountain trails. The two horses I rode were determined to sprint, and let’s just say we did not share the same enthusiasm.

**3. I Can Still Speak (basic) Spanish!**

It’s been decades since high school Spanish, but being immersed in the culture brought some of it back. One guide, who had a great sense of humor, laughed when I told him I only spoke a little Spanish. When I asked how to say “horse,” he joked, “Like a toddler!”—and honestly, he wasn’t wrong.

4. Preparation Matters—But It’s Never Enough

For two months, I trained with a 20-pound weight vest, walking steep inclines on the treadmill. I improved my mile time by over 8 minutes. Even so, the journey was physically grueling. Without that preparation, I don’t know how I would’ve managed.

5. The Hardest and Most Rewarding Experiences of My Life

There were moments of shame and frustration as I faced my body’s limitations. I couldn’t do everything others were doing, and I had to accept that my life will always look different. From using special gear for videography to taking rest days, I had to adjust. But none of that diminished the wonder of this experience. The monarchs were beyond incredible, and I would do it all over again in a heartbeat.

6. I Miss My Mom

From the very beginning, her presence has been a guiding force in this project. Hearing the story about bees and elephants stirred something profound within me—she had an immense love for elephants, and in that moment, I felt her spirit beside me, comforting and inspiring me in the most beautiful way.

On our first day filming the monarchs, one of them landed on me and lingered for quite some time. In Mexican culture, monarchs are believed to be the souls of loved ones returning to visit. This was an emotional moment for me.

7. The Group I Traveled With Was Extraordinary

It’s rare to be surrounded by people who genuinely care about the smallest creatures and their role in our world. Their passion was inspiring.

8. I Complain Too Much

Seeing the living conditions around Mexico City firsthand was humbling. Photos and videos don’t capture the reality of what so many people face daily. I’m incredibly grateful for the life I have, even with its challenges.

9. I’m Ready for the Next Challenge

I cannot wait to do this—or something even harder—all over again. I want to keep pushing my limits, creating magic, and experiencing the beauty of the world in new and meaningful ways.

This trip wasn’t just about the monarchs. It was about growth, gratitude, and finding magic in the hardest of moments.

How Can We Help?