María Mercedes Cuesta: Enjoy her life to the fullest, away from the city

After the violent incidents that occurred in TC and on Avenida del Bombero, on January 9, the communicator María Mercedes Cuesta (50) went to Olón to get away from the stress, noise and dangers that They exist in big cities.

She prefers to enjoy the beach now, coastal dishes, long walks on the seashore and surfing.

Her daughter María Emilia stayed in Guayaquil and the youngest of her children, Sebastián, is in the United States. She lives simply, without luxuries and opts for a very natural look. He hasn’t stopped working.

In 2023 she learned gastronomy at the Chefs School and put the culinary teachings into practice at the Alma Parrilla restaurant, with chef Alexis Villacís.

Olón, her refuge
When women reach half a century of life, they tend to get depressed. How did it hit you?
I am calm and happy, I am not one of the women who denies age. That doesn’t suit me. On November 28th I will be 51. Some become bitter. I am grateful because many do not reach half a century, they stay along the way. It is a blessing, a privilege.

Was living on the beach a decision that was already in her head or was it made from one moment to the next
She always wanted to live on the beach, since she was a child. I had been in Europe for 25 days and returning to the reality of our country was terrible. I had that idea in my head for two years. One day I arrived at the radio station where I worked and I resigned. She didn’t want to be the bearer of bad news. Stress and anguish make you sick. I do not plan to return to Guayaquil, I will change my address to vote. Now my home is Olón, I live in the town, I continue working with my brands and I am a spokesperson for dredging.

How did your children make that decision?
They are happy, I have not abandoned them. They are great, they told me to do what I think is best. No one who loves me can not be happy with my decision. I lead a calm life, there are no words to express it.

From what you say, your life has taken a complete turn.
I led a super sedentary life. Two years ago I started doing exercises with coach Anabel Saavedra in Guayaquil. Now exercise is part of my life, I practice surfing and chi kung. I had never been on a board before. I learned with Michele Soriano. At first I saw the waves and thought they were tsunami waves. Michele told me to trust her, she gives me peace of mind. When I stood on the board it was a feeling of freedom, of balance. It is a resilience therapy.

Did you find balance in your life?
At this stage of my life, yes. I am in a beautiful process of becoming the best version of myself.

What does being in front of the sea do to you?
It’s a great connection, it gives me calm. I need to get into the sea every day to fill myself with energy. I walk on the beach, drink coconut water and start my day.

Many are afraid of the sea. Others respect him.
I’m not afraid of it, I love it.

Now your life has another dynamic
That’s right, I don’t go to the supermarket, I shop in a store. I eat very healthy. I gave up sugar, rice and bread. Three years ago I had gastric sleeve surgery. It is just a tool because if you don’t change your lifestyle, you will gain weight again. Like proteins, fruits, vegetables, grains, nuts. I haven’t given up carbohydrates because I need them for exercise. Instead of rice I eat pasta. When I’m not in Olón, I miss. The city makes a lot of noise for me.

If you studied gastronomy it is because you have culinary projects.
I have always cooked because my grandmother Sonia put me in a kitchen since I was a child to help her. I have gastronomic projects that I wanted to launch in Guayaquil, but now I will do it in Olón because it is an area with significant gastronomic growth. I don’t give details because the bread burns in the oven door.

The new version
Is this new version of Meche Cuesta alone?
At this age I have discovered that to be happy I don’t need anyone. You cannot give to another what you do not have. I am alone, but I do not suffer from loneliness. I enjoy being with me. I grab my coconut, my towel, my chair… There has been a special person in my life for five years, but this is my moment. It’s not selfishness, it’s thinking about me. It’s self love. Those who want to be with me, already know where I live. I don’t give a title to any of my relationships. I build my happiness, it doesn’t depend on anyone. I understood it now that I’m older. I like my company. I had a job offer in Guayaquil, but no one can pay for what I live now, quality of life.

What have the relationships you’ve had left you?
I will never say anything bad. I appreciate what I experienced in the moment I experienced it, but this is another moment. I can’t say anything bad about Enrique Mata, but he had to make a decision, fulfill a dream. I haven’t had a fight, but I can’t say that I have a relationship because I’m in Olón. Enrique told me to do what made me happy.

Does he no longer care about being fashionable, makeup and everything that many women are concerned about?
I have a clean face, I don’t wear any makeup. I am planning to organize a clothing sale with my daughter, I will sell what I no longer wear. Now I only wear shorts and a t-shirt.

“I’m not an involved mother”
How is your relationship with his daughter, María Emilia, currently? Many comment that it is ungovernable.
That’s what they say, but no one knows it, no one knows the evil of the pot but the spoon. It’s a normal mother-daughter relationship. María Emilia has a condition and she has expressed it publicly. She has been brave to recognize it and treat herself. She has anxiety disorders and is a borderline person (borderline personality disorder whose central characteristic is instability of mood, behavior and social relationships). I admire her enormously and love her with my life. When she has a crisis, I give her space. It is easy to speak from ignorance. It was very difficult for me to see her grow, to see her big. I always wanted to protect her and maybe I drowned her. My children are my great teachers.

Has she ever asked you to behave more prudently?
I have, but she has her way of thinking. She’s 30 years old, I’m not getting involved. If they ask me for my opinion I give it, otherwise I prefer not to say anything. At 30 years old I didn’t like my mother getting involved in my life. I had to learn from my own mistakes.
Mothers say that their children will be her children until the last day of their lives.
It’s true, but I’m not an involved mother, I’m respectful. I give my opinion if they ask me for my opinion.

Did she tell him that she was going to participate in the reality show ‘Desafío a la fame’? Did you agree?
I told her not to do it because I saw how being in the other affected her emotionally (The Power of Love). She answered me that she had a purpose. I will always support her. I didn’t watch it because I haven’t watched television in a while. Also, I asked my friends not to tell me anything. I blocked everything. Many believe they have a perfect life. They write totally dehumanized comments. They are the ones who should go to a psychiatrist. They spew hatred because their soul has been poisoned. They call me “old.” I tell them that I hope they reach my age like me. We will all be old, youth is not eternal. I will no longer talk about María Emilia, she doesn’t like me to do so.

https://www.expreso.ec/ocio/maria-mercedes- it costs-alone-I suffer-loneliness-201239.html