As our time in Costa Rica is nearing an end, I thought I would write about some thoughts and feelings that have come up recently. Costa Rica has been an experience to say the least, and it's been eye opening in many ways. I’ve been grateful for the opportunity to experience slow living in a new country with my boyfriend.
One thing that has been consolidated for me is to be present where your feet are planted. I’ve always just wanted to go out and travel, and to see places. Coming here and doing what I have wanted to has made me realize that I have not fully enjoyed the present at home as much as I would have wanted to be. I can still long to be in new places while completely enjoying my home environment for what it is and for the people that are there.
Costa Rica is filled with so much beauty in nature and in its wildlife. I have been so blessed to be able to live here and to experience the vibrant ocean, the lush jungle, the sun and the rain. These different experiences with nature have allowed for the little kid in me to come out and play in the waves, to try and spot beautiful wildlife in the ocean and jungle and to play and move in the sand. I have seen so many new animals, and best of all, these animal sightings have been completely in the wild. Between the hummingbirds finding food in the flowers next to our patio, the poison dart frog and geckos around us, or the howler monkeys in the jungle a 5 minute walk away, it has been a treat to see the wildlife here.
Not everything is as it seems. While traveling here is great, traveling is still traveling and can come with its difficult times. Some days have been harder to adjust my mindset in realizing that things will happen when traveling, and sometimes you may have to compromise on certain things to make it happen. Whether there’s been a transportation issue, or you’ve been traveling all day and have not eaten, or things turn out to be pricier than you had budgeted for, or you’re sleeping in 80+ degree weather without AC. At least once in your travels, things will happen and you’ll have to work through those things in your mind and with your travel partner.
Slow living. This deserves its own moment. To have come from a place where hustle culture is valued and praised, I found it very enlightening to be in a country, and a town where slow life is life. In our town on the Caribbean, it is very laid back and slow living is the way of living here. Everyone from the locals to the expats seemed to be living out a slow but meaningful time. You can do it. Embracing slow living is not only possible but also incredibly rewarding.
Thank you Costa Rica for teaching me slow living, and being present in the moment. It has been a magical experience that has brought out my inner childlike curiosity and joy, and has made me practice deeper gratitude and inner positivity to get through the hard times.
Here are some pictures of our times:
If you have any questions about going to Costa Rica, please don't hesitate to reach out to me! I would love to help you find the best way to travel to CR:)
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