Deciding to visit Costa Rica started with a desire to visit
Central America and let’s face it, cheap airfare (thank you Alaska Airlines
#iflyalaska). But as the days grew closer, I realized this location is just
what I needed to re-center myself and spend some time reflecting on where I am
in life right now.
Pura Vida (the Costa Rican motto) translates in English as “pure
life”. This phrase is a standard response to “Como estas?” (How are you?), and
you will even hear it as you end most conversations with Ticos (term for
the Costa Rican citizens) as a casual salutation. It’s clear that simple living and enjoying life as it is dealt to you is common and core to all Ticos. I helps to live in a lush and beautiful area of the world, but still quite admirable.
Regardless, this phrase struck a chord within my inner being. I know, I
know. Here goes David overthinking things. But, hey, at least I own it, right? The
truth is, while I feel life can be so complicated and nuanced, I strongly desire
to live an authentic life or shall I say “Pura Vida”. I prefer to explore what
I don’t understand, question what could be, love freely, reduce unnecessary stressors, and try to find ways
to coexist with most people around me. On the surface it may appear to be a bit
naiveté, but I actually think pursuing moments of mini-utopia can be the
healthiest food to the soul. And let's face it, the reality
is this pursuit comes with a lot of challenges and I seemed to have faced a few
of them more this year compare to those prior. This is a prelude to a few reflections I explored
during my travels and the days following. Who knows,
maybe I’ll just maintain the PuraVida theme for all future blog posts. But, judging by my infrequent posting, the next series will occur when I take another long vacay. Either
way, stay tuned…if you'd like.
#PuraVida
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