What a way to learn yourself in the most accepting place of peace

I think I had the right idea coming here with little to no expectations. I did not realize how much pressure we had in the States to be or not to be many things on a daily basis. I was fueled by appreciation from the start based on overcoming so many odds as a woman of color doing something this crazy, like moving to another country. I chose Costa Rica based on the support from Travel Bud from the very beginning. I want to take this moment to recognize Kim as a huge part of why I continue to let the Pura Vida lifestyle guide me as I learn myself in the most accepting country of inner peace. Another shout out to Adam for his vulnerability in his journey allowing me to know at that time of my life when I needed clarity, the high mountains on this island would give me the perfect view to do so. I can not tell you all of these perfect things that are amongst the forests' green trees and clear waters, the peculiar creatures that you MUST learn share a space with and the amount of rice and beans you will eat, because sometimes it has not been perfect at all. However every day that I wake up in this small town I feel the spirit of the simple life I was told about and no it is not always ideal to not have one-day Amazon shipping for hair products or CHIPOTLEEE, God do I miss those things, BUT I have never been able to understand myself more than I have all my life. From the small precious moments tucked away in Pura Vida in the classrooms to the solitude with the waves, to the bright smiles of women in the local sodas, or the gentlemen that let you cross the road in these crazy streets or the giggles from your little students when you pronounce some Spanish wrong. It really has brought out the best versions of myself and for that, I get the chance to say I know how to live in gratitude every day because of this experience. If you don't believe me, you'll just honestly have to take a chance and come see for yourself. I promise the country won't disappoint you.