Over the past 4 months, I had the privilege of being able to travel around Costa Rica (CR). [To see my travel logs, you can view those images on social media through Instagram or Facebook.] Without trying to sound cliche, but while also being honest, it was an amazing adventure that has and will continue to have a huge impact on my life. My time in CR not only reinforced ideas and notions I had previously of the world, Americans/Westerners, and myself in said world, but it also provided me with the time and space necessary to transform into this next phase of myself. A side that I feel like I have been missing and longing for, for way too long.
I am at that point in my life (I am currently 42, almost 43 years old), where I am realizing just how valuable time really is, as half of my life has passed me. Did you ever think about how time is a non-renewable resource? Every second you spend doing whatever is one second that you will never get back, ever. I thought about this a lot in CR. I think I was having my own existential crisis, but I was ok with that, because I knew that I was not fully happy when I arrived to CR. I knew that things in my life had to change, but I was not fully aware of how or what exactly had to change. So, I did what I could and I gave myself the time to think, process, and begin to work through the deeper levels of trauma and pain that my body had been storing. I began to further peel those layers back, so I could understand the how’s and why’s of my life. I used the tools that presented themselves to me-a therapist, energy healers, body workers, workshops, friends, solitude, and mother nature to further investigate and care for myself in all the ways possible. I showed myself how much I really loved myself, and in becoming more aware of myself, I saw that I had a pattern of taking care of myself and that this behavior was my normal.
Everyday I was in CR I felt grateful. I felt grateful for my surroundings, the ocean, the sea, the mountains, the people, the friends I made, the food I ate, the herbs, fruits & vegetables I picked and created meals from, my parents & friends that helped me navigate between continents, the butterflies, hummingbirds, and creatures I admired, usually from afar. Everything played a role in helping me find me, or should I say, reconnect with the parts of me that had laid dormant for some time.
And, here I am world, ready for what lies next. I am not sure what that is exactly, but everyday, I know I am getting a little closer.
[Side note: I ask that you please be patient with me. I do want to share more with you about all of those topics I mentioned above, but it may take some time as they could present themselves as art works, performances, writings, or events. And these things not only take time to develop, but money as well. If you think you can assist me in some way, please reach out via email or phone. I am open to travel, so let’s talk!]