For me, when things get really bad, I like to remind myself of a saying I picked up in Costa Rica--pura vida. However, it's more than just a saying. It's an attitude and a lifestyle. Perhaps I should first explain that traveling throughout Costa Rica has been one of the most spiritually enriching and eye-opening experiences of my life. If you ever have the opportunity to go, DO IT. It is astounding to me that this tiny country has such endless beauty. Costa Rica truly transcends all natural beauty--rich forestry, breath-taking beaches, and mountainous landscapes--and evokes a beauty so precious that you need to go right to the heart of its people to discover it. It is an appreciation for the beauty of life itself--pure life or pura vida. In fact, often times when you ask a Costa Rican how they are doing they will answer you with the phrase pura vida which at first may seem odd or chucklesome, but soon becomes irresistible and adopts a positive attitude all on its very own.
Pura vida is much more than a greeting or a form of gratitude. It is a phase that surpasses boundaries and interweaves the richness that is the human spirit at its brightest and purist of forms. It's an appreciation for the everyday blessing of life. It's embracing the most important aspects of life--family, friends, community, generosity, humility, and love. It is finding the beauty and simple joys in life and remembering how important it is to not only to acknowledge it, but to devote our time and heart to what matters most--each other.
It's essential to always love life. Even in its imperfections, it is beautiful. We all stumble and falter, but we pick each other back up and learn from our mishaps how to love and become better people. Stay positive, stay pura vida, and live each day with a grateful heart.
A special thank you to my friends Tia and Omar for the inspiration.
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