Pura Vida

We just got back from a trip to Costa Rica. If we could describe our trip in two words they would absolutely be: “Pura Vida!”  Taken literally, it means “pure life,” but the real meaning is closer to “plenty of life,” “full of life,” or “this is living!”

Those who live in Costa Rica use “Pura Vida” as a greeting or as a response meaning, “I’m doing great!” And we were doing great as we got to experience the Pura Vida lifestyle for an entire week!  Our days were filled exploring all the country had to offer, including kayaking, zip-lining, surf lessons, hanging bridges, whale watching, hiking a volcano and enjoying all the wild animals on our daily hikes.  Every day we would look at each other and think “this is the life — it doesn’t get better than this.”

We wanted to bring something back with us to remember this beautiful country. No material item (not even their amazing coffee) would do. We realized the most important thing we could take was a little piece of the Costa Rican attitude toward life.

“Live the day — take it as it comes and don’t think about what can happen tomorrow.”

Nothing in life is perfect. It isn’t the sunshine and beautiful ocean (or any other external element) that determines your happiness. You have to make your own paradise with the people you surround yourself with and the way you live your life.

Keep that in mind every day. Here’s to Pura Vida!