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LIFE Really IS BETTER in Costa Rica

The Costa Ricans have it figured out... what life really is about,

and how to live a long, happy and healthy one.

The famous Costa Rican expresson "Pura Vida" is something they truly live by.  Pura Vida  (literally "pure life") means "full of life", "this is living" or "it's going great". It's used frequenty as a greeting/farewell, to express satisfaction or thank you. To Costa Ricans, it's a philosophy of community spirit, enjoying life slowly, and celebrating all of life's good fortunes, big and small.

Since I've been here, I've met many Costa Ricans (aka Ticos), from simple farmers to the very well-to-do, and they all seem to enjoy a peaceful, happy life. Friendliness is a common trait: When I pass people on the street, they make eye contact, smile and say hello, when I ask for directions, they offer to walk me in the right direction or help call a cab; after meeting someone for the first time, they invite me to their home. Attitudes are always positive, I have never heard a Tico swear, yell, argue or complain; any of these negative responses have only been witnessed from North Americans (unfortunately).  The teenagers I've seen are content, and even though some have attitudes, it's more of a cockiness, not like the angry or distracted moods of the stereotypical teens back at home. Makes you wonder...

"Road rage" in Costa Rica: the driver looks at his passenger, shakes his head with a smile and says "can you believe that guy", and they both laugh. Believe me, the driving here is insane, and any of our true Road Ragers would have a break down here.

People here value their time with friends and family. If Sunday is their family day, that would not be traded for any work opportunity. Children here are highly treasured, and are made to always feel special. It's easy to make friends, people seems genuinely interested to meet you, and I've never come across a snobby or fake Tico.

I have several active 85-90 yr men and women in my exercise classes, and come to realize that this is not unusual, Costa Ricans have one of the longest, healthiest life spans. Exercise, whether the daily walk to/from school, a moutain hike, or yoga class, feels natural and enhances my lifestyle here,  vs. at home where it was used to relieve stress of everyday life.

Costa Ricans make much lower salaries than we (North Americans) do, pay 2-3x the price for luxury items (electronics, computers,  toys, shoes...), but that does not seem to create stress for them; whereas we earn much more, have more, want more, and stress over how to achieve it.

I've also meet many ex-pats (Americans, Canadians and Europeans) who have settled here, and they all say they have no desire to go back to their old lifestyles. I now understand why, and dread going back to that life myself. I am still as busy as I was in Toronto, but am not stressed out. I have a sense of peace and calm that I've never experienced back at home. My children also are different here, they are very happy, confident, adaptable, always excited to go to school and see their teachers and friends. They tell me everyday that they love being in Costa Rica. When I return to home, I will have remember the simple lessons and not let societal expectations distract me or my kids from living the Pura Vida.

Life really is better here, metally, physcially and emotionally, and social connections are strong and meaningful. We, from the advanced, world class countries in North America, have much to learn from the  "PURA VIDA"  lifestyle.