Sumpin' Witty

The pace of life feels sluggish from the heat and humidity, the days feel slow (and so does the service) forcing you too to slow down, relax, get into the Pura Vida vibe. And at first it is so seductive.   You feel changed and liberated. Life feels more raw here, there is nature everywhere and all of the Costa Ricans you interact with on your two week vacation are just so happy and friendly. Did you know that Costa Rica made the list of the ten happiest countries again this year? You tell all of your friends when you get home, tan, sunkissed, and transformed by the tropical heat, the life pumping through you from the unfiltered beauty of the land.   And so you think you will move there, live that way always, really immerse yourself in the laid back, easy going lifestyle of Pura Vida.   Over the past twelve years I’ve watched person after person, seeker after seeker come to Costa Rica thinking that this place will change them, fix them, rescue them, save them a...

A dear friend of mine recently shared this poem with me. It was written in 1927 by the poet and philosopher Max Ehrmann, although he did not receive credit nor acclaim for it until much later. My friend gave me the poem and said she uses it in times when she needs to be reminded of certain ideals and ways to live life. Max Ehrmann wrote it for himself "because it counsels those virtues I felt myself most in need of." Funny how almost 100 years later this poem is still aptly fitting to life. I can't stop reading it myself, so I thought I would share it with you. Desiderata Go placidly amidst the noise and haste, and remember what peace there may be in silence. As far as possible and without surrender be on good terms with all persons. Speak your truth quietly and clearly; and listen to others, even the dull and ignorant; they too have their story. Avoid loud and aggressive persons, they are vexatious to the spirit. If you compare yourself with others, you...