Everyone Has A Story

Author: Beth Sylver

In 2012, one of my yoga students invited me to join her for an upcoming retreat she had planned. She was in a difficult position because her “Exercise Person” couldn’t join her, and she wanted me to go to complete her team. I asked her when and where this retreat would be happening. She replied, “Next week, in Costa Rica.”

Costa Rica, I thought to myself… Where is that? How can I say no to this fantastic opportunity? So, I said yes!

The minute my feet hit the beach in Guanacaste, I felt a sensation that is hard to describe. Somehow, my heart told me that this country would someday be my home.

When I returned from my amazing adventure, I told my husband we needed to return to Costa Rica as soon as possible. I felt a strong calling to come back, and I knew that we had some exploring to do together. We made plans and returned in April of 2013. We began our travels in the Northern region of the country and ended our journey in Uvita. 

Once my feet touched the sandy beach of Playa Hermosa, I felt that feeling again, only 1,000 times stronger. This place, right here, will be our future home. 

We visited a few more times over the next two years and checked out other areas of the country, some of them very remote. We chose different times of the year to see how the seasons and weather conditions changed. Every time I got on the plane to head back to the US, it became harder and harder to leave. 

After many lengthy discussions, we made the grand decision to sell the farm and move to Costa Rica! So, we did!

In early February 2015, we began packing up our world and saying goodbye to family and dear friends. I had a wish to be officially moved to our new home in Costa Rica before Valentine’s Day. We made that wish come true, and I cannot believe that this February 14th will be our 7th Valentine’s Day living in the most beautiful place I’ve ever been to.

Some of you reading this might be having similar feelings or thoughts. My recommendation is to visit here many times and imagine “living” here and not being on vacation. Take your time with your decision, and follow your heart!