Five New Year's Resolutions

AUTHOR: Alexandra Luty

Going into a new year might involve reflection about the year that just passed and what we hope for in the coming year. For many, this consists of a move to Costa Rica in anticipation of living a better life. Here are a few resolutions that can help with this transition.

Slow Down

You have already arrived, so drive slowly with caution through town, especially where there are no sidewalks. Take in the sights while giving yourself plenty of time and space to avoid scaring any pedestrians as you come around blind corners. Take a breath and realize that you don’t need to be in a hurry anymore.

Pick up Trash

Take a bag with you on your morning walk and pick up those beer cans that were tossed out of a car by some careless teens. There is no sense in getting angry about it and not doing anything productive to fix the situation. We may not be the culprits, but we can indeed be the change.

Be Mindful of Nature

We can’t all be perfect and live in perfect harmony with our surroundings because that is not in our nature as humans (at least not yet!) Shining lights all night or playing loud music all day are just two of many ways that humans disturb wildlife. We keep the monkeys away when we let our dogs bark all day. We may have our reasons for doing the things we do; however, let’s at least try to consider all of the consequences of our actions instead of choosing the most convenient truth out of willful ignorance.

Be Mindful of Neighbors

Owning a vacation rental home in Costa Rica can be a great way to subsidize ownership of a tropical house that you only use for part of the year. Renters — especially those staying for the short term — can be noisy neighbors. Plenty of private properties can get away with hosting loud guests who want to enjoy music, but every home in Costa Rica is not ideal for this.

Enjoy the Little Things

Don’t expect the world out of Costa Rica. It is, however, a country that has plenty to give if you know where to look. There is so much here that makes it worth not worrying so hard about how long a wait time might be or wondering why your neighbors let their dogs bark all day. Be kind and open a dialogue to retain the sense of peace you came searching for here. By keeping the peace, we can all enjoy the little things more.