Something that has been popping up for me this month has been how beautiful it is here, in Costa Rica. It’s been almost three weeks, and I’m realizing that while I’m on vacation, the life I’m living here can really be lived anywhere. Maybe I can’t go walk out in Wyoming in my bikini every morning, but I can put on my long johns and go for a walk in the mountains… I can choose joy.

Perspective is everything.

Sunshine and sand sure feel inviting. What about the quiet in the woods, when the snowflakes float peacefully to the ground? I know that seasonal depression is a real thing, it’s a thing that I struggle with. Honestly, I hope that every year I’ll be able to have a tropical reset like this one. A lot of the habits that have been present on this trip, are ones that I know help keep me sane during the sad season.

I saw a post recently where a dad stated that he never complains about the weather. Him and his kids go out in all of the weather. If I wake up and look at the weather, and it’s raining, I’m a lot less likely to go outdoors. If it’s windy, same. If it’s freezing, again, likely to stay snuggled up in my sweat pants and a cozy blanket. Why? Is my life goal to be on my phone seeing others live their lives? No. I want to see, and live all the things. Why do I let a little discomfort dictate that? Yesterday was a sweltering one. I almost stayed in and missed snorkeling. I chose to go instead, and I was rewarded by seeing three creatures I hadn’t seen yet while doing so. Did I get a little sun burnt, yes. Was it worth it? Absolutely. I chose to be uncomfortable, but I chose to live.

I forget how easy it is to pack a thermos. How easy it is to bundle up, or throw on some rain gear and gloves. Shoot, there are even heated vests and things now that are cheaper than a bottle of tequila…

Break the comfort bubble already.

It’s easy to let our patterns lead our life. We continuously cycle back around to the things we know, even if they aren’t really what we want. Looking back at my life, it seems like I’ve learned this lesson a thousand times. In 2014, I completed my first Spartan Race. My biggest takeaway from that was getting through the uncomfortable makes the other hard things seem to be easier to get through. There is almost always something brighter at the end of the tunnel, you just have to be willing to look for it. Here I am in 2026, realizing the same ish again. All the crummy stuff I’ve been through led me to this place, and I have to say I’m happier than I’ve been in a very, very, long time.

I’m going to continue soaking up the rest of my time here, maybe with a little extra sunscreen today, but I’m excited to get home and continue living my life how I want it lived.

How about you? How do you want to live your life?