Esperanza
I’ve been cocooned in Ocotal, a small beach town on the North Pacific side of Costa Rica for the past week. It is absolutely stunning here and it is providing me with a much-needed break from work, school, and that much-dreaded routine. Unfortunately, I somehow developed an ear infection due to a combination of diving courses, using a q-tip and having a poor immune system. Long story but go figure, right?! Initially, I was super bummed and upset because this means that a) I may not finish my scuba certification courses, b) I’m sick on vacation and c) my ear hurts. However, I’ve come to realize that I am still incredibly blessed and need to count my blessings. Things that I am presently grateful for:
1) The world’s best boyfriend. I’m sure everyone thinks their boyfriend rocks but I assure you that mine is cooler than yours. Just kidding…but seriously, Ali is super duper amazing. Case in point, (all within the past 24 hours) he has helped me out of a border crossing issue, made me laugh when we missed the Arenal volcano due to a rainy downpour, taken me to the doctor on the morning we were supposed to complete our dive course, and was willing to sacrifice his long-awaited fishing trip to take care of my sick ass. Thankfully, he listened to me and went on his fishing trip while I kicked up my heels, enjoyed the plentiful sunshine and gorgeous view from our room, and wrote this blog :) Thank you, thank you, thank you for bringing such a beautiful person into my life!
2) I may have an ear infection but I am still alive, may still have the opportunity to complete my lifelong dream of becoming scuba certified (and swimming with sharks!) and I am still in paradise. Speaking of lifelong dreams, a couple of years ago, I started a “bucket list”, a list of things I want to do before I kick the bucket, so to speak. Upon reviewing the list, I’ve come to realize that I have been SO lucky to have been able to cross so many items off my list. Among some of my favorites are the following: live and work in another country, go skydiving (did it on a whim with my best friend), sleep in the Sahara underneath a zillion stars, backpack through Europe, take a cooking class in Italy, adopt a puppy, become a teacher, fall madly in love, dance all night at the Full Moon Party in Thailand (twice, once with my love and once with friends!), teach a Chinese class, get my Master’s in Literacy and Law, fly in a biplane, and go on a night dive. Still looking forward to: starting my own educational charity, writing a children’s book (several ideas in the works!), starting my own family some day, complete a marathon, dive in the Cayman Islands, and completing a cross-country road trip on a Harley with a side cart. So many things to do!!
3) I have a roof over my head, food in my belly, love all around me and esperanza (“hope” in Spanish) in my heart. After reading about the devastating earthquake in Haiti, which took upwards of 50,000 lives and left millions homeless, hungry and broken, I can’t help but feel incredibly grateful for all the things I have. I hope the world can come together to help this long ailing nation in the wake of its latest tragedy. Please take some time to go to “Help Haiti Now” and donate money, food, water, medical supplies, time, whatever you can, etc. http://www.helphaitinow.org/
I took this photo in Laos a few years ago and for some reason, it always fills my heart with joy, inspiration and hope. I hope I can pass these feelings on to someone who may be in need of some joy, inspiration or hope today. Keep following your bliss…
