Pura Vida

Pura vida translates to pure life in Spanish— and in Costa Rica it is the way of life! From the moment that you arrive and until the last second that you leave, you are reminded by local Costa Ricans that you should live a life that is filled with happiness and positivity!
 

All too often, we get bogged down with commitments and responsibilities that we forget to embrace the moment and experience the great pleasures of life.  This past week, I traveled to Costa Rica with students, along with a colleague and good friend, and a couple of terrific moms. What an incredible experience! Chock full of so many life lessons for both kids and adults alike, it is an immense source of pride to see our students teach one another some of life’s greatest secrets.

Check them out:


Don’t sweat the small stuff, unexpected things will happen, roll with it! Put a smile on your face and make the best of every situation. A positive attitude is key!!



Learning can take place everywhere; embrace the opportunity to continue use your brain and grow intellectually.









]Step outside of your comfort zone. Meet new people, try new foods, challenge yourself with new experiences. Be bold!


Be present. Technology is a great distractor, Put down technology and live in the moment. Engage others with great conversations and fun activities; you are building memories!

Know your limits. Take a break when you need to, step back from people or situations that frustrate you and cause negativity!



Be resilient. When something is ALL wrong, make the shift and choose to start again!







Honor people’s individuality. Just because they do things differently doesn’t mean they are wrong—it’s just different!


Be inclusive. Make everyone feel comfortable and accepted!





Share when you can, help when you can. It’s just the polite thing to do!


Be altruistic and give back. Donate your time, share your expertise and resources with others in need. It feels so great to give!
Be patient. Not everything happens on your timetable!
When you can be anything…be kind! Kindness almost always works in your favor!


There is no greater joy for a teacher than seeing students experience something new for the first time, learn new information, problem solve—and most importantly, learn life lessons that will serve them well as adults. We should all take a page out of this book!  Thanks to the following:

Karleigh, Zach, Ashley, Kara, Monica, Hector, Tyler, Cara, Alyssa, Abby, Mackenzie, Hailey and Ginger—you inspire me everyday!

Shout out to the two brave moms, Maureen and Carmen who jumped right in and helped at every turn. It was a pleasure and honor to have you join us! A big thanks to my travel buddy, Heidi, who always adds so much fun to our adventures!

Pura vida! Enjoy every moment!!




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