Maria, our guide on our hike up Arenal volcano, jokingly said that Costa Ricans had a fervor for life, because they never knew when the volcano would awaken from its deep slumber, and unleash its fury. As we trekked through the rainforest and climbed up giant lava boulders left behind from the last eruption, I couldn’t help but wonder if this would be the day Arenal would rise from its siesta. ‘Pura vida,’ directly translates to ‘pure life,’ or as Maria puts it, ‘Living every day like it’s your last.’ Full of life and passion.
If there is anything I’ve learned in the past year, it’s to live a purpose-driven life. Sometimes it’s difficult to follow your heart, for fear of failure, the unknown, or simply because it’s easier being comfortable. My recent trip to Costa Rica not only pushed me beyond my comfort zone (from traveling alone in a foreign country to rappelling down a 165-foot waterfall), it was one of the most exhilarating and memorable experiences I’ve had to date.







