Without a doubt if I could choose to live in a different location, anywhere in the world, I would choose Costa Rica. I have visited the country four times and would love to live there. There is nothing like the simplicity of life there. The people are the happiest and friendliest I have ever seen. Even if they don’t have a lot, it does not matter. Life is full and abundant. Pura Vida are the words to live by, meaning pure living. I envision a small simple house near the coast, a few miles off the main road that winds into the rain forest. Lush green surrounds the grounds of the house. As the heat index for the day peaks, a small pool with blue water circulating from the waterfall invites guests to jump in and retreat. Sure that all sounds wonderful and I may have that someday. We have already made a big life change by pulling up the tent stakes and relocating our family to a tourist island here on Tybee. But I am just now beginning to get the picture that Pura Vida is a mindset not a location. Sure it makes it a lot easier if you are surrounded by people that have the same life views. However, what if I realized that each day when I wake up, I can choose Pura Vida. Ask myself how I can be a blessing to those around me and not a curse. Reaching out to those in need, smiling, choosing life, deciding to think happy thoughts instead of hateful or negative images. Thanking my Creator instead of questioning Him. I may be many miles or years from living a physical life in Costa Rica, but today I choose Pura Vida.