Having a Vision

Having a Vision

“An Essential to Living a Fulfilled Life”

While in Costa Rica, I spent a lot of time with two different friends who moved here 25 years ago when they were in their late 20s. Having been an expat twice myself (though never in a developing country), I know firsthand that expats face unique challenges depending on where they land. From the stories I’ve heard—many of which are wildly entertaining—Costa Rica has more than its share.

These two friends have a lot in common, including certain traits—like grit and determination—that have helped them not just survive, but thrive here. But the commonality that really struck me was this: both of them came to Costa Rica with a clear vision. And not only did they pursue that vision—they’ve largely realized it.

Interestingly, both visions revolved around environmental conservation. One of them dreamed of buying and protecting one of the last major undammed rivers in Costa Rica, along with thousands of acres of rainforest around it. The other envisioned safeguarding primary rainforest on the Osa Peninsula and creating a wildlife corridor linking Corcovado National Park to the southeast of the peninsula.

But I don’t think the specific content of their visions is the point. What matters is that they had one. And my gut tells me that if they hadn’t had a vision—something bigger to work toward—they probably would’ve left Costa Rica long ago.