“It’s the simple things in life that are the most extraordinary.”
This quote from one of my favorite authors, Paolo Coehlo, has occupied my mind over the past week as I venture through Costa Rica with my friends and peers from Texas A&M University. Throughout our time, we have been engulfed in the culture of a country where nature and community are woven into every aspect of life. One of the first things we learned when we got here, and something that fully describes the way of life of Costa Ricans, was the phrase “Pura Vida.” Although the phrase translates to “pure life” it also represents the kind of lifestyle that Costa Ricans live – one that cherishes the little things and makes the most of every moment. This ethos is reflected in everything here, from the locals on the street who greet you with a warm smile, to the slow and relaxed pace of life. In Costa Rica, there is a deep-rooted belief that everything will happen in its own time, quite different from the hustle culture of the United States. In the US, everything is fast-paced with an emphasis on personal achievements and individual success, especially in the business world. People prioritize short-term gains over long-term growth because it leads to gain for them both socially and economically. In Costa Rica, this is the complete opposite. The people here prioritize long-term sustainability and the relationships within their community and business partners. It is well known in the Costa Rican business world that if you are starting a business and do not emphasize sustainability or the community in some way, the customers will not be as willing to buy from you because your brand doesn’t align with their personal beliefs. This, at first, seemed otherworldly to me, a person born and raised in the United States, but looking at it now I think it is in some ways a beacon of hope for the future. After spending a week in Costa Rica, I’ve learned that true happiness comes from the simple things in life and the impact you leave on those after you.