Looking back on my decision to move to Costa Rica

When I quit my job, sold my home and car and all of my possessions, and moved down to Costa Rica in 2011, it was pretty scary. 

Actually, it was damn terrifying.

​I had only been to my new adopted home town of Tamarindo once, knew only one friend there, had no job, limited savings, and didn't even know Spanish! 

However, looking back all these years later, it was the best decision I ever made.

I'm not going to lie to you and tell you that things are always easy in Costa Rica. Life isn't perfect, even though it is a true natural paradise. 

But, what seemed like monumental problems when I first moved there - stupid things like freaking out when the town had a blackout, trying to communicate with my baby Espanol, and surviving the rainy season all seem like romantic nostalgia now. 

Each day that went by, I became happier, healthier, and more ME, for lack of a better description, like layers of an onion.

That's why I write a whole lot about moving to Costa Rica and started this website. Sure, I want to make a buck like everybody else (but this is just a very humble side job).

But, it's more important for me to share my passion of moving to Costa Rica - or anywhere that makes you happy - when you're feeling trapped, unfulfilled, depressed (and freezing cold!) in the United States or Canada. 

I could go on and on because it really makes me happy to think that you may be following the same path, but I'll leave you with this: 

If you're like me, I can promise you that in Costa Rica...

You will slow down.
Things will be simpler.
You'll enjoy the moments more.
You'll be healthier than you've ever been in your life.
You'll smile and laugh more.
You will find your "tribe" and make lifelong friends.
Your money will go much further.
Every day, you'll appreciate what you see and experience.
You'll feel alive!
Happiness will come from people, places, and experiences - not things.
​You'll wake up thankful that you're in Costa Rica. 
It will feel right.

-Norm. :-)
​The Official Expat

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