071 | Our Experience of Moving To Costa Rica -- All The Dirt + Details

In this episode, I share my experience of moving to Costa Rica from Canada. For some this is a much anticipated podcast episode. I talk about the reason why we moved -- including concerns about Canada's "pandemic" response and governmental control. I talk about the trucker / freedom rally and how it influenced our decision. In a way we never saw coming. I cover how and why we chose Costa Rica and the area we are in - including our many challenges along the way. Also, the residency and visa process, access to healthcare, nutritious food and availability of organic and sustainable food. I talk about access to amenitities, beach vs mountain towns, power and internet outages and dealing with the climate of Costa Rica. I share my thoughts on letting go and adjusting expectations, safety and security, language and currency, and the benefits of trading and bartering. I also emphasize the importance of being part of the community and expressing gratitude for the opportunities and abundance in Costa Rica. I also share our future plans and where we are all at currently .... 1.5 years in. Additional Takeaways:

• Living in expat areas in Costa Rica provides access to a range of services and amenities, including schools, restaurants, gyms, and holistic services.
• Choosing between living in beach towns and mountain towns depends on personal preferences, with beach towns offering a more relaxed lifestyle and mountain towns providing cooler temperatures.
• The hot and humid climate in Costa Rica can lead to mold issues, making air conditioning and dehumidification necessary for a comfortable living environment.
• Power outages and internet issues are common in Costa Rica, but uninterrupted power supplies and fast internet connections are available.
• Adapting to the Costa Rican lifestyle requires letting go of expectations and embracing the slower pace of life and the connection to nature.  Pura Vida is aptly named for life in Costa Rica!
• Respecting the local community and being mindful of the impact of expat presence on the cost of living and local resources is important.
• Language and currency considerations include the prevalence of English-speaking locals and the need for cash transactions.
• Trading and bartering are common practices in Costa Rica, allowing for the exchange of goods and services.
• Being part of the community and giving back contribute to a more fulfilling expat experience.
• Transition and integration take time, and it is important to be patient and open to the changes and growth that come with living in a new country.
• Expressing gratitude for the opportunities and abundance in Costa Rica enhances the expat experience.
• Future plans in Costa Rica may be uncertain, but being present and following one's heart's calling is essential.

Chapters

00:00. Introduction and Background 02:11. Reasons for Considering a Move 06:24 Trucker Rally and Freedom Rally 09:28. Freezing of Donated Money 11:26. Impact on Family and Decision to Leave Canada 14:43. Considering Different Countries 16:10. Choosing Costa Rica 21:58. Reconsidering Costa Rica 24:21. Choosing the South Pacific Region of Costa Rica 25:50. Involving the Children in the Decision 31:32. Moving to Costa Rica 35:18. Residency Process in Costa Rica 38:34. Access to Healthcare in Costa Rica 46:35. Private Healthcare and Dental Care 50:25. Access to Organic and Sustainable Food 53:17. Choosing a Community in Costa Rica 53:47. Access to Services and Amenities 55:12. Living in Beach Towns vs. Mountain Towns 56:37. Humidity and Mold Issues 59:01. Power Outages and Internet Issues 01:00:27. Adapting to the Costa Rican Lifestyle 01:01:52. Respecting the Local Community 01:03:18. Letting Go and Adjusting Expectations 01:06:12. Safety and Security 01:09:06. Language and Currency 01:11:44. Trading and Bartering 01:12:13. Being Part of the Community 01:13:38. Transition and Integration 01:15:05. Gratitude for Costa Rica 01:17:38. Uncertainty and Future Plans

Working With Laura + Attending Retreats:

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I have recently opened up some opportunities for women to work 1:1 with me in personal leadership coaching. This year my group programs are on pause … I can feel a deep level of 1:1 work that’s emerging for me and I’m creating as much space as possible for what’s coming through.

I have two upcoming group retreats:  April 6-13, 2024 Mexico, July 19-23, 2024 Ontario, Canada. 

Currently both these retreats are DISCOUNTED for Early Bird Rates (ends Jan 15, 2024)

I also curate 1:1 personal, 4-5 day deep-dive retreats that are intimate and powerful – here in Costa Rica. One opportunity Jan 2024. One opportunity March 2024. Contact me for more info on this and future opportunities. 

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Blessings, L