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- Stop "should-ing" on yourself
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To should or not to should! That is the quesiton.
Close your eyes.
Actually…keep them open because you’re reading.
But pretend you’re closing your eyes and quiet your mind.
Think of the last time you felt that tiny pang of guilt or anxiety because you weren’t doing something you should do.
You know. Like:
You should exercise.
You should organize that cluttered closet.
You should put in extra hours at work.
You should finish that book you started a month ago.
You should sign your kids up for the local sports club.
You should make sure they’re reading ahead and practicing extra math.
Now, take a moment and think: How do all those “shoulds” make you feel?
Now, set those “shoulds” aside. Pause them. Let them melt away.
Instead, think about what lights you up.
Think about what you want to do.
Not because it’s productive or impressive.
Not because it’s on someone else’s checklist.
But because it fills you up with joy.
Permit yourself to follow that feeling, even if it doesn’t “fit” with everything you think you’re supposed to do, or what other people tell you you’re supposed to do.
What would you do?
What would your life look like if, starting today, you chose to trust and follow that inner voice?
Take a deep breath. And remember, there are no shoulds.
This is your life. So, make it one that feels deeply yours.
-Ashley
Costa Rica
I’m writing you from one of my favorite places—Costa Rica!
This is my third trip to Costa Rica, and here’s what gets me: every trip I’ve taken to this incredible place in Central America has been wildly different.
It’s a new experience every time I come.
The first time I came here was with my BFF, Jean. We spent time in La Fortuna, hiking around the volcanos, visiting the Arenal bridges, and trying to find sloths (I think we were in the wrong place). We also went on a v. boring kayaking tour of the mangroves. Do not recommend.
Next, I visited the Guanacaste region with the family. We were thinking of moving there and wanted to check it out. We visited in the dry season, and it was…warm, gorgeous, and full of water activities.
I’m here in Costa Rica today for a business retreat. It’s the rainy season, and this is the most green I’ve ever seen. It’s a special kind of wonderful.
If you’re looking to check out Costa Rica, here are my main takeaways:
Go and go often. Woot!
Research the season so you know how to pack. It’s not always sunny.
Research the area so you know how to pack. There are lots of climates here.
Don’t forget sunscreen. Costa Rica is real close to the equator.
Don’t forget a raincoat. You never know when it will pour.
Prep your cameras to film wildlife. Capture monkeys, sloths (maybe…I still think they’re like a snipe. I’ll believe they’re real when I see it), coati, and grasshoppers the size of bats.
Try a night tour. Rainforests come alive after dark! You’ll spot nocturnal creatures like frogs, snakes, and big-eyed kinkajous.
Taste the coffee and chocolate. Costa Rica is famous for both. Book a tour to see how they're made and sample the best local brews and sweets.
Get a 4-wheel drive rental car (if you can handle the roads). Public transport is available, but a car gives you the freedom to explore harder-to-reach spots. Don’t get a dinky car. Get one that can drive on bumpy roads.
Bring water shoes. Perfect for rocky beaches, waterfalls, and hot springs. You’ll thank me later!
Check out the waterfalls. Costa Rica has incredible ones like Rio Celeste, Nauyaca, and La Fortuna. They’re worth the hike.
Eat at a soda. Local diners, called sodas, serve authentic, affordable Costa Rican meals. Try the casado or gallo pinto for breakfast!
Beware of sunburn in cloudy weather. The tropical sun is strong even on overcast days, so apply sunscreen often. I’ve made this mistake and it’s not fun.
Book activities in advance during high season. Spots like Monteverde Cloud Forest Reserve and popular tours can fill up fast in peak season.
Be mindful of wildlife etiquette. Admire the animals from a distance and avoid feeding them. This keeps them safe and wild.
That’s all I can think of for now.
Ashley
Check out Costa Rica at its finest
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