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Costa Rica Dental Tourism

What is Pura Vida?

You are here: Home / Central America & Caribbean / Costa Rica / What is Pura Vida?

//  by Lisa 3 Comments

In Costa Rica there’s a saying that permeates everyday life.

Pura Vida.

What does Pura Vida Mean?

Pura Vida literally translates to ‘pure life.’ But here, it’s used in many ways to kind of mean ‘it’s all good.’ When someone asks:

“How are you?”
“Pura Vida.”

“How’s the weather?”
“Pura Vida.”

A pretty girl or cute muchacho is “pura vida.”

Costa Rica Dental TourismWhat is Pura Vida?

It’s an attitude. It’s a feeling. It’s all good. It’s laid back. In the States we don’t really have this attitude in everything we do.

It makes me think about how we say we want to live life to the fullest, but how hard it is to actually do when we are so preoccupied with working, making more money to buy more things, commuting, running on the treadmill, and falling into bed exhausted. How do we have time to really ‘live life’ or ‘pura vida?’

Waterfalls in La Fortuna - what is pura vida

We say “stop and smell the roses” and “work to live, don’t live to work.” But it takes five seconds to say these words and then MAYBE we think about their meaning for another five seconds before our own daily thoughts, responsibilities, and to-do lists come crashing into our brain.

We fill our lives with so much crap when we need to be focusing more energy on the most important things:

  • Personal relationships with friends and family
  • Love
  • Happiness & Kindness
  • Laughter
  • Health and Self Care

Believe me, I’m writing about this, but I’m no expert and no better than anyone else and certainly get caught up in the daily BS. And if I figure out how to do this thing called ‘life’ better I will let you know. And you do the same for me.

Pura Vida.

Waterfalls in La Fortuna

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About Lisa

Lisa Lubin is an established travel/food writer and photographer, three-time Emmy® award-winning TV producer, video consultant, and travel industry expert. After more than a decade in broadcast television she took a sabbatical, which turned into three years traveling around the world. She created this blog in 2006. Lisa also owns LLmedia, a media & video consulting business. Her writing and photography has been published by American Way, Hemispheres, Wall Street Journal, Chicago Tribune, West Jet Magazine, Scandinavian Traveler, Orbitz, and Luxury Las Vegas. Her book, The Ultimate Travel Tips: Essential Advice for Your Adventures, is available on Amazon.

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Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. kevin fitzpatrick

    October 27, 2006 at 8:38 am

    Anyone as reflective as you are now, is certainly on their way to "pure vida".
    Vaya con dios amiga!

    Reply
  2. Mom

    November 1, 2006 at 9:57 am

    I think I would add your name, Lisa, to the list of difinitions for "pura vida" You really hit the nail on the head with this one! You make me reflect on my life so far and there is so much more behind me now than in front of me. I may be your Mom, but I can surely learn from you and will carry your words with me always.
    PURA VIDA, my munchkin!!

    Reply
  3. Vickie

    November 5, 2006 at 8:46 am

    Lately I've been comparing myself to my friends and realizing that I don't have the huge house, the fancy cars, the plasma tvs like they do (material stuff) and it was kinda depressing… until I started reading your blog. And realized that I already have all that I really need to be happy. Thanks 🙂

    Reply

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hi there! i’m lisa.

Lisa LubinI chucked it all – the TV job, the guy, the “normal” life – to travel around the world. I've been to 60+ countries & live a life based more on experiences. I want to inspire you to travel slowly & eat locally! MORE...

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