Do the Opposite

In 1994, a very funny and very true Seinfeld episode aired where the character George Costanza decided to go against his natural intuition and do the "opposite". And he became extremely successful.

The other day I was thinking how true this was for myself this year. I've forced myself outside of my comfort zone with the 40 goals I have taken on. Jumping out of an airplane? Yikes.  Traveling to Costa Rica on my own? Shudder.  What about meeting Tony Robbins and Oprah?  Never.

Only I really did all those things....and I feel empowered.

For most of my adult life, I have talked myself out of certain experiences, opportunities and possible connections with people, simply to put them off for "another day".

 Many of us place limits on what we think we can do or cannot do - out of fear, rejection or just plain failure.

Here's the reality:  You are 100% guaranteed never to do something if you have already deemed it impossible. Sometimes that inner voice is too quiet and we need to turn the volume up on it.  The other voice that tells us all the reasons we cannot do something (what we deem as natural intuition) is too loud.

It's time to flip those voices - and instead of telling yourself all the reasons why you cannot do something, look within yourself and come up with THREE good reasons as to why it should work, and how you are going to make it happen.

Arnold Schwarzenegger was once asked by a reporter how he could accomplish so many thing in his lifetime and succeed at so much. His answer was simple: "I just looked long enough in one direction."

Things we want in life may take time - but by no means are they impossible, if you truly want them.

So take a page from George Costanza this week and do "the opposite" of what you normally do.  If you are afraid to call someone, pick up the phone and call. If you want a new job, don't just complain about it and feel you are trapped - start drafting up that resume.  And if you want to start your own business, start talking to people who have done it and enroll in a start up business seminar. 

Life's too short to limit your possibilities.

Pura Vida in Costa Rica

Caimen nestled along side of the Rainforest

It's 5: 30 in the morning, and I'm staring directly into the eyes of a caiman. I can tell it sees me but does not flinch as the boat lingers in front of it. Its mouth is wideopen and its sharp teeth are exposed. I feel unnerved as I slide further back in my seat.

"Don't worry," our tour guide Cloied Taylor tells me with a laugh, "caimans aren't aggressive."

I feel myself relax a bit as the boat continues by and I spot a white-faced monkey in the trees overhead.

I close my eyes as the warmth of the sun shines on my face, and feel gratitude to be in one of the most natural and beautiful places in the world: the rainforests of Costa Rica.

It has always been a dream of mine to visit Costa Rica and experience the culture, cuisine and, of course, the adventure the country has to offer.

It didn't take long to become used to the sight of monkeys, sloths, caimans, exotic birds and lizards - and the magnificent turtles.

I initially stayed on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, in an idealic village called Tortuguero, which can be translated as "Land of the Turtles" in the Limón province.

Boat along Tortugeuro River heading to Pachira Lodge

The beaches around Tortuguero are a key nesting site for many of the world's most endangered sea turtles. The village can only be accessed by boat or airplane. It is a fivehour drive from the capital city, San Jose, to the Tortuguero River, where I caught a boat that transported me to the village in just over an hour.

The exquisite place I am staying at is called Pachira Lodge, along the Tortuguero River and nestled in the rain forests. It offers all the comforts of home - if my home had a cascading waterfall pool, riverside bar and a luxurious spa.

Green Back Baby Turtle after hatching, heading to Ocean

The rainforests are spectacular. The national park in Tortuguero is a mustsee for anyone seeking adventure and to experience the incredible beauty of the inhabitants of its shelter. There are myriad colourful birds - such as the toucan and blue heron - the poisonous red tree frog, Howler monkeys and the Basilisk lizard, which runs across water.

Kyaking with fellow traveler Akila McConnell through Rainforest

Tortuguero's turtle conservancy centre, Caribbean Conservation Corporation, is a small museum that features various bones and specimens from the many marine creatures that inhabit the area, particularly the turtles that nest there throughout the year. Green sea turtles, which flock in amazing numbers between July and October, make Tortuguero a very important breeding ground for the endangered reptiles. The enormous leatherback turtles nest during March to October.


The food on the Caribbean side of Costa Rica is rich in texture and flavour. A typical dish consists of rice and beans (Caribbean style, of course) served with fried plantain, fresh fruit and a meat or fish dish.

My favourite was Rondon, which is a thick stew made of fish, coconut milk, prawns and vegetables. I had it served with breadfruit, a fruit that has a potato-like flavour similar to fresh-baked bread.

After visiting the Caribbean side of Costa Rica, I returned to San Jose to learn more about the emerging capital city. It's home to two million of the four million people who live in Costa Rica.

Poas Volcano

I visited Poas Volcano National Park, a 90-minute drive from San Jose. Poas is one of Costa Rica's five active volcanoes and has erupted several times over the past century.

The park contains many giant ferns and poor man's umbrella plants; their huge leaves are nearly three feet in diameter. From the crater lookout, I was able to see smoke wafting from it.

Botos Lagoon

One of the dormant craters, which is approximately 10 minutes away from the main crater, has transformed into a cold-water lagoon, known as Botos Lagoon, which flows down the mountain and feeds the Sarapiqui River. It is truly awe-inspiring.

After visiting Poas Volcano National Park, I toured a nearby coffee plantation, Doka Estate.

From seed to cup, I was able to learn about how coffee is grown and made. And a matter of interest, most of their beans are exported. However, five per cent of their high-grade beans are kept within Costa Rica.
 
In San Jose, there are many "sodas," otherwise known as a small diners/snack stops where locals dine on traditional Costa Rican dishes. There are also many takeout eateries that serve up Tacos Ticos (Costa Rican tacos), which are delectable.

No matter where I was, people were always friendly and willing to help me, especially on those days when I was a bit "Spanish challenged." The locals are laidback and made me feel both relaxed and welcomed. There is a love of life known as "pura vida," or "pure life", a common saying in Costa Rica.

Howler Monkey seen regularly on Caribbean Side of Costa Rica

However, it isn't just "pure life" in theory. As a country, Costa Rica was recently rated as the happiest place in the world by the Happy Planet Index. Some may say it's due in part to the country's history: its army was abolished in 1949, its money and focus invested more in its people. Others say it's because of the lush and green environment, as Costa Rica is nurturing its surroundings, and has plans to be the first carbonneutral country by 2021.

However, I believe it is something much simpler: It is the happiest place on earth because the people embody "pura vida" in their culture, their food and, most importantly, in one another. And it's something I hope to carry forward in my own life.

RECOMMENDED PLACES TO STAY:
 Pachira Lodge (Tortuguero), Presidente Hotel (San Jose) and Holiday Inn (San Jose).

RECOMMENDED PLACES TO EAT:
Mirador Ram Luna has breathtaking views of whole Central Valley. Serves traditional dishes and features Costa Rican dancers and fireworks.
Aurola Hotel offers beautiful views of San Jose and innovative, creative fusion food.
Mercado Central (Central Market) boasts myriad shops, including many fresh-food markets and the county's first ice cream vendor.

RECOMMENDED THINGS TO TRY:
Zip-lining, city tour, kayaking through the rain forest, volcano visit, coffee plantation tour.

BEST TIME TO GO:
Any time of year, as Costa Rica's climate is very humid and warm throughout the year.

Bring on the Adventure!

Tomorrow I will be leaving for Costa Rica - a place I have dreamed of visiting for years.  It was on my top 40 under 40 list because of the rain forests, wildlife and culture.

 

It’s a place that has always intrigued me and I can’t wait to see it with my own eyes.  I am excited to try the food and immerse myself in the culture.

I’ll be away for a week, and then it’s on to LA for the Tony Robbins Seminar. He is someone I have always wanted to meet as he has had a profound impact on my life.  The Seminar is called “Unleash the Power Within” and is about empowerment and discovering your true calling in life.  There is even a “fire walk” which people walk across at night – showing you that sometimes what seems impossible can be made possible.

After the Seminar, I plan to stay in LA for a week to do some of my other 40 under 40 goals, such as the Star Walk in Hollywood, visiting Rodeo Drive and experiencing the city’s nightlife.

Travel has always been a big part of my goals this year, and with Montreal under my belt – I can hardly wait for tomorrow’s adventure.  Wish me luck!

A Make-Over for the Mind and the Body

Although one of my 40 Under 40 goals this year doesn’t fit under adventure or travel, it is definitely risky, and something I’ve wanted to do for many years.

And that is to get a make-over.

Me Before The Make-Over

As I’ve moved through my 30’s, I seem to have slipped in to a comfort zone with my outward appearance. So much so, that my friends on Facebook who haven’t seen me in years, tell me that I look exactly the same.  I’m not sure if I should be flattered or insulted. 

It became clear to me this year that I didn’t want to be celebrating my 40^th birthday looking the same as I did on my 39^th or even 29^th.  I knew I needed a make-over, but was a bit scared of taking that leap.

However, despite my reservations, I decided to visit ARU spa and salon in South Surrey to make it happen.

Owner Aaron Oram was there to greet me and to discuss what I wanted to accomplish with my make-over for the day.   

He explained to me that when he and his business partner Derek Bodnarchuk went in to business together six year ago, they wanted to bring the mind and body together. He advised that the philosophy of ARU is to assist their clients to age gracefully by developing a sense of well-being from the inside out. Their salon believes in being eco-friendly and sustainable, and works devoutly to give back (like their recent pairing with the White Rock Hospice to create a 2012 calendar with all monies raised to go the White Rock Hospice).

It seemed like the perfect place to reassess what matters most in my life.

That’s why we began with an inside make-over that was meant to de-stress and detoxify my body. 

As I entered the dark, quiet room for the beginning of my make-over, my massage therapist, Cynthia Stephens explained that I would be receiving a warm stone massage. It is meant to draw tension and stress from my muscles and improve my circulation.

I could literally feel my stress melt away as she placed them at specific points along my spine, in the palms of my hands and on my stomach to improve the flow of energy in my body.

Afterwards, she provided a facial which helped bring attention to my skin’s needs.  I already knew that as a child of the 70’s, I had grown up at a time when lying out in the sun with coconut oil that had an SPF of 4 was considered being responsible.

There was some evidence of sun damage, along with a lack of proper moisturizing.  Stephens was quick to provide some regenerating and restorative cream that helped cleanse my skin and correct it.

When I looked in the mirror after the facial, I could see that the small lines around my eyes and forehead had disappeared. Hallelujah!

It was then time to move on to the manicure, which included exfoliation, a relaxing massage of my hands and a great dark brown polish for the fall.  My hands never looked so good.

The next step was a major one for me. It was time to do my hair.

Getting Foils at Aru with Hairstylist Sarah Kelly

Lucky for me, I was handed over to an expert hair stylist who understood my concern over any major changes with my hair. After discussing what would be good for my hair (a deep conditioner and two inches cut off my hair) she also suggested low lights to provide more colour-depth.

If you’ve ever had a whole head of foils, then you already know you are in store for some down time while you wait.  However, once the foils were removed and the hair was cut, I was instantly smitten. 

After being styled and blown dry, my hair felt light and full of body. 

One final touch was my make-up application by make up artist, Vera Muskovich.  She opted for a “smoky” eye look with purple on my eyelids (a colour I would never have chosen for myself) that made my green eyes “pop”.  She then applied a light base and dramatic blush to bring out my check bones (I wasn’t even aware I had any). A light sheen was applied to my lips at the end to balance out the dark eye colour.

When a mirror was finally handed to me for my final assessment, I hardly recognized myself.  Although it was me, it felt and looked like a new me. 

Me After the Make-Over

And when it was over, all I could really think to myself is one thing – bring on 40.