Stepping In to Pura Vida “pure life” through a move abroad and the unexpected diagnosis of breast cancer with Jennifer Sullivan
In this episode, Kara steps in with Jennifer Sullivan, a beautiful woman who (with her husband) made the exciting and courageous decision to move their family to live in Costa Rica. Jen shares that they had 3 dreams for their kids: to become confident world travelers, speak another language and know that life isn’t only suburban US. Their story took an unexpected turn when she was diagnosed with breast cancer days before selling their home and making the move. Kara and Jennifer explore the decision to move anyway, the journey through breast cancer with her family living in 2 countries and the deep depression she experienced beyond her healing. They talk about the humility of occupying the position of needing and receiving when the needs go beyond a round of casseroles. Jen shares beautiful stories of living and being in a completely different culture and the lens of perspective she discovered by being the minority.
Highlights:
It’s easy to get stopped in fear with so many unknowns. Faith has to be greater than fear.
The beauty and generosity of community (beyond the casseroles)
Learning the balance of giving and receiving
Be inspired as Jen allows us to step into the world of Costa Rica and PURA VIDA “pure life”
Coming back caused her family to unpack the extreme programming of all the things you are “supposed to be doing”.
Bringing the slow-down of Costa Rica back into this culture
Say no. Be intentional about what’s really important to you (not what it will look like on social media or in the Christmas card, on a college app).
Know what makes you happy and what doesn’t.
In the aftermath after treatment Jen experienced deep depression, a loss of self-worth and negative scripts looping in her mind.
Who you are vs. What you do
Jen vulnerably shares how she hid the feelings of depression from most people and a few ideas on ways she coped during this time.
Quotes:
“Asking for help is a gift.”
“There are so many different ways to do the right thing. What’s right for you and your kid?”
“I didn’t want stupid cancer taking away our dreams.”
“If you think you can or you think you can’t, you’re right.”
Episode Resources:
Pura Vida: Pura Vida is the national motto of Costa Rica and it sums up everything I am going to miss about it. We’ve lived in Costa Rica for two years and Pura Vida has permeated my soul.
Literally translated, Pura Vida means “simple life” or “pure life,” but in Costa Rica, it is more than just a saying—it is a way of life. It means being thankful and not dwelling on the negative. It means no worries, no fuss, no stress. It’s an emotion. It’s an attitude. It’s happiness. It means let your worries go, everything will get done in due time. It means let go of the things you can’t control. Enjoy the world around you. Live in the moment that is right now. It’s an inherent part of the Costa Rican culture and I want to figure out how to recreate it so I can take it with me, wherever I go. -written by Jennifer Sullivan and Bev Gray
Connect with Jennifer:
Jen is a travel junkie and now, an entrepreneur. She developed her expertise and her unique ability to create extraordinary experiences by working for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company for 20 years. Now she is the owner of a boutique travel consultancy, J. Sullivan Advisors, and the co-founder of a luxury experiential retreat company, Encore Retreats.
Jennifer and her husband have welcomed friends and family into seven different homes in two different countries while raising their kids to be confident and conscientious world travelers. They currently reside in Richmond, Virginia but who knows where they will end up next!