Over the course of 9 months in 2017, my partner and I sold all of our possessions, including 2 vehicles, and a house full of stuff. In order to sell the house for its maximum value, we also completed 3 months of renovations that had been lingering for over 3 years. We wrapped up 2 businesses and left a town and tight knit community that we both cherished. We did all of this in order to seek out a life of freedom, away from the hustle and bustle of the 9-5 life, but most importantly, we did it so that we could travel. This is our story…….
Wow! This last couple of weeks has been a bit of a whirlwind!
Two weeks ago our plan was to finish our housesitting gig here in Matapalo, Costa Rica on December 30th. We had booked ourselves into Spanish School up in San Juan del Sur, Nicaragua from January 7th-13th. But that was it, that was our plan, at least in the immediate future. Beyond that we had a rough idea to head up into the mountains here in Costa Rica, to work on our friends farm, and help him to get some projects finished that he has been needing to do. But that was a loose plan, nothing was set in stone, and we pretty much could have just showed up anytime that we wanted to.
We had also been applying to some more housesitting jobs, but nothing was confirmed, and we had been researching WWOOFING opportunities here, but again, nothing was really decided.
We weren’t really worried about our futures. We had a short term plan, and knew that we would just figure the rest out as it came along. As stated before, we want to be open to new experiences, and allow things to flow our way, without constructing our future too much, and over committing ourselves.
We want to be able to say YES, when an awesome opportunity comes our way!
Well, I can tell you that that is exactly what happened!
********************************************************
While walking the dogs on the beach one evening, we discussed the fact that we only had a few days left here. We both felt sad that our stint at Playa Matapalo was coming to an end. We had grown to love this place, we had made friends, we had built community. We didn’t feel like we were ready to go, and we both verbalized this. We finished our walk, and didn’t think much else of it.
Around this time we had also learned that a German man that we had made friends with, suddenly had to leave the area, and it wasn’t clear when he was coming back. He has three dogs, of which had become quite fond of us, and a small Cabina Rental with only 2 units. Immediately we offered to step in to feed the dogs and take them for walks, plus put them in their house at night. But over the course of the next few days, we started a conversation with him about possibly taking over managing the cabina rentals as well. Christmas was coming and his bookings were full, cancelling them would mean a huge loss to him.
Of course, this meant that we would get to stay here longer, and our wishes would be fulfilled. But it also meant that we had the chance to make some really good money, which is never a bad thing! However, it also meant that we had to cancel our Nicaragua trip, but really, that isn’t a big deal. We will go to Nicaragua another time, when we are meant to.
*********************************************************
The irony was not lost on us that this was another instance of verbalizing our wishes, and having them come true. This has happened to us over the course of this entire year. We manifested the buyers of our house, we manifested our housesitting job here in Costa Rica, and now we have manifested a longer stay here in Matapalo.
We are also fully aware that the reason this opportunity came our way, is because we were open to it. It’s because we have freed our life up in a way that we CAN say yes to any and every good opportunity that presents itself. It’s the reason that we are trying to not over plan, and over commit to our futures. We are very much living in the moment, and it is paying off in a big way!
************************************************************
One question you may ask is “What do you know about managing Cabinas?”
The answer is simple: Literally Nothing!
But you know what? We are willing to try. We are willing to give it a go, to learn how to do it along the way. We are willing to make mistakes and learn from them, but most importantly we are willing to take risks, and have new experiences.
This job comes with a lovely Tica (Costa Rican) lady that knows most of the ropes. She has been able to guide us and show us the way. Communication has been interesting, but thankfully I know enough Spanish to get us by, and she has been very patient with us. If it’s clear that I don’t understand what she is saying, she will show us in a different way. Together we are making this work, together we are learning as we go. Not too mention, of course, our owner is only a message away if there is anything that we really need to know.
And the best part of this job is that we get to meet other travellers! Connecting with people from around the world, makes me incredibly happy! This is exactly what I wanted to do while travelling, not only meet the locals of where we visit, but connect with other travellers from around the world, creating a network of like-minded individuals who love to travel.
***************************************************************
And so, here we are! Entering 2018 in a way that we never anticipated or imagined! We don’t know exactly how long we will be here, but we are definitely loving each and every day as it comes!
I will leave this message with these wishes to all of you:
LIVE YOUR DREAMS IN 2018!
FOLLOW YOUR PASSIONS IN 2018!
LIVE THE BEST LIFE POSSIBLE IN 2018!
Because I can assure you, that you, and only you, are responsible for your choices and doing what makes you happy!
Life is short, lets get busy! Take the risks! Go on the trip! Do that thing that you have always wanted to!
I can assure you that you WILL NOT regret it!
I hope that life brings you peace, love and happiness in 2018.
Make this your best year yet!!
With gratitude and love,
xo Jill
Thanks for reading! Please know that above all else, I aim to inspire others to just get out and see the world. Traveling is such an enriching experience, and I can’t even comprehend how much it has shaped me as an individual. If you have ANY questions, or need travel advice of ANY kind, PLEASE don’t hesitate to email me at the address below! I will do my very best to help you in any way I can!
Xoxoxo Happy Travels!
Current Location: We are managing a Cabina on the beach at Playa Matapalo, between Quepos and Dominical, in Costa Rica. If you are travelling in the area, please get in touch! We would love to connect with fellow travellers!
To head back to the beginning of our journey, and the moment we decided to do this, click here.
To see more photos, and to follow our progress on Facebook, please follow our Facebook page Just Some Wandering.
Please follow my Instagram Page Just Some Wandering by clicking on the bottom right hand corner of this feed.
To learn about where I have previously traveled, visit my Countries Page.
To see all of my blog post headings on one page, head over to my Blog Post Menu.
To email me directly, please do so anytime at jillamatt@me.com.
Just Some Wandering 
Well done minstrels 🙂 Quite inspirational !!
LikeLiked by 1 person
Thanks Alan!! Hope all is well with you and Happy New Year!!
LikeLike