A Single Woman Retired in Costa Rica

Meanwhile, a downsized (sustainable) lifestyle is being modeled for me by my Tico neighbors.

By using their ways instead of importing American habits, I can keep my expenses very low -- like the Ticos. I have learned how to accept low water pressure, cold water detergent, hot water demand shower heads, simple unprocessed foods, year around fresh gardening, minimal appliances. (I have no hot water heater, dishwasher or clothes dryer).

I don't need heating or air conditioning and a simple ceiling fan helps move the air when it gets a bit too warm and also helps keep the flying bugs at bay.

I admit that I kind of backed into this sustainable lifestyle, but it's a perfect fit. And I've discovered that my sustainable life is also downsizing my fear.

1. Fear of losing money. You can't lose what you don't have.
2. Fear of stock market losses. Ditto.
3. Fear of identity theft and losing money in bank accounts. Ditto.
4. Fear of falling and being wiped out financially due to lack of health care? As soon as I have my residency I will be covered by Costa Rican national health care plan with no exception for pre-existing conditions. Meanwhile -- medical/dental care is about 1/4 of the cost in the states.
5. Fear of having enough money to pay for pharmaceuticals. I stopped taking all prescription medications when I moved here.
6. Fear of illness. With all the fresh vegetables, fruit and fish here I have not been ill since I arrived. Plus, my good diet has resulted in about a 30 lb. weight loss.
7. Fear of lack of food and water. My garden is now producing organic vegetables and fresh fruits are very inexpensive. Local fish, eggs, poultry and pork are inexpensive and very good. My water comes from a spring right above me and costs about $3/month.
8. Fear for personal safety. Gun ownership here is rare and I feel very safe in my Tico house in my Tico neighborhood. If you don't look like you have anything to steal you aren't as likely to be robbed.
9. My fear of isolation is helped when I know I can meet friends in more intimate settings so that I can hear better. My little dog, Seurat can alert me to any strange sound in the night and I can always drive down the hill to Billy's or Anita's if I need to be with neighbors. Frank and I talk twice a day by phone if we don't see each other. My internet is pretty reliable and Skyping is great! And - the pounding rain or encasing clouds that make me feel so alone always end.

So now I find myself in a tranquil, sustainable life juxtaposed against a very insane world. Is it possible to embrace both the beauty and the apparent madness? Yes -- if I feel like I can somehow help and also know how to find peace. Within.

I can help by offering a place for people to come to experience this Tico way of life that can inspire new visions, ideas and hope. I offer a timeshare opportunity on my website as well as watercolor workshops.

Having people come is a win-win for me. Besides the money generated that has enabled me to build the cabinas and studio, I have benefited from getting to know some great people and being able to see this place anew through their eyes. And they tell me they have had their eyes opened to new possibilities for living! Win win!

Embracing the madness is more of a stretch! But I have a way. Nature. I can walk out my front door to talk with my parrots, tend to vegetables or sit on my deck to look out over the hills.

At Frank's organic farm I can walk with him to see the new plantings, pick some biriba or appreciate a speckled tanager on the bird feeder. And peace sweeps over me.

I understand that I truly am powerless to change much of what is steamrolling ahead toward the precipice. But if I am, as I believe, a part of this interconnected web of life, my quiet and peaceful heart is helpful to the whole. And that gives me hope.

Frank has a phrase he likes to repeat after hearing about another instance of world insanity. "Front Row Seats!" Here in this beautiful place we have front row seats from which to watch - in peace and without fear.

Jan Hart - Retired in Costa Rica

Written by VIP Member Jan Hart who is an American artist/teacher/writer living in a little Tico house above San Isidro de El General in southern Costa Rica. Jan has built a studio and two cabinas at her home and offers watercolor workshops and adventure opportunities described on her www.JanHart.com website which you can see here.

Jan's workshops are open to all levels of experience and include opportunities to see and experience the life she lives. Her book, The Watercolor Artist's Guide to Exceptional Color is a widespread favorite among watercolor painters and published in 5 languages. Jan's 200+ page ebook about her first year in Costa Rica, What Do You Mean I Can't Move to Costa Rica? Is available through WeLoveCostaRica.com here.

If you have a serious interest in buying a home, a farm or land that's for sale in the San Isidro area, please contact our Recommended Costa Rica Realtors: Daveed Hollander, James Drews and John Wieland, by using the simple form below: