Leaving the United States

How We Moved to Costa Rica

This is the story of the Morris family and how they listened to their hearts, packed up their life, and followed their dreams right to the heart of Central America. The fresh and candid voice of the author takes the reader on a journey of a lifetime through the process of moving from the United States to Costa Rica.

About The Book Get it - $4.99

About The Book

This is the story of how one day we allowed courage to rip us wide open to possibility, decided to move to Costa Rica, and how we did it..

At one time or another, everyone has dreamed of greener grasses and sunnier shores. The appeal to "get away from it all" is reinforced in our society as the solution to the rat race of mainstream living. The media and movie-making imagery entice us with the proverbial carrot, of a life that seems so close but always out of reach. We remain compliant to the societal conditioning that demands we follow the formula toward the American dream. But beneath the surface lurks the embers of our burning desires to live an extraordinary life.

We settle for our daydreams that leave their mark on our hearts and minds. Eventually, daily life or current events bonk us on the head and bring us out of our fantasia and back to our current reality. But is this the reality that you really desire and long for in your heart of hearts? Or is it the one that you tell yourself "it will just have to do"?

Moving to a tropical paradise seems reserved for the rich and famous and the reckless and wild. It seems overwhelming and scary; a stone better left unturned. The fact is though, people do it all the time. They always have, and they always will. Are you curious how they make it happen for themselves?

We are a regular family with a kid and a dog, and we did it! We live in Costa Rica, and it was not complicated getting here. This matter-of-fact account mixed with personal reflection of how we moved to Costa Rica will help dispel the fears you may have surrounding your desire to live the life of your dreams. Come join us on our adventure as we guide you through our story and process.

Through our story you will find guidance in how we:

  • Worked through the emotional stress of making hard decisions and leaving family
  • Got answers to the questions about the process of moving to another country
  • Clearly identified goals
  • Downsized and decluttered
  • Identified fears and obstacles keeping us from success
  • Established clear, concrete action item lists
  • Created a timeline projection & schedule with measurable milestones
  • Currently live the life we designed

With only one life, the time is now to choose your best life, no matter where you are on the planet. The fact is, we create our reality, whether we realize it or not. So, why not begin taking action to create your life on purpose?!

"Sometimes what you're most afraid of doing is the very thing that will set you free."

Reviews

4.8/5 (9 Reviews)

Michelle Breuner

It is a must read for anyone thinking of relocating to a different country as well as a great read for all of us dreamers

Written with such wisdom, compassion and humor. It is a must read for anyone thinking of relocating to a different country as well as a great read for all of us dreamers. The best ex-pat story I've ever read. Completely entertaining as well as detailed on "how to do it". This is a can't- put-it- down page turner for everyone.

Jonathan K.

This is a no holds barred, heartfelt discussion of the process of moving from the USA to Costa Rica. In particular, the Morrises' personal experience with "do's and don't's" of the move are invaluable.

There are other good services offering assistance with moving, but they don't approach the process as holistically as does Shawna. You aren't just relocating; you're changing cultures and lifestyles. You need to plan carefully and completely for your new life.

This book is a must-have for anyone contemplating a move to another country.

N. Boat

Shawna Morris has created the perfect introduction to creating a life in Costa Rica, or in other parts of the world, for that matter. Many of us have aspirations and dreams that somehow seem to get lost in the crazy shuffle of our lives. Shawna and her family have shown us how they threw caution to the wind and acted on their dreams, going forward with humor and gusto, relating practical guidance on the process, while remembering, they will not just be impacting themselves, but the community they have moved to.

Litaliscious

Fun and informative!

This story is both informative and fun to read. Shawna made me laugh a few times with her easy going sense of humor! The information is real, honest, and very inspiring! Lots of important points to consider when you are considering moving to another country...the Morris's break it all down into manageable steps!!

Paula Kat-Freidman

Fun and informative!

What a charming and at the same time very practical book. Nothing really new for anyone who has made this transition as I have, but seeing the organisation of thoughts, useful tables and checklists in print makes me remember just how complicated this process can be. I can recognize many of the steps they had to take and verify that anyone contemplating a similar move is well served by emulating their example.

Shawna's whimsical asides and droll humour adds life to what could have been a dry text book.

JWhitley

Thank you Shawna!

I feel renewed energy to get my dream of living abroad moving again! Your comments/recommendations for making all the lists and setting goals have inspired me out of the complacency that has plagued me. I especially liked reading about how you downsized and got your possessions organized for the move-probably one of the biggest things holding me back after 47 years of collecting crap. Thanks again! Hope to share a Mango with you some day...soon

Kirin Elliott

Great information for families planning to move across the state or out of the country, not just Costa Rica. Full of many useful tid-bits to make the transition easier. Written with wit and a sense of humor, this is an easy read!

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Shawna Morris
Mother, Writer, Artist, Singer, Smoothie Addict...

Thriving in Costa Rica, Shawna has the luxury of daily inspiration to infuse her pursuits of happiness in writing, singing, fine art, cooking, and connecting with her friends and family. Her latest passion is sharing with others about creating the life of their dreams, no matter where they live.

Before moving to Costa Rica Shawna worked as an occupational therapist since 1997, with a specialization in neurology and adult physical rehabilitation. Embedded in her degree is training and experience in psychology, specifically in counseling patients and family members to establish personal goals, maintain motivation, cope with loss, manage stress, and achieve a greater sense of joy and peace in their lives. A natural born caregiver, she has an innate ability to connect with an individual and assist them toward a fuller expression of life. She brings unique perspective, humor, and encouragement to her relationships.

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Caution: this book may cause you to wake up and dream out loud!

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I value your feedback and hearing your story. Please take the time to share with me, and I promise to respond as soon as I get out of the hammock.
Pura Vida!