Five Years Later: A Reflection on Change and Trust

It was 5:16 PM. I was sitting on my surfboard, the ocean gently rocking beneath me, the horizon painted with hues of orange and pink. The sound of the waves crashing in the distance was rhythmic, soothing, like nature’s heartbeat. The sun’s warmth lingered on my skin as a salty breeze filled my lungs. I closed my eyes, completely present in the moment—and then, unexpectedly, the tears came.

Not out of sadness, but from a deep, overwhelming realization.

Almost five years ago, I came to Costa Rica for the very first time. Five years ago, I made the decision to stop drinking alcohol.

I didn’t completely change that day, but I did.

My Sobriety:

That choice—to stop drinking—was the first ripple of a wave I didn’t yet realize I was riding. It wasn’t about becoming someone entirely new; it was about peeling back the layers and discovering who I was meant to be.

When I arrived in Costa Rica for the first time, I was at a crossroads. My life was full of achievements on paper, but deep inside, I felt disconnected. I knew I needed something to change, but I didn’t know what—or how.

Deciding to stop drinking wasn’t easy, but it felt necessary. I didn’t have a clear plan or know what life would look like on the other side of that choice. But I trusted that taking one small step forward was better than staying stuck where I was.

And so I began.

Reflections from the Surfboard:

Sitting on my surfboard five years later, I reflected on how far I’ve come. The woman sitting in the ocean, riding waves, and embracing life today feels so different from the one who first landed in Costa Rica. But at the same time, she’s always been me—just waiting to be uncovered.

The tears that fell at 5:16 PM weren’t just about the decision I made five years ago. They were about the life I’ve built since then—a life filled with strength, resilience, joy, and connection.

I realized a few things in that moment:

  • Change doesn’t mean becoming someone entirely new. It means becoming more of who you truly are.
  • Life’s most significant transformations often start with the smallest decisions.
  • Trusting the process—even when you can’t see where it’s taking you—is one of the most courageous things you can do.

 

Looking back, that decision to stop drinking wasn’t just about saying “no” to something. It was about saying “yes” to living, to discovering, and to creating a life filled with possibilities.

Five years ago, I didn’t know where that one small step would take me. But here I am, sitting on my surfboard, in the place I now call home, feeling nothing but gratitude for the journey.

If you’re standing at the edge of change or feeling the pull of something new, I encourage you to take that first step. It doesn’t have to be bold or drastic—it just has to be yours. Trust the waves, trust yourself, and know that even the smallest ripple can lead to something extraordinary.

Let’s Talk: 

If you’re standing at the edge of change or feeling the pull of something new, I encourage you to take that first step. It doesn’t have to be bold or drastic—it just has to be yours. Trust the waves, trust yourself, and know that even the smallest ripple can lead to something extraordinary.

If you’re ready to embrace your own transformation but feel unsure about where to start, I’d love to help. Through my EmpowerHER Coaching, I work with women who are navigating big life changes—whether it’s building strength, finding clarity, or rediscovering themselves.

Let’s take that first step together. Learn more about EmpowerHER Coaching here or book a free discovery call to see how we can create your next wave of change.