How Costa Rica Changed My Life: The Science of Manifestation and Mindset
After my first year of college, I made a decision that completely changed the trajectory of my life.
I took a semester off, packed my bags, and moved to Costa Rica.
At the time, I couldn't fully explain why. I just knew I wanted something different. I wanted adventure. I wanted to immerse myself in another culture, become fluent in Spanish, and experience a slower, simpler way of living. It wasn't part of some perfectly mapped-out life plan. It was simply a feeling that I couldn't ignore. I’m an only child and always longed for an adventure to call my own.
Looking back now, I realize that one decision shaped so many of the ones that followed. I learned how to communicate in another language- not perfectly, but effectively and creatively. I learned how to trust myself. Getting around was not easy. I didn’t have a phone or internet and at that time Costa Rica did not have any street signs or reliable maps. The roads were full of potholes and subject to flooding in the rainy season. It made everyday an adventure. Hopping into a taxi and crossing my fingers that my Spanish and geography skills would get me to the destination.
I covered miles and miles of Costa Rica exploring every chance I had. I took the bus to Nicaragua and Panama, slept in hammocks, found sustenance with bananas, plantains, and gallo pinto.
I fell in love with Costa Rica- the nature, the people, the Pura Vida lifestyle. I felt my best in this environment and I knew that I wanted to hold on to that feeling and share it with my future family.
I've continued coming back to Costa Rica ever since. I now spend a month here every summer with our two boys. I’ve intentionally raised them to speak Spanish. What started as a semester abroad has become part of our family's identity.
People often say that I’m so lucky to live like this. I don’t disagree. It may be primarily luck, but part of it is certainly intentional. I like to share that I absolutely believe in delusional aspirations. I think our mindset is one of our most powerful tools. If we’re not dreaming about what our life could look like then we may miss the opportunity to bring it to fruition. I’m a dreamer and yet a devout science aficionado. How do we actualize our potential?
This is where science intersects with human behavior. While it’s clear that simply thinking about something does not cause it to magically appear, there is fascinating research showing that our mindset influences what we notice, the decisions we make, and ultimately the direction our lives take.
What Is Manifestation?
Manifestation has become one of the most talked-about topics in the wellness space.
Some people describe it as visualizing the life you want until it becomes reality. Others talk about vision boards or the law of attraction.
While these ideas have become incredibly popular, I think the science tells a more interesting story.
Rather than believing our thoughts alone create reality, we know that our thoughts influence our attention, our behaviors, and our choices. Over time, those choices begin shaping the life we create.
That distinction matters.
You can't simply wish your way into better health, stronger relationships, or a fulfilling career.
But you can become incredibly intentional about the person you want to become and begin making choices that align with that vision.
The Neuroscience Behind Mindset
One of the most fascinating systems in the brain is called the Reticular Activating System, or RAS.
Think of it as your brain's filter.
Every second, your brain receives an overwhelming amount of information. If you consciously noticed every sound, conversation, color, and movement around you, you'd never be able to focus.
Instead, your brain filters out what it believes is unimportant and highlights what matters most.
Have you ever wanted a new car and suddenly noticed that same model everywhere?
The cars didn't suddenly appear.
Your brain simply started paying attention because that information had become relevant.
Our goals work much the same way.
When we become clear about what matters to us, our brain becomes more aware of opportunities, people, and experiences that align with those goals.
My Costa Rica Story
When I moved to Costa Rica in college, I wasn't thinking about where I'd be twenty years later.
I wasn't visualizing spending every summer here with my children.
I simply knew that being here made me feel alive and I wanted more of that feeling.
That experience changed what I valued.
It changed the way I viewed work, rest, family, language, and culture.
Because Costa Rica became meaningful to me, I kept finding ways to come back.
One trip became another.
Eventually, those trips became family traditions.
We chose to raise our boys speaking Spanish because we wanted them to experience the same richness that comes from living in another culture. Watching them confidently chat in Spanish, play with local children, and feel at home here has been one of the greatest gifts.
None of that happened overnight.
It happened through hundreds of small decisions that aligned with something I knew was important.
What Positive Psychology Teaches Us
This idea is rooted in one of my favorite areas of research, positive psychology.
Traditional psychology has historically focused on diagnosing and treating mental illness.
Positive psychology asks a different question.
What helps people flourish?
Researchers study optimism, gratitude, resilience, purpose, and meaningful relationships. Rather than focusing solely on what is wrong, positive psychology explores what helps people live healthier, happier, and more fulfilling lives. I think of it as the study of what makes you thrive.
One practice that has consistently been shown to improve well-being is visualization.
Elite athletes have used mental rehearsal for decades because imagining success activates many of the same neural pathways involved in actually performing the task.
Visualization alone isn't enough.
But when it is paired with intentional action, it becomes incredibly powerful.
Why Mindset Matters
I talk about mindset with all of my clients at Verified Wellness. They meet with me because they are looking for personalized strategies to improve their health. They want to create a healthy lifestyle that is sustainable over the long run. Mindset is critical to accomplish this.
Mindset isn't about pretending life is perfect or ignoring hardships.
Mindset is choosing where you place your attention. Our energy flows to where our thoughts go.
It’s about believing that growth is possible.
It is taking one small step today instead of waiting until everything feels perfect.
Every choice you make strengthens neural pathways in your brain.
Over time, those choices become habits.
Habits become your identity.
Your identity shapes your future.
That is the science behind sustainable behavior change.
How You Can Apply This
Ask yourself one simple question.
Who do I want to become?
Instead of focusing only on goals, focus on identity.
Do you want to become someone who prioritizes movement?
Someone who cooks more meals at home?
Someone who feels calmer?
Someone who travels more?
Someone who is fully present with her family?
Once you're clear on the answer, ask yourself what one decision you can make today that aligns with that future version of yourself.
Small decisions repeated consistently have the power to change your life.
Bringing It Back to Wellness
This is exactly how I approach health with my clients.
We don't chase perfection.
We don't rely on motivation.
We recognize all or nothing thinking patterns.
We focus on creating small, sustainable habits that align with the life you want to build.
Whether your goal is losing some weight, lowering your risk of chronic disease, or feeling stronger, it all begins with your mindset.
Not because your thoughts magically create your future.
Because your mindset influences your behaviors, and your behaviors ultimately shape your life.
Final Thoughts
If someone had told me twenty years ago that taking one semester off college would become one of the defining experiences of my life, I probably wouldn't have believed them.
But looking back, I clearly see how making once decision created a ripple effect that continues today.
Costa Rica didn't change my life because I manifested it.
It changed my life because I chose to pay attention to what mattered, trusted my intuition, and continued making decisions that aligned with my values.
I think that's the real power of manifestation.
It isn't about wishing for the life you want.
It's about becoming the kind of person who builds it, one intentional decision at a time.
If you're ready to create sustainable changes that align with the life you want to live, I'd love to help. My 1:1 Concierge Health Consulting program combines evidence-based lifestyle medicine with personalized coaching to help you build habits that support your long-term health and well-being.
Disclaimer: The information provided in this article is intended for educational and informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Kelly Turner, PA-C, MPH, DipACLM shares evidence-based lifestyle medicine information to support health education and should not replace individualized medical care. Always consult your healthcare provider before making changes to your health, diet, exercise routine, or medications.
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