Find That Place That Shapes You

by Jessica Zickefoose
Last updated: 11:35 AM ET, Fri December 7, 2018

Image: PHOTO: Federico Gutierrez of Costas Verdes planting trees along the Pacific coast in Costa Rica. (Photo courtesy of Jessica Zickefoose)

One of the first memories I can recall in my life happened when I was about four. While I can't remember every small detail, I remember exactly what I took away from it all-no matter what you do in life, you must make it to see Paris. I can't explain why the city of love fascinated me at such a young age, but looking back on it, I think it was nothing more than the big-vastly different than what my young, bright eyes were accustomed to seeing-structures and bright lights.

Fast forward 26 years and the dream is still going strong. Well, it was until literally seven hours ago. If you were to ask what changed my dream, the answer is simple-a tree. Seems ridiculous, right? We all have that place or event, or object even, that shapes us and gives us a completely different outlook on life. That tree happened to be what did it for me.

Costa Rica is honestly one of the most beautiful places I've ever had the privilege of experiencing. If the lush, green rainforest isn't enough to draw you in, the lifestyle and kindness of the locals will.

For two days I stayed at Los Suenos Ocean & Golf Resort, a very welcoming Marriott property situated right along the beautiful Pacific coast. On my last day there we had a planned activity with a non-profit organization called Costas Verdes. Since 2009, they've had a vision of restoring the environment and bringing wildlife back to the degraded beaches of Costa Rica. How do they do this? They plant trees.

The man who spearheaded the experience was named Federico, and the passion pouring out of him for doing what he loves and values was something I haven't see in a very long time. Costa Ricans absolutely love their environment with a fierceness I have yet to see in the states. So there I was, standing on a beach in one of the most beautiful countries I've ever seen, with a new appreciation for the world.

I wanted to be that passionate about something in life. I wanted to help the environment. I just wanted to feel the pure joy the locals seemed to feel literally every day. Costa Rica isn't known for being wealthy, many people here don't have much, but it's what they know and it's what they love.

Some people may go to Milan for the fashion scene. Some may go to Paris for the breathtaking architecture and the romance in the air. Others may head to Australia for the amazing wildlife and insanely big insects. Maybe London and the many historic sites your favorite books mention is your passion and reason for travel. And all of that is okay, as long as you're doing it because it is what you're passionate about.

I've been very humbled by my time in Costa Rica and realized that travel is a luxury not everyone gets the opportunity to experience. Do I still want to feel the glamorous lifestyle of Paris, absolutely. Is it my top travel destination still? Absolutely not.

Ideally, I want to visit the less fortunate countries. I want to help the people build their environments in any way that I can. I want to visit those small villages full of children who don't have much on their backs, barely anything in their bellies, but the biggest smiles across their faces that you've ever seen. Those are the people I want to help, and those are the places I want to experience.

The luxury of travel has been given to me and I want to make the most of it. While my dream has changed, yours doesn't need to. You can still see the places you want and do the things you love, but you can also do more if you choose. Next time you're traveling to a different country, look into organizations that help the locals, whether it be improving the environment, visiting local school children or something else entirely.

The opportunity is always there, we just have a tendency to overlook it. Try it just once and I guarantee something inside of you will completely change. Something inside of your brain will just click and you'll be a better person. You have nothing to lose and others have everything to gain.

Keep searching. Find your passion. Find that place or person that shapes you into the better person you know you can be. Keep traveling until you find it. Once you do, never stop traveling for it.

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