Gone Wild, Got Better, Going On

October 27, 2006

In the Words of Scarlet Howler:

Gone Wild, Got Better, Going On

September 2006, Go to a spa! I do not think so! I am so proud of my decision to come to Costa Rica on the “Go Wild” retreat. I solely attribute my discovery of this trip to a higher being! There were so many options ranging from week long spa trips to Holistic healing resorts, but my attraction to this trip was based on thing “It Sucks to Be Me” an article written by our own Rosemary AKA Dr. Know. I read that statement and knew the connection was there for me!

Day One - One mind, open heart, take it home! 

I am excited to take all of this home and start over. “Some People Aren’t Lucky like Us” (Lee Ann Rhymes) Some people just give up! I have always believed everything has a reason or purpose. I believe who we are is a result of where we have been and all we encounter is a step towards the next chapter of our lives.

I came to Costa Rica to relax, to breathe normal, to rekindle my lost spirit. A spirit I decided I did not need anymore. I was a self appointed hard heart permanent. My intentions were to find time alone with my thoughts, without interruptions of the constant revolution of day to day life and responsibilities. I wanted to make decisions about my next 30 years! The activities and scenery were simply an added bonus! Much to my delight I got so much more going wild in Costa Rica! I made some incredible lifetime friends who will never know the impact they have made for me.

What have I learned?

I learned the power of the pause, and how to replace my emotions!

I learned the importance of awareness; awareness of surroundings, awareness of me, and much more than myself, awareness of other people. I especially learned to be aware of all the great things I have missing.

I learned adaptability and the sheer joy of adapting-adapting to be free of the “necessities” of life. “Improvising, flexible thinking, opposite perspectives, adapting as needed...”

I learned that when joined the skills of a group create an awesome force and that my skills matter and can count more when given the benefit of others to compliment my own.

I learned that conservation of energy is essential to ride the waves and be resilient. It is essential to endurance, sustainability and survival!

Above all else I learned that a positive mental attitude is a must and my glass will be half full forever!

I learned to size up any situation, as undo haste makes waste and while realizing where I am I can vanquish fear and panic, improvise to obtain the value of life and while acting like the natives, I can live fully by my wits!

Finally, Scarlet Howler learned the howler monkey is the loudest mammal known to man and it is OK to be me! I learned I am adaptable! I learned to be complete I do not need 15 pairs of shoes, makeup, blow-dryers or even electricity!

What will I do differently? 

I will live each day with a new found spirit. I will spend time alone and with positive people. I will manage my stress with new techniques. I will spend time with my children and enjoy it!

What are my favorite memories?

My favorite memories are of the travel time we spent together, the laughter and the fun. Arenal volcano, Tabacon Springs, white water rafting, arrival at the tent camp, canopying in the jungle and watching the dolphins are all great memories.

In closing, as compared to my past, “I am Looking Pretty Good!” For the rest of my life I will come back here over and over and again in my mind to remember and for that I am so thankful!

Janelle Callahan

AKA

Tribal Member Scarlet Howler

Recent “Go Wild” Retreat Participant