Choosing Peace

Gratitude in the Small Moments

Jason landed in Quepos yesterday in what I swore was a mosquito—as the tiny plane touched down just in front of me, my heart warmed with gratitude. Standing over his meal prep for the week, having been spared by the worst of Tropical Depression Sara, I felt deeply fortunate. The rhythm of life here—a mix of calm and unpredictability—offered a chance to breathe, unplug, and reset as we move into the final stretch of the year.

Choosing to Focus on What Matters

Life often seems to demand our involvement in everything. A headline, a conversation, a debate—all of it pulls at you, insisting your voice be heard, your stance defended. Recently, I came across a quote that shifted my perspective: “Sometimes you gotta choose peace over participation.” Those words stopped me in my tracks and have stayed with me since, reminding me that choosing wellness over the uncontrollable is not a retreat but a deliberate act of self-care.

I’ve decided to focus on what I can nurture: my health, my relationships, and the growth of The Plant Five. This isn’t about avoiding reality; it’s about investing my energy in the spaces where it can create something meaningful, something lasting.

The Journey of a Creator

As a creator, the pressure to constantly produce can be relentless. There’s an expectation—spoken or unspoken—that every day brings new ideas, new content, new proof of our relevance. At its best, creation is fulfilling, a vibrant expression of who we are. But when it becomes a cycle of endless output, it risks pulling us away from our authenticity.

True creativity, I’ve found, doesn’t come from the rush to meet every moment but from stepping back, taking time, and allowing space to listen to ourselves. For me, the quiet of Costa Rica—the waves, the rain, even the storms—solidifies this truth. Living in alignment doesn’t mean constant action; it means knowing when to pause.

Advocacy Through Existence

For years, I’ve seen others declare advocacy as something tied to action—movements, conversations, and firm stances. But as I reflect, I realize that advocacy can be quieter and just as powerful. For me, it has been about existing and thriving in spaces where I wasn’t the expected choice.

My interracial, same-sex marriage, as someone who has chosen a high-raw plant-based lifestyle, and as the founder of a mission-driven community, my life has been a statement in itself. The Plant Five is my way of continuing this advocacy—not by adding to the noise but by creating a space where others can feel nourished, supported, and inspired.

Grounded in the Storm

This week, as Tropical Depression Sara passed and the rain settled into its rhythm, I found solace in the simplest acts: preparing Jason’s meals, reflecting on the year, and listening to the hum of life around me. It reminded me that amidst the storms—literal and figurative—we all need anchors.

The world doesn’t stop. The elections, the debates, the swirling opinions will always be there. But our peace? Our wellness? Those require care, intention, and a commitment to step back when needed.

Just Pause

To my fellow creators and anyone feeling stretched thin: it’s OK to take a moment. It’s OK to pause, reflect, and realign. Your authenticity is not measured by your output but by how true you remain to yourself. Wellness isn’t a luxury; it’s the foundation of everything we create and share with the world.

Living Away From the Noise

Building this new life in Costa Rica, I’ve been learning to live away from the noise. It’s not just the quiet of the jungle or the crashing of the waves—it’s a conscious choice to focus on what matters. It’s a lesson I continue to embrace: that stepping back doesn’t mean losing ground. It means growing deeper roots.

Jason’s plane landing wasn’t just a moment of arrival—it was a reminder of presence, gratitude, and the importance of prioritizing what truly matters.

Whenever you may be reading this, how could you take a moment to step back, reflect, and prioritize yourself and your family?