Connecting The Dots In Costa Rica
During the months leading up to my trip to Costa Rica, I stumbled across a powerful message from Pastor TD Jakes. The words “Nothing just happens” jumped out to me, and grabbed my attention.I pondered on it and began to reflect on my own situation. As a result, my perspective on the break-up did a complete 360. The message went on to say “nothing just happens and anything that does happen happens for a reason”. The funny thing is, I heard this message months ago, I was just not in the best place to receive it. I spent a lot of time being in my feelings and was unable to see the bigger picture.
But Somehow Everything Changes
Time really does heal all, because I no longer saw the break-up as something negative, but necessary. In a weird way, I found closure and comfort in Pastor TDJakes message. It silenced all of those ‘what if’ questions that had taken up residence in my head. I now found myself at a true place of acceptance. Acceptance of what was, what remained and what was to be.
If I had not been so resistant, I would have been able to check out of Heartbreak hotel a lot sooner. But in life, nothing ever happens before the appointed time. By changing the way I looked at the break-up, it allowed me to give birth to a new me. I was no longer the victim that I had allowed myself to become. The best feeling in the world is when you arise from the dust that once consumed you.
The Good Times Always Come Back Around
Things quickly turned around for me as I went on to enjoy one of the best summers of my life to date. I truly lived my best life making the most of my summer days. I was on a roll and did not want to slow down. My trip to Costa Rica was at the end of the summer and I promised myself that I would recharge once I got out there.
But not before I ran two last laps at the London Notting Hill Carnival. It was a great way to kiss goodbye to summer. Especially since my brother and I unexpectedly landed a live TV interview on Sky news during the parade. O M G – I never imagined something like that would happen to us.
Check out the interview below
The Journey To Costa Rica
Running on 3 hours sleep the day after carnival, I set off on an 11-hour flight to Costa Rica with my cousin Aaliyah. I was so excited because I had never been to that part of the world before and it was our first ever trip together. Spending two whole weeks in Costa Rica does not come around often, so we were both determined to make the most of it.
Two Weeks In A 5 Star Hotel Baby
After surviving my first 11-hour flight, Aaliyah and I checked into Hotel Riu Palace Costa Rica in Guanacaste. As we arrived, we were welcomed with a champagne/cocktail reception. You know I have a slice of Boujee in me, so this type of welcome was right up my street. I was all smiles because within a few months, I went from passing out at work due to the stress of the break-up to sipping champagne in Costa Rica.
What a way those tables turned and my oh my it sure did feel good. Our hotel had all the trimmings too, 24-hour service, spa facilities, Wi-Fi, 4 restaurants, entertainment, two pools and an on-site photographer. We even had access to the sister hotel across the street.
There Is No Such Thing As A Coincidence
During our first few days, we wasted no time getting comfortable. We spent most of our mornings by the pool, chilling, snapping and sipping on our favourite cocktails. Aaliyah and I had become very popular at our hotel because of our distinctive British accents. The staff loved us and always went above and beyond to ensure that we were well looked after. Things were only about to get better once we discovered a Black Travel group had checked into our hotel.
We were super hyped to see a group of Black travellers and wasted no time finding out who they were. I love meeting new people on holiday, so I was happy to go mingle with the new guests. Aaliyah and I walked right over to the tallest person in the group, Ricky he was as tall and brown as the bear from Bear in the big blue house. Ricky who was the group’s leader, was cool, calm, loved our British accents and invited us to hang out later to meet the full crew.
Black Travel Movement
Every year for labour day weekend, the crew who are based in America travel to a new country to explore and party. SAY WHAT NOW? this blew my mind because out of all of the places in the world we all ended up together in Costa Rica. What was even crazier was that Aaliyah and I were supposed to go to Aruba but somehow ended up booking Costa Rica instead. Now if you have followed this post break up travel series you already know, that there is no such thing as a coincidence when it comes to me, lol. With the arrival of our new guests, it was clear that our time in Costa Rica was about to be lit.
Within 24 hours it was as if the hotel had been hijacked. Everywhere you turned, all you could see were our melanin faces. One thing I love about being Black is we always tend to flock together come rain or shine. It was such a beautiful sight to see and felt even better to be a part of. We truly brightened up the place to the point where other hotel guests wanted to get to know who we were. I had never experienced something like this before. I loved it, plus everyone in the group treated Aaliyah and I like their little sisters since we were the only two people in their 20s.
More Fun In The Sun
Our day parties by the pool were literally some next level shit. Just think of the pool party scenes in Notorious BIG’s ‘Juicy‘ music video. It was so dope and every day our laughs got louder. The atmosphere was just filled with good vibes only nothing more and nothing less. I remember getting messages from people back home on snapchat asking me who these people were???.
Overnight Aaliyah and I had been sworn into this new travel family and they never left us out of any of the fun. We hung out during the days, had dinner in the evenings and partied throughout the night. It seemed like my plan to recharge was taking a detour. But that is the funny thing about life, it always turns out better than the way we plan.
Chase The Adventures
Our hotel was literally in the middle of nowhere, so we made plans to do things off the hotel complex. We hopped on a local bus into one of the oldest beach communities in Costa Rica, Playas de coco. When I ran out onto the beach and saw how beautiful the scenery was, I became very emotional. I realized that in order for me to be where I stood, I needed to go through all that I did. I’de come such a long way and even though I wasn’t happy that the break up happened the way it did I knew that it served a greater purpose for my life.
This just reiterated the Nothing just happens message that I heard a few months earlier. Sometimes in life things may happen to you and you may never know why. You just have to trust and believe that things all things will work together for your good. I don’t know why but in Costa Rica, everything just seemed to make a lot more sense to me.
Chase the adrenalin
Costa Rica is known for its tropical beaches, wonders of nature and Caribbean influenced culture. Aaliyah and I wanted to make sure we got to experience it, so we spent about $300 each for three days of excursions. One of my Jenna’s Travel philosophies that I truly live by is ‘there is no price tag on experience, so spend whatever is necessary‘.
The first excursion we did was the open Catamaran Ocean tour. I love ocean water because it has so much healing benefits and I always feel a sense of peace whenever I am around it. Sailing along the gold coast was refreshing. It is not something you get to do on a regular basis, so I took the time out to really enjoy it. I channelled my energy and took in the natural views of the ocean. It was peaceful, but very short-lived because I was eager to get my body into the water and go Snorkelling. You already know that your girl is unable to swim, so I had to be accompanied by an instructor. There is no shame in my game though, I put on my protective gear and went out into the water like a G.
Feel The Fear And Do It Anyway
The next stop on the list for Aaliyah and I was a day tour at the Vandara Hot springs and adventure. This included a 10 lap Zip-line tour, horseback riding, waterslide and the Vandara Hot Springs. Unknown to Aaliyah I secretly planned to skip the Zip-lining. The truth was, I did not think I was capable of doing it. But I did not want to tell my little cousin that I was feeling inadequate because of self-doubt.
The break-up had bruised my confidence and as a result, I had been questioning myself and my capabilities. Somehow convinced myself that the failure of the relationship was a reflection of me. Now I do not know how I came up with that bullshit, but there I was. The break-up really messed with my mental in such a was that it made me forget who the fuck I was.
Back In The Game Like I Never Left
There I stood tweedling my thumbs, feeling petrified and contemplating whether or not to go through with it. Aaliyah took one look at me and said: “Jen, you have come too far to turn back now boo. You have nothing to be afraid of, you can do this”. There were no lies told because she was right, I was capable of doing anything that I put my mind to. The break-up did not define me and I had to stop letting what happened in my past, stop me from moving forward. I had to start undoing the damage and this moment was the perfect opportunity to make a start.
I thought to myself it is what it is at this point, let do this. So I strapped myself up and completed 10 full zip line laps. It gave me an instant adrenaline rush, that boosted my energy as well as my confidence. I was so proud of myself for going through with it. I proved my self-doubt wrong and I felt like a Baddie. People can encourage you, uplift you and tell you that you are capable of doing great things, but if you do not believe it for yourself, it means nothing.
God Makes No Mistakes
I spent the rest of my time in Costa Rica reflecting and thinking about the girl that I once was and I thought about the woman that I was becoming. More than ever I felt inspired to get my blog started. When I got home I created a WordPress site for Jenna’sWorld View. Sharing my break up story was never part of the plan.
But here I am and I’m not shamed of what happened to me. Many people didn’t agree with me sharing my story because it exposed a lot of ugly things. For me the break up is so much than it. It was a major turning point in my life and has opened me up to so much more. It pushed me to go out into the world to seek new experiences and rekindle my love for travelling. Not to mention that it has changed my perspective on myself, life, love and the world.
It’s All Part Of His Perfect Plan
I never thought that I would ever end up visiting Costa Rica. I never imagined that I would be single at this age either, but hey life comes at you fast. My post-break-up travel journeys were filled with many highs and of course some lows. I travelled to escape my reality. Yet, with every country that I visited, I had no choice but to face it head-on. Most people say that after a break-up you must take time out to go find yourself. But the truth was, I was never lost, I just needed to be broken in order to uncover the hidden layers within me.
Anything that happens to us in life will never be wasted. Everything and everyone serves a divine purpose that only pushes you further into your destiny. I have no regrets, hate or anger in my heart because I now understand that in order for new things to come together, old things must fall apart.
Thank You
Thank you for keeping up with my Post-break-up travel series. When it all started, I had no clue about how it would all play out. Giving you a glimpse into my past challenged me in ways that I never imagined. Although the wounds have healed, the scars still remain. I no longer hide them because I wear every scar with pride and gratitude.
Many times, I questioned whether I made the right decision bringing this series to light. I have now come to know that although it was painful, it needed to be endured, in order to be shared. Use my experience as an example, take from it what you will remember God knows best and life goes on.
To follow the full journey from the beginning, click below:
1. Intuition: A blessing in disguise!
3. The wall that came down in Berlin
4. Dancing to the sound of a new beat in Santorini
“Be strong and courageous. Do not be afraid or terrified because of them, for the LORD your God goes with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you.” -Deuteronomy 31:6
Stay blessed
Lots of love
Jenna
xoxo
fabblemoon
The best feeling in the world is when you arise from the dust that once consumed you
Yes yes so true.
Tiana/ fablemoonsays.com
jennasworldview
Thank you, that was one of my favourite lines x
Ricardo Da Costa
Great read!
I REALLY LOVE your philosophy, ‘there is no price tag on experience, so spend whatever is necessary‘!!!!
You sounded like my mum when you said sea water has health benefits. Every time we go to the beach she always talks about how good it is for you etc ??
I am also very happy that you’re back on track, gaining that confidence, living your best life and not dwelling on what you can’t control anymore! Keep on going girl! 🙂
jennasworldview
Thank you Ricardo and yes yes yes, your mum knows best!
twoofthemoneofme
YOU GO GIRL ??
I have thoroughly enjoyed reading your post break up travel series. You’ve ended it in such a way that I’m even more excited to see what’s next for Jenna’s World View ??. You couldn’t be more spot on by saying that ‘nothing just happens’. We certainly wouldn’t have the pleasure of getting to know you if the break up never happened ??
jennasworldview
It truly was a blessing in disguise!!!!! And yes it opened up so many new doors and allowed new people into my life ❤️Thank you for keeping up with the series and supporting my blog xx
Batmom85
GREAT POST! So inspirational! I want to travel and live my best life! The photos were so stunning! My favorite was the red bathing suit one, just so gorgeous. Sounds like you had a magnificent time and you completely deserve it! Great post! Great blog you’re a fantastic writer I felt as if I was in Costa Rica with you and Aaliyah!
jennasworldview
I am so happy to hear this and I can not stop laughing, so glad you connected with this post! I really appreciate your compliments also❤️
MsTeeQueology
What an amazing experience and it looked like you enjoyed to the fullest. Costa Rica is beautiful and you both look so stunning. Melanin is popping! Break-up what? I forgot it even happened. Keep living your best life.
jennasworldview
Thank you so so much! I am glad you enjoyed this. Yes what break up? On to bigger and better things! Xx
Favoursweet
Girl these photos are so beautiful!
jennasworldview
Thank you❤️❤️
Favoursweet
?❤
olliviette
Never wanted to go to Costa Rica and now I’m looking up tix!! You needed this trip and I’m so glad it happened for you. Costa Rica looks and sounds gorgeous and my dear, you were on POINT in these pics!
I’m so glad you brought us along on this journey because sometimes we need to see how other ppl get their groove back and I am a huge believer in travel being a way to do it (I was just writing out my dream Olli gets her groove back trip), so this is inspiring!
Olli – http://www.olliviette.com
jennasworldview
Girl, Costa Rica is beautiful! Honestly you would love it. Thank you for following the journey and I am so glad that you enjoyed. Traveling is healing ❤️?✈️
Lia
Love this and I am proud of you conquering your fears! And how amazing was that? You were interviewed on BBC that is incredible! And you looked beautiful as usual! Great post, I enjoyed it, as usual xxx
jennasworldview
Thank you so much for following my journey and I am so glad that you enjoyed this post! Xxx
Been There with Kids
You are so right! Everything happens for a reason. It sounds like you had a wonderful trip. It can be so hard to overcome fears and leave your comfort zone behind. Thanks for the inspiration! BTW, You were killing it in that red swimsuit 🙂
jennasworldview
Thank you, my trip was very much insightful as well as amazing. I am happy to hear that you enjoyed this, thanks again for reading xxxx
theamalog
Love how you made the trip to Costa Rica your own. The realizations you’ve had and appreciating life and loving yourself is what everyone needs to practice. This can only be done when you are ready to open up yourself and appreciate the beauty of mother nature around us.
jennasworldview
Hey, thank you for taking the time out to read my post. It was a real eye opener for me and really helped to put things into perspective! I am glad you enjoyed it xx
Sarah ?
Looks like you had an amazing time! Those waterfalls look in cred!
jennasworldview
Glad you enjoyed thank you very much!
The Millennial Introvert
This was such q good read.and so inspiring! Keep going girl!!
road2culturedom
This was a really nice end to the break up series! You’ve had me hooked from the beginning and it’s been so good following your journey ?
jennasworldview
Thank you for following the series ????
MelaninTalks
Lovely blog post and glad to see that you experienced summer to the fullest girl!! Keep that energy ✨x
jennasworldview
Thank you so much!
Our Carpe Diem
What a great trip and wonderful insights!
And good pictures.
We went to Costa Rica for the first time this year and loved it!
Des | itsbetterinheels
Aww your photos look like you really had fun in Costa Rica! I’d love to go ziplining one day! Thanks for sharing your experience 🙂
xx, Des | https://www.itsbetterinheels.com/
The Jolly Traveller
These pictures look amazing ??? Costa Rica is definitely on my bucket list
And aww what a way to the end the series. Was satisfying to be able to follow the progression in how you healed and fell more in love with yourself ?
jennasworldview
Thank you for reading and following the journey ❤️ Costa Rica is a beautiful place, you have to visit!
Jenna xoxo
debraeojay
Amazing post and absolutely gorgeous pictures! x
Jude Chukwuelue
Hi ?? Jenna it’s Jude from the gym. I’ve read all of the post break up series. Wow ?! Thank you ?! The series was simply a delight! I was engrossed and invested in the journeyst the same time. Your pictures are very good… you’ve got an eye ! You’re writing is very good, you’ve got skills… you’re quite a storyteller ! I am soooo happy for you! Man you make traveling attractive…your mum is a darling! Your friends are friends for life… Lola, Astra and Aliyah are famous now! Can’t wait for what life’s got in store…. lowkey I am jealous of your traveling!