Independence Is Empowering… Until It Isn’t
- Dennis J. Easters
- Dennis@pldatenasrealty.com
- +506-8854-7721
A few years ago, I was helping a client open a bank account in Costa Rica.
Trying to be proactive, I had gone to the bank several days earlier and requested an updated list of required documents. We gathered everything carefully, double-checked the paperwork, and returned for the appointment feeling prepared.
After waiting more than two hours, we finally reached the desk.
The clerk reviewed the documents, paused for a moment, then smiled politely.
“We still need one more document.”
I remember pointing to the bank’s own printed checklist in mild disbelief. We had provided every item on it.
“Sí,” she replied gently, “pero we also need one more.”
Looking back now, the moment is almost funny. At the time, it wasn’t.
Not because of the missing document, but because of what the experience revealed to me about myself.
One of the qualities that served me well when moving to Costa Rica was independence. I’m naturally wired to figure things out, solve problems, and push forward. That mindset helped me adapt here in many ways.
But over the years, I’ve learned there’s an important difference between independence and isolation.
In a new country, especially one with different systems, customs, and rhythms, self-reliance alone can eventually become exhausting. Language barriers, changing requirements, cultural nuances, and unfamiliar expectations all create moments where pushing harder isn’t always the answer.
Sometimes the better strategy is slowing down.
Sometimes it’s asking questions.
Sometimes it’s letting someone guide you.
Sometimes it’s simply accepting that things may not unfold on your preferred timeline.
Costa Rica has a way of teaching that lesson repeatedly.
Gerardo often reminds me that here, “no answer is also an answer.” Learning to read between the lines — knowing when to pause, when to wait, and when to stop forcing resolution — is part of adapting well here.
Ironically, true independence in Costa Rica often comes not from doing everything yourself, but from building enough trust and perspective to know when you shouldn’t.
That realization became one of the inspirations behind The Costa Rica Reality Check.
Not as a warning.
Not as negativity.
But as a more grounded conversation about what transitioning abroad actually feels like beneath the postcard version people are often sold.
Because the people who tend to thrive here aren’t necessarily the most fearless or self-sufficient.
More often, they’re the ones willing to stay flexible, ask for help when needed, laugh at themselves occasionally, and allow Costa Rica to reshape them a little along the way.
Adapted from The Costa Rica Reality Check, available through the PLD Resource Library.
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Dennis Easters
Real Estate Broker
+506-8854-7721
Dennis@pldatenasrealty.com
