𝐔𝐧𝐥𝐨𝐜𝐤𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐀𝐝𝐯𝐞𝐧𝐭𝐮𝐫𝐞: 𝐘𝐨𝐮𝐫 𝐏𝐚𝐭𝐡 𝐭𝐨 𝐄𝐦𝐛𝐫𝐚𝐜𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐔𝐧𝐜𝐞𝐫𝐭𝐚𝐢𝐧𝐭𝐲

Dear fellow adventurers,

Still here, eagerly awaiting my approval from TICO! The silver lining? It's just a matter of awaiting the final nod from the registrar. Hopefully, this week will mark the culmination of this arduous process, allowing me to dive back into crafting unforgettable adventures for all of you. I won’t sugar-coat it—the past eight weeks grappling with TICO's requirements have been a rollercoaster of stress, both emotionally and financially, putting a serious damper on my spirits.

(Update : I'm officially registered with TICO) but thought this was a good note to share ;-)

For those unaware, this endeavor isn't just a launch; it's a rebirth. For a decade, I nurtured a travel business called Live Life Light Adventures—a cherished side hustle that fueled my passion. Based out of my Costa Rican corporation, it was my sanctuary. However, the onslaught of COVID forced its closure. And when the pandemic waned, I found myself engulfed in a whirlwind—juggling three retail clothing stores, newfound family responsibilities, and a committed partnership. It was a frenzy that left me drained, physically and mentally.

Amidst this chaos, a beacon of clarity emerged. In the depths of burnout, I rediscovered my true passion—travel and sharing the transformative powers of adventure travel with others. It was the one thing that ignited my soul, offering solace in turbulent times. With newfound vigor, I embarked on a journey to reignite the flames of my passion, birthing Grit & Grace Adventures, as an Ontario corporation. The relaunch was nothing short of spectacular, fueling my spirit with an intoxicating fervor.

And then, just when the embers of enthusiasm were at their brightest, an email arrived from TICO—a regulatory body I had never encountered. After seeking counsel from my lawyer and delving into research, it became apparent compliance was non-negotiable.

While I’ve been working in the background on being able to “come back to life” once I’m registered with some new and exciting adventures, it’s also provided me with time to reflect on the ever-present uncertainties of life, and adventure travel.

Uncertainty—like an ever-present specter—haunts the corridors of our minds, especially when we journey into the unknown. Will the weather cooperate? Will transportation run smoothly? Will accommodations meet our expectations? Yet, it's precisely these uncertainties that make travel so enriching. They force us to adapt, to think on our feet, to embrace the unexpected. For instance, getting lost in a foreign city can lead to discovering hidden gems off the beaten path. Missing a connecting flight might result in an impromptu exploration of an unexpected layover destination. Embracing uncertainty while traveling fosters resilience, resourcefulness, and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of spontaneity.

In the tapestry of existence, every stroke of the brush, every word penned, every chord strummed, leads us on an unforeseen journey. The canvas of life unfurls before us, inviting us to dance with the unknown, to surrender to the ebb and flow of destiny.

Fear, with its icy grip, often threatens to ensnare us in its clutches. But I have learned, through trial and tribulation, that courage is not the absence of fear but the willingness to embrace it. For in the crucible of uncertainty, we forge the steel of resilience, emerging stronger at the fractured seams of our being.

I often ponder—whose footsteps do we follow in this grand tapestry of existence? Whose light illuminates our path in the darkest of nights? It is not the paragons of perfection that captivate my gaze, but rather, those who dare to stumble and fall, yet rise again with unyielding determination.

Life, with its labyrinthine twists and turns, offers no guarantees. Yet, therein lies its beauty—a canvas of endless possibilities, waiting to be painted with the hues of our dreams. And though the road ahead may seem daunting, we must take solace in the knowledge that every step, every stumble, shapes the narrative of our existence.

In the cacophony of doubt, it is easy to lose sight of our own truth, to succumb to the siren song of comparison. But true liberation lies in the acceptance of our inherent worth, in the realization that our journey is uniquely ours to traverse.

So, let us cast aside the shackles of fear and uncertainty, and embrace the symphony of life with open arms. For in the dance of existence, every misstep is but a prelude to greatness, and every stumble a testament to our indomitable spirit.

And so, dear wanderers, I implore you—embrace the uncertainty, for within its depths lies the promise of untold adventures. Let us journey forth with courage and conviction, for in the end, it is not the destination that defines us, but the journey itself.

I see light at the end of this TICO tunnel…. I’ll see you all soon….

In adventure, and friendship

Penny Light