How Costa Rica Rewired My Work-Life Balance! 🏝️✨
If you follow me on Social, you might have seen that I took a trip to Costa Rica last week! Costa Rica has been on my bucket list for A WHILE, and when I heard a few friends were going, I could NOT pass up on the opportunity to join in and see this beautiful world! Something that’s SUPER cool about this group of friends I have is that we all work remotely, we all put our health first so we went to the gym daily, and we are all open to learning new things and going on adventures. It’s like I can FULLY be myself around these friends, no judgment, and they “GET IT”. I know a few of you messaged me saying you wish you had a friend group like this! And to be honest, at 33 years old, this is the FIRST time I truly feel this way! It took time to find this wonderful crew, so if this is something you are looking for, I promise you can do it too! Here are some things I learned on my trip (I’ll give you some recommendations if you want to go too!)
🌴 Hustle Culture = OUT
For all my life, I felt like I had to work SUPER hard ALL the time and burn myself out in order to be “successful,” being from the east coast. I almost felt like if I was doing something for myself, I was missing out or not ever going to be successful! Traveling to Costa Rica, I not only got ALL my work done, but I also LIVED… and guess what… not only did my business have an amazing month, but also my cup was super super full. It goes hand in hand. Maybe it’s not a trip to Costa Rica! Maybe it’s simply going for a walk without your phone during the day. I promise you WILL feel damn good. You can STILL be successful and not have it overtake your life. In Costa Rica, I saw a “simpler” life and everyone was so happy. What they like to say is Pura Vida which means “pure life,” and it has come to symbolize the simple, cheerful outlook and lifestyle of what is often called the happiest country in the world. Have a bad day? Tire gets flat? Instead of getting stressed out, they say “Pura Vida” and are grateful that they even have a car. It’s a beautiful meaning.
🗣️ I am finding my voice again after feeling like I started to lose it
Lately, I have felt like I am losing my voice a bit… My whole life it’s been hard for me to speak up! Maybe it’s fear of judgment? Maybe I don’t want to cause an issue? Lately, I have felt like there have been things on my mind, and when I go to speak up, I feel frozen. On this trip, my friend Alex Moe (@macrobarista) did a Chakra pendulum thing on me! And what was wild is the pendulum started spinning at my throat and solar plexus! Basically confirming how I have been feeling! It symbolized going with my GUT and speaking up! I swear us as women have GUT feelings and we have a feeling of intuition that is ALWAYS right, but sometimes we don’t speak up! My friend April told me Fear = feels chaotic and crazy, while Intuition is a bit more silent. Knowing the difference between them can be super helpful. My goal after the trip is to actually speak up even if I am scared because speaking up = respecting myself and my needs, and my needs are important.
💆♀️ Self Care = Self Love = Everyone else is happy
We went on a ton of adventures with a tour guide Angelo! And something we came up with is some Angelo-isms! He had SO much wisdom and was just a ball of joy! I definitely recommend reaching out to him if you want to go on tours while you’re there! He took us out to surf, to a waterfall and rainforest, and even a butterfly café with authentic Costa Rican food!
“When you find a blessing, you have to bless”
“If you're not happy, you’re never going to be happy”
“If you're not crazy, you’re not happy” 🤪
Visual Diary: Highlights from Costa Rica
Here are some photos I took during my trip to give you a glimpse of it! 📸 Feel free to check them out and experience the Pura Vida vibes with me.
Costa Rica Recommendations
We stayed at this Airbnb which was walking distance from the beach, unity gym, and pots and bowls restaurant! Our first Airbnb had no water lol so we had to change multiple times luckily the owner of this Airbnb was super sweet and got us in so we could have water!
Stay = @casita_del_arbol_pg on Playa Grande
Tour Guide = Angelo Through --> @nomadic_bliss_
Gym = @unitycenterpg
Eat = @potsandbowls & Kikes
Visit = Playa Famingo for Sunset
Hike = Volcan Tenorie
Authentic Costa Rican Food = El Sabor de dona Carmen (and butterflies)
Water Falls = Catarata Lianos del Cortes y Poza Escondida
Remember, life is an adventure, and sometimes all you need is a little "Pura Vida" spirit to keep things in perspective! 🌺
Free Hang Challenge
I did a hang everyday for 30 Days and here’s what happened…
⚡️ I showed up for myself for 30 Days in a SIMPLE way... and then it started to become a habit and a routine!
⚡️ Hanging decompresses the spine! I feel like I am standing taller, and I feel less pressure on my spine!
⚡️ Did you know... grip strength is actually a measure of overall health and longevity? Yes, you heard it here first, I'm helping you live longer! After 30 days, my grip strength got WAY better! It was tough at first and my hands hurt, but soon it felt like second nature!
⚡️ I started to bring friends with me to hang and join the journey!
⚡️ I realized that while although hanging was the goal of this challenge, the real win was that I was showing up for myself each day.
Start with habits that give you quick wins and it will change your life!
Client Wins
CRISSY GOT HER FIRST PULL-UP!!!
Pull-Ups aren't something you can just do for most women. OUR BODIES ARE BUILD DIFFERENTLY THEN MEN'S BODIES.
After YEARS and YEARS of working 1-1 with women, I was able to unlock a system that works for WOMEN TO GET THEIR PULL-UP! Just look at Crissy! She did it!!!
If you want this, then go for it! There is no time like right now to go for your goals like Crissy and Jacy did. We are here to support you EVERY.STEP,OF.THE.WAY! And we will celebrate all your wins along the way! Join Pull-up Revolution today! 💪❤
CLICK HERE TO JOIN PULL-UP REVOLUTION
These are a few of my favorite things
Check out the products I use daily and those that have made tremendous impact in my life! I hope they'll help you too! From Supplements, Books, Toe Spacers, to Equipment, Redlight, Protein Drinks & More!
PWRLift
Welcome my NEW Sponsor @drinkpwrlift
Join the Hyrox Ladies Heat in Austin here!
We talk a lot about important of protein a lot especially for females. WELL this drink has 10g of protein AND electrolytes! So it is a way healthier version of Gatorade AND has that additional protein that all you ladies are needling! So swap this for gatorade, powerade any of those super processed artificial drinks for something that taste just as good and is WAYY better for you!
For 20% off your Order! Use Code: AGARGANO20
Joi Wellness Smart Supplements
I used to have a TON of supplement bottles... and I was taking a ton of stuff I "thought" I needed...until now.. I am pumped that I found Joiwellness!
1-First you get your blood taken (you can do this at a local lab corp)
2-Then they do a full reading on all your levels! I got a FULL panel so I could see hormones, nutritions etc that I needed!
3-THEN over a virtual Zoom call a doctor goes over your panel WITH you so you can understand what is going on in your body!
4-Then they create CUSTOM supplements based on what YOU need!
They come in this cute little packet sot they are easy to travel with and it makes taking your supplement so easy so you CAN stay consistent with it!
Anyways they are doing a 20% off sale side wide! Use my link below and CODE: BETTERYOU2024!
MEMORE
So you might be seeing me post a lot about Memore green powder lately! And that's because its not only an amazing quality green product but it also has 100% Serving of Greens (most products only have 25%), it taste great warm & cold AND... DRUM ROLL PLEASE.. its actually affordable lol most green packets are so expensive its annoying haha
Use Code: ANGELA for a discount
Link: www.yourmemore.com/angela
Slate Milk
You might see me drinking Slate Milk on my Stories on Instagram! I am OBSESSED! I am currently LOVING the Vanilla Latte AND French Vanilla Flavor!
20g of Protein in each can so it's perfect to hit those protein goals!
USE CODE: ANGELAG
for 15% OFF your Order
Merchandise
Had a LOT of request from you all about the Strong Feel Good Merch!
Use Code: JUSTBECAUSE for 10% OFF
Sale Ends March 7th
Hoodies, Tanks, Shirts
Oura Ring!
I have been using it to track my sleep, my HRV and also help with tracking my cycle. So many people are DIFFERENT with their energy levels and readiness! You can use this as data to determine what would be best for you specifically! I think it's much better than the Whoop! I think right now they have $50 off their Rose Gold Ring!
Pull-up Bar, Bands, Liquid Chalk
I keep getting asked about the equipment I use for pull-up! My at home bar is affordable, easy to use and sturdy! I also have a great recommendation for Assisted Pull-up Bands & Liquid Chalk!
You can check them out by Clicking here
FOREVER STRONG
Pre-Order this book from my friend Dr. Gabrielle Lyons!
Dr. Lyons offers an easy-to-follow food, fitness, and self-care program anchored in evidence and pioneering research that teaches you how to optimize muscle—no matter your age or health background. Discover how to overcome everything from obesity to autoimmune disorders and avoid diseases like Alzheimer’s, hypertension, and diabetes by following Dr. Lyon’s powerful new approach to becoming forever strong.
Truecoach
For any of my COACHES on here! STOP USING excel Spread sheets! I've been using TrueCoach for my clients programing since 2018 and its a GAME CHANGER
CLICK HERE to try it for 14 Days FREE and get $50 off your first month if you decide to sign-up!
TOE Spacers
I have Bunions...gross right? These toe spacers are great! I wear them every morning to help keep my toes in alignment and prevent and other issues! Its basically like a retainer for your toes!
Get ya Some Toe Spacers
https://spacermobility.rfrl.co/ropqy
Code: ANGELA393
Red Light Therapy!
Here is the Red light I am currently using! I will post more on benefits soon!
I particular use it to help with my circadian rhythm! It also has anti-inflammatory and anti aging properties!
USE CODE: ANGELAGARGANO
