Ana Brenes, a successful relocation expert in Costa Rica, shares her profound story of transformation, resilience, and rebuilding her life from scratch. Ana begins by describing her upbringing in a loving, long-lived family in San Jose and her non-linear career path—from an executive assistant at multinational companies to studying international relations and working at the University for Peace.
A major shift occurred during the 2008 financial crisis, which decimated her ex-husband's flower export business. On the brink of financial ruin, they pivoted, building a small bed and breakfast on their property. This venture quickly and organically morphed into a highly successful event venue, where Ana's natural talent for hospitality and her informal work helping expats laid the groundwork for her future career.
However, this success came at a great personal cost. Ana speaks candidly about her ex-husband's relapse into alcoholism and the harrowing "rock bottom" period when she was planning to leave. Her departure was delayed by his sudden, life-threatening health crisis requiring open-heart surgery. Ana nursed him back to health for months, only for him to choose to start drinking again just days after returning home.
This was the "beginning of the end". Ana separated from her husband, moving back in with her parents with her 10-year-old daughter and no money. She describes the painful process of rebuilding, from working at an Amazon call center to landing a role at McKinsey. Through therapy, she began to confront her lifelong "people-pleasing" tendencies and actively learn to love herself. Today, Ana thrives in her work at Costa Rica Investments, driven by a new priority: looking inward, listening to her intuition, and helping others navigate their own life-changing relocations.
Key Takeaways
Life paths are not linear. Ana's career spanned from executive assistant to environmental consultant, political aide, successful event venue owner, call center employee, and finally, relocation expert. Her journey shows that skills and experiences build on each other in unexpected ways.
Crises can force necessary transformation. The 2008 financial crash forced Ana and her ex-husband to pivot from his failing business to creating a new one. This new venture, while successful, created the environment for his relapse, leading to a personal crisis that ultimately forced Ana to break down and rebuild her life.
Self-love is an active, ongoing process. After her divorce, Ana realized she had spent her life as a "people pleaser". Through therapy and conscious effort, she is now learning to love herself, take care of her own space lovingly, and make decisions for the right reasons, not just to be liked.
You can't control others' choices, only your own reaction. Ana supported her ex-husband through a 10-year recovery and a life-saving open-heart surgery. When he chose to start drinking again just days into his recovery, she realized it was the "beginning of the end" and she had to leave for her own and her daughter's well-being.
Listen to your intuition. Ana is now focused on listening to her intuition, which she feels in her heart. She values "the flow" of life and treasures small moments of joy and connection, like attending a concert.
The "why" of relocation matters. As a relocation expert, Ana observes that 95% of her American clients are, on some level, "running away" from the political chaos in the U.S.. This motivation shapes their experience, which is different from those who are moving toward the Costa Rican culture.
Costa Rica Investments:
https://www.investingcostarica.com/
Brilliant Life Journey:
https://www.brilliantlifejourney.com/
