The Trip That Changed My Life
Friends sharing a drink in Costa Rica
Six life-altering days in Costa Rica – a journey that surpassed my wildest dreams. It was a trip worth waiting for and visiting Costa Rica had always been on my bucket list. I stared at my computer screen feeling anxious… there it was. The invitation to travel to Costa Rica to be with a group of other women all in large bodies like me - it was real . . . Body Image With Bri offered a trip to Costa Rica, I was totally and wholeheartedly in! I found Bri and her co-partner, Jana through Instagram. Struggling with my body image, I wanted to find someone who “looked” like me, in a larger body, and faced similar challenges. The trip to Costa Rica wasn't just a vacation; it was a mission to prove to myself that my body wouldn't dictate the course of my life any longer.
Making the decision to go on the trip was the easy part. The next part was a bit more challenging. I thought, “Why did I just commit myself to a trip where I was traveling with women I only knew from a computer screen?” None of us had ever actually met in person. Costa Rica was going to be where we met in person for the first time. I am not a person who usually takes risks, however I knew that I had to go on this trip. I wanted this trip. I wanted to prove to myself that I didn’t have to let life pass me by because I felt betrayed by my body. I no longer wanted my body to hold me back. My body has stopped me for far too long and realizing that I could do this in whatever body I was in was liberating.
What would it look like?
Can we actually take over a resort and make it ours?
“Loving everything about yourself - even the ‘unacceptable’ - is an act of personal power. It is the beginning of healing.”
It could only be a win-win situation. I get to spend time in a place I have always wanted to visit and I get to spend it with 19 other women who are looking for the same things I am. Women from their 20s to their 60s, and everywhere in between, came together to celebrate their bodies. We were from all over the United States and at different stages of our lives who understood without a doubt the feelings we were each going through. I have never felt more comfortable with a group of people than I did with these women. It was if we had known each other forever. I realized that I was not the only one with anxieties, insecurities, and fear.
As we sat at the gate, awaiting our plane, the laughter and camaraderie dispelled any lingering doubts. We were a mosaic of women, each carrying her own anxieties, insecurities, and fears, yet in that space, we found comfort. The fear of not being accepted dissipated as we connected on a level deeper than societal norms could comprehend.
Once we arrived in Costa Rica and got off the plane, the humidity hit us like a ton of bricks. We were definitely not in the United States anymore. Just standing still we were sweating. We were greeted by a young man holding a “Body Image With Bri” sign, who was very happy to share some ideas on what we could do in Costa Rica as he guided us to the van that would take us to our resort.
As the van ride wore on, we all were eager to get to the resort and hoping that we weren’t going to get lost in the middle of nowhere. Our van driver was pretty chatty, shared facts about Costa Rica. At one point, he even asked if any of us were married. One of the women replied, “It depends on who’s asking.” Laughter ensued, creating a bond that would only strengthen. He was quiet for a while after that.
Arriving at the resort, glasses of Prosecco awaited, setting the tone for the jubilant days ahead. Our own welcoming committee, led by Bri and Jana, enveloped us in warmth. The resort became our haven, a place where we could unapologetically be ourselves, soaking in the vibrant Costa Rican vibes.
For the longest time, I was terrified to wear a bathing suit. I felt totally exposed even thinking about putting it on. All of my fat, cellulite, and everything else would be out in the open for everyone to see. I can’t tell you how many trips my bathing suit has made with me, only never to see the light of day, my body, or a pool. Putting on a bathing suit was a vulnerability I didn’t want to risk until this trip. With another woman in the group, I mustered up the courage to put on my bathing suit. We walked hand-in-hand into the pool together while everyone else cheered us on! The happiness they felt for us was amazing!
Throughout the trip, we uplifted and celebrated each other. The support was fierce, making me believe in my capabilities. The community we formed was beyond what I'd ever imagined. These women, once strangers on a screen, became lifelong friends, bound by a transformative experience. I have been craving a community like this forever.
I knew these women were going to be my lifelong friends. This shared experience has changed us all. I went for the sloths and monkeys and came away with lifelong friends. As one of the other women on the trip said, “I felt safe with each and every person on this trip.” Not once did I think about the size of my body or about the food I was eating. I found a community that filled a void I’d longed to bridge. The smiles, the shared experiences, the love – it all felt like scaling the tallest mountain and emerging victorious.
All these feelings filling my heart and overflowing. I have felt nothing but love emanating from all those who joined me on this adventure. The trip was a testament to the power of connection, acceptance, and the shared pursuit of self-love. Every day, I carry the warmth of Costa Rica and the empowering spirit of those incredible women who made this adventure unforgettable.
Martha Treder
Soul-Searcher | Activist
I have always valued community and cultivating connections. I’ve been reflecting on my next steps and part of that is sharing my thoughts and journey. It’s not just about my story; it’s about creating a community where we can all connect, support each other, and grow together.