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Self-Care Community Spotlight: Amy (Costa Rica)

Meet Amy.

Today’s spotlight highlights founding SCS member, Amy Garren!

12-time marathoner, international teacher, children’s yoga instructor, blogger, and mother of two amazing teens, Amy opens up about her self-care journey today, including how she used self-love tools to help navigate a transitional period moving to a third-world country with growing children.

Amy shares the activities that light her up the most, some great tips on self-care for newbies, as well as her favorite breathwork activities. Learn more about her daily routine that includes plenty of positive self talk, lots of “putting shit out there,” and occasionally… a peacock.

Despite having moved to Costa Rica just five years ago (spontaneously, at that!), Amy’s already turned her passion for the culture into a growing travel blog. From South Florida to farm life… you’re going to love reading Amy’s inspiring story today!


Amy 101

Location: Costa Rica

Current Bio:

Five years ago my beautiful family spontaneously picked up and moved from North Carolina to Costa Rica! I am a kindergarten teacher in an International school, the wife of the kindest (and sexiest) man in the whole wide world and the mother of two amazing teenagers. 

As they’ve gotten older, I’ve found myself with all this new time on my hands. It started out as something kind of weird, almost depressing, and has become a time of growth and self discovery. In my mid 40’s I have run my 12th half marathon, become a certified yoga instructor for children and teens and a true believer in this self care journey.

Don’t even get me started on my manifestations!

A central component of Amy’s personal journey:

When I started my self-care journey I really didn’t know who I was…other than a mom. Self-Care Society has changed my life. I live in a country where I don’t speak the language very well, and have never had the opportunity to participate in something like this. Attending these classes has helped me figure out who I am and who I want to be.

Something you may not know about Amy:

I live on a farm in Costa Rica….we’ve had a big giant fat pig, a peacock, we’ve watched many bunnies hop across the lawn, too many goats…I learned how to make goat’s milk greek yogurt, we have many chickens and roosters, we pick fresh eggs from our coop, and find it hard to sleep without the farm noise and smell. Not bad for a Jewish girl from South Florida!

Favorite Books: “You are a Badass” by Jen Sincero

Amy’s Self-Care Journey

What initially drew you to self care?

Honestly….I saw Danika mention it once on her insta stories. Love her! Must Join! haha! I really didn’t know much about it. I knew I needed it. I struggled with my identity and with my role with living in a third-world country. And I continue to struggle with my eating habits and control.

When did you start and what did that look like for you?

I started practicing in April 2020. Because I was teaching virtually I could take all the classes offered. They were mind blowing for me! I attended SCS regularly, and was very focused and intentional while there. I also started meditating at that time.

Do you have a regular self-care routine? 

Now… I still try to attend four SCS classes a week. I wake up…move my body, meditate, make a daily checklist (including play) write a gratitude list, and put shit out into the universe.

What are some go-to self-care practices?

Attending the SCS classes are definitely at the top of my list. When I am mentally present in the classes, my day is always on the right track. Also my daily checklist keeps me focused on work, play, meditation, outside time, etc.

What is the biggest area of growth that you are working on at the moment?

I wake up every morning and put a tremendous amount of care and effort into making good eating choices. I am usually not successful. But, I don’t beat myself up about it anymore or freak out. I move forward and know tomorrow is a new day.

Give yourself this amazing gift. You deserve it! Be open-minded, you’ll get out of it what you put into it. Really that’s it… I think that people need to decide on their own to begin self-care. It’s very personal.

What is a struggle that you’ve transformed into a strength?

Positive self talk, for sure!! Even with my food struggles I am very kind to myself and accept my choices and because of this I am a much more patient and kind person to others.

What lights you up? When do you feel at your highest and/or most inspired?

I love learning about teaching children’s yoga! It makes me so happy to get creative and meet so many passionate and amazing people. 

I also love writing and sharing about Costa Rica. I have a blog that brings me such joy! Every place we visit is so beautiful and we experience so many delicious restaurants and I love writing about them. When someone mentions they’re coming to visit I send them the link of the places they’re going. 

Fun Fact: I had no idea that either of these things would inspire me. I discovered it during SCS classes.

Amy’s Self-Care Pro Tips

What tips would you give someone new to self care? 

Give yourself this amazing gift. You deserve it! Be open-minded, you’ll get out of it what you put into it. Really that’s it… I think that people need to decide on their own to begin self-care. It’s very personal.

Any self-care hacks micro-habits that you’d recommend to others?

Monday Morning Stretch: gamechanger!

Box breathing, Coach Carey’s 1, 2, 3 – 3, 2, 1 breath.

Phrasing things like they are going to happen!

Daily gratitude lists.

Quick dance party!!!

What do you do or tell yourself when you need a little boost?

Take a deep breath…. you are so lucky, you have an amazing life, a perfect family, a good job, the house of your dreams…..whatever the problem is, don’t sweat it. The future begins now/Tomorrow is a new day/YOLO!

Any SCS takeaways so far?

Just yes to all of it! haha! The community is unbelievable! I am not a sharer, but I see what these other women share and it is inspiring! They make me want to be the best version of myself. They make me want to share!

The classes are perfection….Danika, Gaby, Carey…all so different and so relatable. I want to be best friends with all of them! And most importantly, who SCS has helped me become. I can’t imagine life another way.


Amy’s Future Bio

Manifestation time…

Amy brings light and joy into any room she walks into! She is full of laughter and kindness and everyone she comes across can see it. She continues to travel the world with her husband of 30 years and is lucky enough to visit her children often. 

Her travel blog is thriving, but comes in behind her love of children’s wellness. She is known internationally for her children and tween yoga videos, mental health content and information about fueling your body in a healthy and fun way! 

She manifested this amazing life and is grateful for it every single day!

Amy’s Message to the SCS Community

I am truly grateful every single day to be a part of SCS! Thank you!!!


Please join us in celebrating Amy today!

You can find her on Self-Care Society (@amyg), to give her a little extra love and get the latest on her growing travel blog 🙂


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