This has been a challenging week for me. Several days ago, someone on Skype that I’ve known for years sent me a link. I questioned it, and even messaged him asking if this link was real. He assured me it was, and since this came from someone I have known a long time, I clicked… BIG mistake! Turned out my friend’s Skype info had been hijacked, and I had communicated with the hijacker, not my friend. A nasty virus quickly made it’s way through my computer, forcing me to shut it down to avoid any further damage. Since I’m still on our extended visit to Costa Rica, I’m operating at less than optimum conditions, (using my husband’s laptop) and though it has impacted my work routine for the remainder of my trip, it has not stopped me from doing what I can until my computer is restored to its pristine condition. Add to this the onset of rainy season here in Grecia in full force. While the mornings are glorious, the sunshine gives way to the buildup of clouds which result in hurricane type microbursts (without the heavy wind) on and off throughout the afternoon and well into the evening. Since the electrical system in our rental home does not have any surge protection available, my time has been even more limited than usual online. This is NOT the way it was supposed to go! I was supposed to be basking in the beauty of this country, happily blogging in my hammock overlooking the coffee fields. I confess I spent a while being angry at myself for not trusting my gut instinct about that link, but soon realized that was not only not going to change my current situation, it was counterproductive to buy into that negativity. I realized that I was grateful for having a backup computer available, so I could quickly and effectively protect my online data, notify our contacts and start putting together a plan of action for my return to the States next week. I also remembered why we came to Costa Rica, and that is to determine whether or not we could live here. Having experienced the electrical issues was a blessing, since when we do return here (and we will, at least for another extended stay) one thing I will be sure of is that the electrical system is sufficient. We now know we CAN get true high speed here, an imperative for me to be able to work online. Since my time is somewhat limited online until I get home, I can spend some of it exploring other nearby towns where we want to consider living. We’ll be spending at least one day with a realtor looking at rentals and homes for sale, so we can make an informed decision about returning. I suspect had my laptop not had a meltdown and the weather and lack of electrical surge protection had not made itself known, a big part of the purpose of this visit would never have been addressed. So I am thankful for the obstacles that come my way, for in them, I find the answers I was really seeking. Remember that the obstacles you face in your own life, whether personal or professional, are likely put there for you to see the real opportunity that lies just on the other side of the barrier. If you see an obstacle as something to get out of your way or overcome, instead of something that is blocking you, you’ll be pleasantly surprised at the results you can achieve!