If you've been following along on this travel journal, you know that my adventures — from surfing for the first time at 60 in Santa Cruz to soaking in the Blue Zone magic of Costa Rica's Nosara — have completely transformed how I see life, movement, and joy.
What I didn't expect was that those same adventures would inspire me to write a children's book.
Finding Flow Changed Everything
When I paddled out on a surfboard for the first time, I was terrified. I was also exhilarated. And somewhere between wiping out and catching my first wave, I found something I hadn't felt in years: pure, unfiltered flow state. The kind where you're so present that nothing else exists.
I kept thinking — what if kids could feel this? What if we could teach children early that trying new things, even scary ones, is where the magic lives?
Meet Lil' Chickie
✨ Inspired by Joy, Wonder & Adventure
Lil' Chickie Loves To Be Active is a board book for little ones that celebrates trying new activities, building confidence, and discovering the joy of an active lifestyle — the same spirit that drives every adventure I share on this blog.
Perfect for ages 0–4, it's a gift that plants the seed of adventure early.
The Same Spirit, A Different Audience
Every Costa Rica post, every surfing story, every "I can't believe I just did that" moment on this blog — that's the energy I poured into Lil' Chickie. The book is for the little ones in your life, but the message is timeless: try it, feel it, love it.
If you have a child, grandchild, niece, nephew, or little one in your world who could use a nudge toward adventure and confidence, I'd love for you to check it out.
👉 Learn more about Lil' Chickie Loves To Be Active
And as always — keep moving, keep exploring, keep finding your flow. 🌊
XO,
Deb Ryan
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