Now before all my West Coasters eat me alive, just hear me out. During my recent trip to LA, with my New Yorker lens on, I constantly tried to walk or use public transportation and experienced repeated defeat because you cannot get anywhere without a car. LA seems like such so slow life.
It wasn’t until finally settled into Santa Monica where the appeal all began to make sense. Seeing different people tourists, locals, etc, coming together to enjoy Los Angeles’ perfect weather and accessible beaches. A sense of freedom overcame me and I realized that I’d been doing LA a disservice by experiencing it through the eyes of an East Coaster. That’s exactly what you’re NOT supposed to do. There is no actual need to rush anywhere because everywhere is pretty awesome. What you should be doing instead is investing every minute living in the now. I think this concept is something the west coast prides itself in. Interacting with their surrounding, the mountains, beaches, and in many ways leaving behind what has been lost through the rapid technological advancements. So whether you're hiking, shredding some waves, soaking up the sun, eating at one of the many tasty restaurants, it’s all about living in the now.
In LA time is not of the essence. And taking a break from the hectic lifestyle we lead as new yorkers put things into perspective to remember what ultimately is meaningful to me. I don’t think humans were made to be contained in cubicles within corporate america but rather set up to explore, engage in new experiences and connect with others. To immerse yourself with your surroundings rather than just live in it. And although I was renewed and motivated, by LA, to get back on the grind I started missing its laid-back lifestyle and wish to be laying down on the beach while soaking up some sun (Don't forget the sun block, I got my first sunburn in LA).