West Coast Reminders
Hey y’all, it’s me again. I’m writing to you from Los Angeles, California, as I wrap up the end of my vacation. Although I lived here briefly last year, coming back for this trip has provided me with some subtle yet powerful reminders.
The first thing I’ve been reminded of is to work hard. Sometimes we can grow comfortable in our hometowns and the safe environments they offer. You can easily forget the possibilities of what can be achieved elsewhere with hard work and a dream. LA is full of dreamers, but it’s also full of people who are working their asses off to get what they want. It’s both inspiring and encouraging.
The second thing I’ve been reminded of is that people (whether they are celebrities or what society deems as disposable) are just people. Wealth and status are both very visible here, and social media would have you believe that some of the upper echelon are ‘special’ or owed some kind of specific reverence. The truth is that everyone is owed kindness. That’s the baseline for me. There are people I’ve encountered who I recognize from online interactions, and they aren’t the most kind or respectful people in real life. Disappointing? Yes…but not shocking. Though we work hard to achieve success and accolades, those don’t give us free range to be rude or snotty. At least not in my book. I am glad I was able to witness it though, because it’s made me even more self aware. I never want to come off that way. Whether it be to one of my supporters or a stranger on the street, I’m radiating love.
The third thing I’ve been reminded of is that it’s important to let things that go, remain gone. Over the past week I’ve spent some time contemplating former friends, flings, and acquaintances. I even reached out to one, hoping that maybe we could pick up where we left off. Sadly I was not met with the same enthusiasm. I was let down, and found myself wallowing in the fact that me and that person are no longer meant to be a part of each others lives.. even if we both so badly want to be. Some finales are really just that. Sometimes there are no sequels or reprises. You just must appreciate the beauty that you were able to add to someones life, and them to yours.. and that’s it. It’s kind of like when a movie was really good, and they they make a sequel and it just.. taints the original. Or when a song is remixed unnecessarily. Sometimes, the first time is the last time. And that’s OK.
I prepare to fly home tomorrow feeling slightly anxious, but reassured. I’ve been lovingly received by my friends here, and taken some wonderful pictures and videos that I hope to share with you all on socials. I decided not to vlog this trip, because I wanted to be as present as possible. That being said, I hope that maybe some of these reminders can help you too?
Always with love,
TC
