Wednesday, July 9, 2014

thoughts from the city of angels

If you were to ask, I'd say yes, I've been lucky. I have my health, an imperfect and entirely lovable family, and good, true friends scattered across the globe; and in addition to already having been able to "live a lot", I've enjoyed the ease that comes with generally being treated well by others. But recently, I've considered how we create our own luck--that maybe it's neither an aligning of stars nor fortunate drawing of cards, but rather a reflection of our actions in the world. We are fully cable of viewing what we've been given with humble gratitude and then creating additional "more". Is satisfaction not little more than the perceived belief our needs and expectations have been graciously met? And is contentment not the gentle appreciation of our genuine efforts in it all?
{Topanga State Park}
Suffice to say, I've really been liking Los Angeles... much more than I'd ever believed possible, if we're being completely honest.
{Baldwin Hills}
As luck would have it, I'm sharing this city with the bestest, most thoughtful copains, my Craigslist roommate and apartment are pretty wonderful, and work has already been stimulating in all the right ways. It's also worth mentioning how impressed I've been with the cultural constrasts, and sunshine, and charming design permeated throughout. And though driving through traffic may take getting used to, I suppose I've missed the convenience of having a car at all. "I'd really like to stay awhile" I wrote to a friend in nervous-anticipation. It's worth noting I'd likely still say the same, now two weeks later and a resident. Perhaps that's what lucky is.

14 comments:

  1. I'm so glad you and LA are getting on Danielle, the ease with which you have undertaken the whole transition is very inspiring : ) I believe the older we get, the more responsible we become for any action that we take, thereby playing an important part in the "luck" of our lives. Keep enjoying LA and updating us with your adventures there. We miss you a lot this side of the "pond" xxx

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    1. The ease is not ease at all, my dear. It's just all so much it takes a while to set in :) thanks for always believing in me though! I miss you all, too. xo

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  2. So glad to hear it! I cannot wait to see you in October and have you show me some of your new favorite local spots, you local!

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  3. Keep on exploring and making memories in LA - so happy it's going well thus far!

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  4. So glad that you are loving LA. I've always believed in order to achieve your dreams you need to take an active part in them. We all need to create our own luck ;)

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  5. sounds like you really like it there. and it's not that easy to find places the one can connect to that easily. and yes, it's all a matter of attitude and gratitude.

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    1. I do, I do. The highs and lows are just beginning, but I'm ready and willing to take them on :)

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  6. So happy to hear that you are enjoying life in LA, Danielle! Those views are beautiful, definitely a change of scenery from Paris and NY! Enjoy! :-)

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  7. I'm so glad that you're enjoying it. Let me know if you'd like to get together some time!

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    1. Thanks so much, darling. I'd love to! Be in touch soon.

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