Dear Los Angeles,
Today makes 5 years together. I can honestly say it’s been the best 5 years of my life. When I was 15 I came out here to record music. I immediately knew I had to move here. My mom always told me I could but her advice was to wait. I hated it, in that moment, but waiting was the best thing I could have done.
I remember driving from Atlanta to Los Angeles; it’s still probably one of my favorite things I’ve ever done. I went to Sundance in 2013 and was in awe the entire weekend. I came home and just knew it was time for me to leave Atlanta for something bigger and better. I went into my boss’ office and told her we needed to talk…she already knew what was coming, though. She sighed and said “you’re moving, aren’t you?” I had my stuff on a truck and was heading West 3 week later.
I’ve lived in Ohio, Florida and Georgia…but California is the only place to really feel like home. It’s the place that I chose to live. I moved here with no money and no job lined up. I met my (then) roommate on Craigslist and never saw the apartment before we moved in. To this day, it’s the scariest thing I’ve ever done.
When you want something bad enough, you do what it takes to make sure you get it. And I knew I had to live here.
Los Angeles taught me the meaning of wanting and craving more. More from work, more from friends, more from relationships. I didn’t know what I was lacking until I moved to LA. People have such drive, they have a need to “make it.” It was and still is very inspiring to me.
LA, you taught me to be my own person. You taught me that being different was to be celebrated. But you also taught me about struggle. You taught me you can’t plan every aspect of your life. And especially that what you see on tv isn’t reality.
You taught me about fair weather people and fast friends. Ones that only hang out with you until someone better comes along, or so that you might invite them to a “celebrity” party.
You introduced me to the most amazing people. You brought the best friends anyone could have into my life. You’ve introduced me to people I would have never met in a million years.
You’re not an easy town, that’s for sure. But damn you’re worth it.
I had my heartbroken in LA. I fell in love in LA. I found my voice in LA.
I love you. Happy Anniversary.
Xoxo
Allison