Back in April 2022, I packed my two-door Mini Cooper and said good bye San Francisco. It was time to go. My original goal was to drive cross-country and reach my home of New York City by the summer time with a two-week pit stop in Los Angeles.
However, life had other plans, and I found myself drawn to Los Angeles. It reminded me real city. More people of color! More community! The other thing that was different for me this time around, was that I had a driver’s license AND a car. Los Angeles was a new playground for me. And so what I thought would be a brief stint to see Lil’ Kim at West Hollywood Pride turned into a two-year experience.
Thinking it would be the last time I would be on this west coast for a while, I actually drove up north and made stops in Portland, Seattle, and even Vancouver – and then landed in West Hollywood in time for Pride festivities.
About a year ago, I made the decision to move from my first apartment in Los Angeles in Mid-City because I wasn’t thriving. Not only was tension building between me and my inattentive landlord – having lived in San Francisco, I was used to walking places. I was less active, which meant I was less social -which meant I was less out there and more in my head.
I was stuck!
I felt stuck, and this time it wasn’t due to a lack of money or social life that weighed on me—it was my physical environment. The honeymoon phase wore off when I was left with no heat during one of L.A.’s coldest nights last year.
You see … since my move to Los Angeles was completely unplanned, finding a one-bedroom for $1,500 was a rare find. And instead of expanding my reach, parameters budget – I felt stuck because of two limiting beliefs of mine: 1) I would never stumble upon such a deal again, and 2) $1,500 was all I could afford. Limiting beliefs based on who I was when I was first looking at apartments.
It is interesting where our minds go in these situations. Even for me as a coach, because I am human after all. Right?
This wasn’t just about managing to make rent—it was about acknowledging that I get to create my own reality every day.
In recognizing this, I understood that my own beliefs were the real barriers keeping me stuck. I was not thinking with an abundance and prosperity mindset. And no I did not find another $1,500 gem, but the upgrade to West Hollywood has been worth it!
Over the course of 2023, I’ve grown and learned so much—you don’t even know.
I launched three lines of businesses: Eat.Play.Glow., Queer Compass, and Noris Knows. In fact, I’ve invited you to Zaddy’s Issues because we’ve probably done business together, and I want to show you my authentic self.
& also:
passed my PCC Certification Exam & received my ICF credentials
rekindled my relationship with my mother
celebrated Kai turning 17 old
turned 42
New City, New Mindset – Thriving Me! Here’s to year two in West Hollywood! Stay tuned, and be the first to receive my personal stories, learning moments and life updates by subscribing to Zaddy’s Issues here.
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