Happiness is in the mind. We’ve all heard it before and I personally know it to be true. But this is a Universe of dualities. Meaning, something may be true, but so may the complete opposite be as well. It’s all about balance. Be selfless, without being a doormat. Have high expectations, without having unrealistic expectations. Be organized, without being obsessive. Balance.
So, balance and happiness huh? Like I said, true happiness is in the mind. No matter what your outside circumstances look like, one can always go within to find joy. But, sometimes our outside circumstances aren’t quite helping us maintain that joyful state of mind. Sometimes where we choose to be is exactly the opposite of where our soul would thrive.
I was born and raised in New Jersey (shout out to Jersey!). Four years ago I made, what seemed at the time, a random decision to move out west, to Los Angeles. I loved New Jersey. It was my home, but my soul knew that I needed change. I needed a fresh start. At the time it seemed like a crazy, random, out of the blue decision to stuff all my belongings in my truck and drive across the country; but now, retrospectively, I know that I was doing exactly what my soul needed.
When I moved to L.A., I knew I was home. Over the past four years, that feeling of being exactly where I am supposed to be has deepened. What’s so great about L.A.? Well, obviously there’s the weather and the palm trees and the mountains and the landscape. 
L.A. is a beautiful city, but what most feeds my soul living here are the other souls I share this city with.
We are all energy. Everything is energy, so it makes sense that similar energy gravitates to the same places on the planet. Los Angeles, in my opinion, is full of interesting, diverse people. The old adage, “you can’t tell a book by it’s cover” is so applicable here. I have had some deep, amazing conversations and experiences with people whom, upon first glance, I would never think I would connect with. This is an artist’s city, and as such, most people I’ve had the pleasure of meeting are multi-dimensional, complex beings… just like me! Another great part of this city, is the laid back energy. Coming from the hectic, hustle and bustle of the East Coast, it’s such a blessing to be able to chill, just chill. Oh and let’s not forget that I am a vegan! It’s wonderful to be in a city where I can find a vegan restaurant within a few miles of wherever I am!
So what gifts does your city give to your soul? Or does it? Like I said, we are all energy. If the energy of your city doesn’t match your soul, then you may have to work that much harder to find the joy within. If you’re a liberal hippie living in the Bible Belt, you may feel drained by the energy of your city. If you love nature and you’re in the middle of New York City, you may find yourself just as drained as the hippie.
We all have different things that feed our soul. The trick is to identify them. Once you know what your soul needs, then you can seek out people, places and experiences that feed you. Maybe you can find exactly what you need within your city. Perhaps there’s a coffee shop or a church that is full of the energy your soul desires. Or perhaps, you just might realize that the city where you live is leeching energy from you rather than giving it to you. You may realize that you need to find a place that’s more conducive to your needs.
When you are exactly where your soul needs to be, you will know. You will feel full of energy and alive when you drive through your city’s streets. You will find yourself willing to explore the little nooks and crannies of your town. You will hate to leave and always be eager to return. You will feel like this is exactly where I am supposed to be.
So, ask yourself: Does my city feed my soul?
~p~
calivegans 