I had only been to Los Angeles three times before I moved here. The first time being 5 months prior to my move. I didn't know much about Los Angeles let alone the state of California. It was an exciting adventure into a land of unknowns. 

10) Traffic really, really sucks.

Yes, it's true. The traffic really IS a nightmare. Where you live and where you work are two very important things to consider because a 10 mile commute could take you an hour depending on the direction you're heading.

And if you think Florida drivers are bad in the rain, you have yet to see Los Angeles. If a drop of rain falls from the sky all hell breaks lose on the roads. Drivers slamming on breaks, pedestrians running into the street and the highway becomes a parking lot.

9) There is something here for everyone.

It's a gorgeous city filled with art, culture, food, history, music, fashion, technology, science and... space!

8) It almost never rains.

Every day is sunshine and clear skies. It sounds AMAZING, especially coming from the "Sunshine State" where it rains every day, but it comes with a price.

Wildfires are thriving. California is almost always in a drought. And if it does rain be prepared for mudslides. 

Now, for the space nerds reading this blog, you're probably thinking "but the lack of rain is perf for rocket launches!" I thought so too until I was on my way to Vandenberg AFB and had to turn around in Santa Barbara due to a mudslide. Also, be aware of the fog that hangs around the central coast. If you do get a chance to see a launch out of Vandenberg, I suggest going where the fog doesn't jeopardize your view.

7) Adventure is everywhere.

California is a massive state with SO MUCH to do. From mountains to beach, deserts to waterfalls, there is no limit to the places you can explore and activities to partake in. It's literally impossible to be bored in California. 

6) Watch the sunset.

There is nothing like a West Coast sunset. 

Watching the sky turn colors of orange, blue and pink before the sun dips below the horizon is one of nature's most spectacular shows. It's the perfect end to your work day, makes for magical scenery on an evening run, and even sets the mood for a cozy night at home with a glass of wine and your dog. 

Take ten minutes to step outside, look up and appreciate where you are at that very moment. It's a beautiful world =)

5) Sleep on a mattress on the floor.

When I first moved here I reconnected with an old friend from high school. She said something that really resonated with me. She told me that I needed to "embrace the struggle" or else I would never truly feel like I earned my place here. I had no idea what she meant until now.

A year ago (7 months into living in LA) I was in a situation where I had to find a new place to live, as well as a new job, in a very short amount of time. This less-than-ideal situation became one of the best things to ever happen to me because it forced me to start from the ground up here in Los Angeles.

I went from a beautiful furnished two bedroom two bathroom apartment to sleeping on a mattress on the floor. I moved into my new apartment with literally nothing but boxes of clothes and picture frames. I think I had maybe a few cups and a pan to contribute to the two other girls already living there. I was their new random roommate, and despite being a hot mess they still made me feel right at home. I was SO grateful.

I had a roof over my head, a safe place to sleep at night with my dog, and a great opportunity that enabled me to afford it. The bed frame, desk, dresser, 119382390230 plants, and kitchen stuff came with time. 

I created an independent life starting from the ground (literally) up in a city where I barely knew a soul. Los Angeles is definitely home =)

4) Trust your journey.

I cannot emphasize enough how important it is to keep in mind that things really do happen to us for a reason.

We all are on different journeys in life. Sometimes our paths cross and we journey together. Sometimes our paths split and we journey alone. Wherever we are headed, unknown and unfamiliar as it may seem, is exactly where we are meant to be.

Which leads me to my next point...

3) Good things happen outside of your comfort zone.

I had to push myself at times to try new things. Camping was one of them and I didn't want to go alone. I lost out on enjoying many nights under the stars because I was waiting on someone to accompany me. It all changed once I mustered up the courage to go alone. 

Exploring California on my own is never lonely because I always have Juno with me. I prefer solo adventures because it allows me to create my own itinerary and get to spend as much time as I want at these awesome locations.

Juno and I enjoy nights under the moonlight at Big Sur, camping under the Milky Way in Malibu, capturing the stars over Joshua Tree and exploring the statues in Borrego Springs.  

2) Follow your intuition and stay true to yourself.

You know that feeling you get when something doesn't seem right? Trust it. 

It's hard to make judgements on who and what is right for you when you're in a new place. Keep in mind that it takes time to truly get to know someone. People will always put on their best behavior when making a first impression, so take your time when it comes to making friends and finding your 'tribe'.

You owe it to yourself to only let in the people that bring out the best in you. 

1) The only validation you need is from yourself.

We all want to be accepted. We want to fit in, make friends and maybe find a special someone to start a relationship with. But before we begin seeking connections with others we need to take a moment to think about the connection we have with ourselves.

Are you aware of who you are? Do you accept yourself? Especially your flaws? If so, then the opinions of others should mean absolutely nothing to you. They are irrelevant because the only validation you will ever need in this life time is your own.

When I first moved here I had no idea what to expect. I told myself I’d give it a month and if it didn’t work out then I’d move back to Florida.

It’s been over a year and a half now, and it hasn’t been easy, but it’s been incredibly rewarding.

Every morning I wake up next to my dog in a bed that is no longer on the floor (LOL), I look outside my window at the sunrise and think how wonderful it is to be living this sweet life in the beautiful city of Los Angeles.