A Love Letter to San Diego

I didn’t fall in love with you at first. Actually, it was exactly the opposite.

I moved to San Diego when I was 14, and I went under complete protest. It wasn’t until I graduated from high school and actually chose to stay there that I began to appreciate what California has to offer.

Three years ago, I moved to NYC, perhaps the farthest I could move away while still staying in the United States. I always knew I wanted to come to New York, but suddenly, I felt like I was missing something.

Last year, I made the transition into a bi-coastal lifestyle, and I  feel so blessed that I’m able to visit San Diego every three months or so.

I love that the west coast is just a six-hour flight away, but it feels like a completely different country. I love that you can visit the beach or the mountains or the desert, and all within a two-hour radius. I love my community, and I love how my friends support me and remind me not to be so hard on myself. I love escaping the city and having everything wide open around me. I love feeling the sunshine on my skin, and being content and feeling comfort in that fact. I love that San Diego reminds me of the simple things and how to appreciate them. I love the ocean and I love how small it makes me feel. Quite simply, I love San Diego.

♡

Kelley Louise is a travel + lifestyle blogger and model.
You can read more of her thoughts on the culture collective.
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