New York City (Adjacent)

It’s very surreal to be typing this in my new apartment on the 42nd floor of a beautiful apartment building in Jersey City–or what I’m calling: New York City adjacent. That’s right, Jersey City, NJ! When I started the apartment hunt, I knew I would be considering Jersey City and Hoboken because I knew I would likely get more for my money there. After several weeks of searching, I found the perfect place. Living in Jersey City is like living in Brooklyn, all I have to do is take a quick train and I arrive at the World Trade Center. It’s a homey neighborhood, with beautiful views, a lovely area, and I can’t believe I get to call it home.

I haven’t been able to find the right words to express my excitement for this next chapter of my life. Independence has been something I’ve been striving towards for what seems like forever. I’ve always been a very independent and strong woman, but I was never able to be fully independent. I’ve never lived on my own or been able to provide for myself fully, until now. Something I had constantly remind myself of leading up to this moment—and something I’d like to remind you of— is that my timeline is going to look different from everyone else’s. I had to continue reminding the little doubtful voice in the back of my head that everything in my life is happening as it should. Instead of looking at what I didn’t have, I needed to embrace what I did.

And as I took on that journey the last two years, I was able to find solace, comfort, and excitement in watching my life grow and expand, leading me to this very moment.

The Environmental Shift Effect

Our environment has a significant effect on us. It can dictate our mood, energy, mental health, inspiration, motivation, and more. Where we live, and where we choose to pursue our dreams holds a lot of power to our level of success, happiness, and fulfillment. And while I understand the appeal of Florida, it’s never been the place for me. It’s always felt like it was draining my power and my energy rather than lifting it up. It served a higher purpose for me over the last two years, but as my time was coming to a close there, I was realizing more and more just how much I needed to shift my energy to up-level.

Two Versions of myself

There are hundreds if not thousands of different versions of ourselves that exist. Who I am and how I behave in Florida is very different from the version of myself here in New York. And although I’ve done a great deal of healing work on that Lauren–her insecurities, her hurt, and her trauma–I just couldn’t bring myself to believe that I could be this version, there. Florida holds a lot of baggage for me that I don’t see as a part of me when I’m here. This life is independent from my life in Florida, and that’s had such a big impact on my feelings of fulfillment, success, and even worth.

I love every version of myself that has existed. Without each and every one of her, I wouldn’t be here today. This is why we often need to send love to the past versions of ourselves to heal our inner child. Their actions, whether good or bad, are what have gotten you to this moment today. It’s important to always remind your past self that you were doing the best you could at that moment with what you had. Send love to them, and let them know the healing work you’re doing is for them as well. This move back to New York/ Jersey is every bit for my past self as it is for who I am today. I am fulfilling the dreams of a little girl that existed long ago. Florida simply never offered the same effect.

2022 New York City Lauren

So, with all of that being said, I’d like to share a bit of this new version of Lauren with you. When I was creating/ thinking through my goals and manifestations for the year, I knew that they would be coming to fruition here. With that simple thought in mind, it gave me the liberty to dream very big. My number one goal for this year is to step into the shoes of the highest, most successful, and passionate version of myself to exist. With that goal, I was able to trickle down into every personal and business goal I have for the year, given I am my business. As I work and grow, my brand does the same. Which is the main reason I am so passionate about Intentional Living.

With this move, I have reignited my passion for Intentional Living, allowing me to re-imagine my lifestyle: habits, routines, goals, priorities, etc. During my last few months in Florida, I found it really difficult to find my passion for the lifestyle. Every action I took towards creating new content and new programming felt forced and uncomfortable. My routine was suffering and my habits were slipping away. But now, it’s as if my New Year/2022 is beginning now. This shift in energy has been the spark of inspiration I’ve been looking for, needing, and manifesting.

As We Move Forward

As 2022 pushes ahead, you and I will be continuing the adventure of life. There has been an overall shift in energy for the Universe. I invite you to harness this energy and dream big. Allow yourself to explore beyond what you think is possible and reach for the stars. You’re abundantly worthy of all that you desire, all you must do is believe it. And as you and I forge ahead with this thought, I want to express my utmost gratitude to you for being here today.

If you’re interested in hearing all about the apartment process, the move, and all things New York City/NJ, listen to this week’s podcast, Ep. 38: Lauren X New York City (Adjacent), available on Apple and Spotify. If you’d like to learn more about the La.Rue coaching suite, or book a discovery call, do so by visiting the coaching tab. Slots are filling up quickly and rates will be going up following this batch of sessions.