Life

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Ahh London. Londinium (LOL). It’s been a little more than week since I left. I can’t get over you. Back here in Vancouver, when I walk, all I see is you. When I sleep all I see is you. When customers berate me at work, it’s like I see myself looking at them. Because I’m not entirely present. My mind is somewhere else. Still in London perhaps.

London humbled the f**k out of me. It was Vancouver x20 and Toronto x10. Before I went over there, I was stuck in this sort of monotone rhythm of work-home-work, and I thought that was it. I was living an illusion, in a dangerous kind of comfort zone that made me complacent. This was due to the fact that Vancouver in itself is a breathtaking city with high standards.  After all, there’s a reason I left Toronto to come here. After London though, I was jolted out of my daze. In Meek Mill’s words: “There’s levels to this s***t…” and there are indeed many levels.

It was a new level of intensity, a new level of human traffic, a new level of purchasing power, a new level of fashion, a new level of life, a new level of everything.

I felt like life was being lived as I walked around, and that London was a world of its own, with its own rules. Just looking at the people was enough to tell that it was a special place: the majority of them were extremely well dressed, like they worked in banks or in lawyer cabinets (which they probably did). People were dressed like they were going to get money, I felt rich being around that. I felt like I could do anything. Some things I did without even hesitating, which wouldn’t have been the case anywhere else.  The whole time I was there, the song “London Town” by the ASAP Mob kept running through my head. Excuse the nasty language, but the energy is inescapable and I think it defines London very well. They were inspired when recording that, I don’t blame them.

It was amazing to be in a city where there was everything. Every major brand you can think of is present in that city. Like I said before, I like to feel the atmosphere of a place when I’m around. What I felt everyday for five days was aphroditic mixture of history and evolution. As in a city that has managed to adapt brilliantly well to the modern era, while preserving its legendary history along the way. It was a feeling like nothing else, my goodness.

I would leave home early and come back close to or past midnight, because I wanted to make the most of my days. I was just in awe of everything, even the normal things the locals take for granted like the architecture, the constant activity. I was happy just walking around and taking everything in. I was in awe of the eateries and the restaurants with amazing concepts. Italian food that is considered fine dining here, with the hefty price to go along with it, was made as quickly as fast food over there with the same quality if not better.

I understood why everyone always goes there. Whether it’s friends going to visit, or musicians going to record their albums, or movie productions going to film. I understood what an international / global city was. I could go on and on.

I was so ready for the trip that my planning and execution was flawless, from getting the visa, to packing exactly what I would need (including an umbrella…), to organizing my days while in the city, to everything else. Even my bag was extremely light. I’m proud of myself.

The city inspired me in such profound ways that it would take too long to explain on here. I could go on and on. Let me just say that it made me realize how much work I needed to put in to level up. At some point during my stay there, I felt out of place, like I didn’t deserve to be in such a magnificent place, and that’s how I knew it was a sign.

Listen I love Los Angeles, but I’m going to have to live in London at some point. I have to be part of that; it’s too good to pass up. A friend of mine told me that it was dope to visit, but even doper to live there. In my mind I was like “What? So there’s more?” But I could see why. It would be impossible to save money living there, but you would never be bored for even one second. There’s too much to do. Just that week alone there was Wimbledon, The F1 Live show, the Mayweather vs Conor McGregor press conference (which I almost went to!). Plus if you ever get bored of London and you feel like you need a change, there’s Madrid, Barcelona, Milan, Newcastle, Liverpool, Paris, Athens, mere hours away. The list is endless…common man!

It also made me appreciate Vancouver more, as it pertained to human traffic. Being cramped in the underground and the double deck buses, having to dodge people every second while walking on Oxford Street, I would be lying if I said I did not feel uncomfortable at times. So when I got back here and saw all the space available everywhere, as well as the slow-paced rhythm of life it really hit me in a good way! When I got back, I suddenly started noticing everything I was doing wrong, everything I needed to change, everything that was no longer acceptable. I’m still inspired as I type this.

I was in awe watching my sister get around like a pro, and it was hilarious when she would get frustrated at my dad and I for walking too slowly. I love you sis, never change. Thank you London, I needed that wake up call. Until next time, which would be very soon I hope.

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