I recently returned to L.A. after spending 6 days in San Francisco.
The trip was mostly for work, but also filled with a lot of laughs and fun times with friends.
The main focus of the trip was to find a retreat center to host a retreat for next year. My partner and I found some great places. More info coming once we lock down a location!
I lived in S.F. for almost 12 years, so every time I go back it feels like I’m headed home.
Having spent my formative years in the city, I developed meaningful relationships that will inevitably last a lifetime.
Since moving from S.F., the city has undergone a massive transformation due to the influx of tech companies and young tech professionals wanting to be a part of the city’s exponential growth.
With each trip that I’ve made to S.F. over the past few years, regardless of how much fun I’ve had, I often left with a sour taste in my mouth and felt that, at its core, San Francisco had lost its soul and felt very different than the city I fell in love with.
This last trip completely shifted my perspective.
Back in the day, when I was living in S.F., every Wednesday night, I would religiously go to this party called the Qool Happy Hour. Perhaps you were there as well. 🙂
From 5pm – 10pm, DJ’s would play house music and the entire place, 111 Minna, would be dancing, from beginning to end. It was unlike any party I had ever been too.
What made Qool so special is that there were never any false pretenses. When I walked into 111 Minna, I was always immediately welcomed by my peers and could simply let go and be myself.
To my delight, The Qool happy hour just happened to have its 25th year anniversary party this past Saturday, and I was able to attend. Many familiar faces came out to celebrate with one another and that very special time in our lives. Everyone had a blast!
While I was at the party, an old friend of mine shared with me that she had changed careers a few years ago and it’s been an awesome ride for her.
As we were talking, she shared something with me that’s been on my mind ever since.
She said, “there’s enough financial abundance in this city for everyone to share in and benefit from.”
Her statement stopped me in my tracks and really got me thinking about the power of having an abundance mindset.
It also got me thinking about the judgements I’ve been holding against the city and community of San Francisco and how these judgements potentially keep me from maximizing my own abundance mindset.
It was a powerful moment for me, and it’s probably not a coincidence that it happened at the Qool Happy Hour.
Her statement immediately open my eyes and arms to new opportunities that will continue to come my way.
Often times, when I work with my clients, the simplest things can ignite the biggest shifts in perspective. I had a very similar experience the other night.
I’m grateful for that moment at 111 Minna and the Qool Happy Hour. It truly allowed me to slow down, open my heart and connect to the love I have for my friends, both old and new, and one of the best cities in the world, San Francisco.
