r0ckyreed

@Leo Gura I remember you saying somewhere that you have lived in Austin and Boston. What made you decide to leave Texas to go to Las Vegas? Not enough dating opportunities? How did you adjust to the changes involved in moving?

How did you decide you wanted to pick Vegas? To me, Vegas seems like a nice place to visit but not someplace I would want to live. My idea is a balance of access to nature and city opportunities while living in a suburban small/college town. I think culture is also an essential factor as well. I know I want to be around nature, vibrant city, and universities. I am looking at Oregon, Washington, Asheville, NC, Connecticut, Rhode Island. Once I pick my general area (west or east coast) then I will be more specific about neighborhood. I want to get the area right (access to mountains, oceans, vibrant city opportunities, university liberal culture, etc.) and then I will get more clear. What was your process?

A-freakin-men. Thanks for your support. I will keep contemplating and try to narrow it down 5 areas. I’m considering Oregon for west coast and Massachusetts for east coast. But I’ll try to keep my mind open. Thanks.

The area I’m at I think I’ve outgrown. I’ve lived in Oklahoma my whole life. I want an area with more abundance of nature opportunities. If I lived where I’m at for the next 5-10 years, I think I’d have regrets of not experiencing a new environment altogether. I met a famous rock climber in Yosemite (Ron Kauk), he talked about growing up in the valley and how he had access to rock climbing, wilderness camping and all the beauty of Yosemite as a kid. It was inspirational. I’m at the ideal job but not ideal environment. I’d like to be around like-minded people. I also would like to get out of the red state Bible Belt culture.

Thanks mate. 🙏

Thanks. I figured so. That’s what I did on my Oregon and Washington road trip. I think my next steps now are to narrow down specific towns, apartments, and jobs. It is so hard when I really love the job position I have now. Coworkers and work culture is amazing. I have so much freedom and that is hard to leave.

@Leo Gura Since you’ve moved around a lot. Do you have any general advice for someone like me who hasn’t moved or lived anywhere else? Any traps to avoid? I will start looking up different neighborhoods in the cities I’m interested in. I’m pretty clear about what I want. I think it’s just planning it all out and taking action that’s the hard part. Such as if I have to secure a job before moving or move and then secure a job. I know with my profession and experience, I’ll be able to find work anywhere. Thanks. Anybody else have any tips and traps to avoid for moving out of hometown/homestate?

NYC is good to visit, but the idea of living there seems like it would be a nightmare for me. It’s just too many people, overcrowded, and everywhere looks the same after a while. It’s just a concrete jungle.

True. And also a place to find my career as an Existential EMDR Therapist. I care deeply about being near coast and mountains (having an abundance of outdoor activities) along with a vibrant city life. Gotta try to find an apartment in a good area that’s not in the noisy downtown and is affordable. Where would you want to live?

Yeah! I vacationed there and it was awesome! Just gotta find a spot not centered in the busy city. I’m sure I’ll be able to find a mental health counseling job there.

Good answers! What do you all think about Oregon, Washington or some of the east coast states? I want to be open to east coast and west coast.

I am auditing my life at this point. I live in Oklahoma and has been my hometown for my whole life. I am considering moving out of Oklahoma sometime within the next 2-3 years. I am considering living near the Coast because I value being in proximity to nature (oceans/mountains) and vibrant city life. Where would you live in the USA if you could choose?

Let’s go!!!!!!! We are gonna deconstruct Sherlock!!

Also, as long as you ask others for answers, you will forever never trust your own instincts and conclusions. Notice that. Some of this stuff you need to work out on your own and not have Leo or Buddha hold your hand through it. Notice how that is giving away cognitive/spiritual independence.

It’s not about knowing whether you are right. It’s about knowing whether you understand. You have to go with the level that you are at and do the best you can. There are levels of God that no human will ever be able to access. What you are missing is insight. There’s gonna be a lot of stuff you will always be ignorant to and will never know. Keep contemplating. Let go of that Leo quote. That raft got you across the river, but it won’t get you through the forest.