10/19/2022
I've been wanting to talk about contrast for a minute now, but struggling to start typing because I don't have a clear direction on what I want to say.
But here's to starting, the hardest first step.
This is a word that has been coming up a lot of me. Living LA, moving to Costa Rica, transitioning back to the states, and living in LA again.
The definition of contrast is, "the state of being strikingly different from something else in juxtaposition or close association."
I've been finding the most meaning in the moments of great contrast in life lately, and I think there's something to be said about it.
What I mean is, shocking my system by going from living in Los Angeles, to living in a third world country. It's in these strikingly different moments, that you begin to realize what you really have.
When I moved to Costa Rica, it quickly became apparent how many things we say we 'need' in the US to live, that we don't actually need. And when I moved back to Los Angeles, it immediately became apparent how the basic comfort necessities make life so much easier.
I'm learning to appreciate these moments more and more. I feel that many of us get stuck in patterns of our daily lives. It's the same things, with maybe slight variants, over and over.
When we suddenly shake up our lives, and slide over to the contrasted side, we gain a new perspective.
With new perspective, we can look back on where we've been, and re-evaluate our actions with fresh eyes. We can see weak areas that we may have missed, when we were so, up close and personal, with the same view every day. Just like staring at a computer screen, our eyes can become glazed over.
Contrast has brought me so much gratitude. It's taught me not only that there's something to be grateful for, but how to really FEEL that gratitude.
It was always easy for me to say I'm grateful for a washer and dryer, but I didn't really FEEL that gratitude until I lived the contrast of not having one.
I think this is really the root of why I live my life the way I do, always moving or trying something new. These moments of contrast, ultimately create moments for growth. Obviously, you can take it or leave it, but if you choose to pay attention, you can learn a lot about yourself.
I was talking with a dear friend on the phone today, and she asked what my favorite part of Costa Rica was. I thought for a second, and answered with 'self growth and discovery'. I don't feel fulfilled in my life if I'm not learning and bettering myself every day.
And let me be clear, there is no end goal. There will never be a day when I 'made it', when I'm 'healed' or when I'm 'done growing'. It's truly about the journey. For me in my life, self discovery is everything. Being a more aware person for myself and loved ones, is everything.
Life is made of small moments like realizing how great dryers are or how amazing clean air is.
I will continue to throw myself from one contrast to another, because this is how I cultivate awareness and gratitude in my life. This is how I feel alive.
If you're feeling stuck, I recommend shaking things up. Maybe you can't pick up and move to a third world country, but maybe you can vacation to one. Or maybe you can find some other relevant way in your life, to dive into self discovery, utilizing contrast.
I hope you took one small thing away from this, and that you can apply it to your own life.
If you have thoughts or want to discuss this topic further, my inbox is open on Instagram (@ricki_kitti_) or wherever else you have me added.
Thanks for taking time out of your precious day to connect with me. I'm so grateful for you, yes YOU, reading this <3
Don't forget, your soul is good!
Sending you love, Pura Vida!