To Live For

Photographed by: Martin Alvarez

Top: American Eagle; Photographed by: Martin Alvarez

Watch: Cluse; Purse: Furla; Photographed by: Martin Alvarez

Top: Zara; Skirt: River Island

A few days ago, I was walking through SoHo and came across a coffee shop with a window that said, "To Live For." As I was walking I kept repeating this phrase to myself, "To Live For." You don't really hear that too often, do you? "Wow! This coffee is to live for!" or "OMG those shoes are to live for!" The more common expression is, "To die for," which is hyperbolic for the purpose of showing how much you love something (so much that you'd die for it). "To Live For," however, just achieves so much more.

Very different from last Thanksgiving, I spent this Thanksgiving in Los Angeles, with some of my greatest friends-- friends who remind me of this phrase, to live for. Friends I met at Dickinson College, my alma mater, and had the beautiful pleasure of living with senior year in 538 West Louther, our first home. 

As a full-time teacher I desperately have to take advantage of the breaks we get. To be honest, I didn't think I was going to make it this far into the school year. I mean, I love teaching, it's the coolest most underrated job in the world, but it can be very demanding. So much that I sometimes forget who I am. Mika, a living, breathing, complex human being. It's almost December and I am very happy I've made it this far in the teacher world. I really have my students to thank for that, and one student in particular for writing me a positive note every single day and reminding that I have what it takes to do this work. 

So I'm spending my first break as a teacher in LA, my dream place! I feel so fortunate that this is my third time visiting. I have the universe to thank for that, for hearing me out when I was a small child with lots of dreams and making them come true by aligning me with amazing people who are from this beautiful City of Angels. My friends here are truly beautiful and being with them is rejuvenating. Let me tell you, friends like these you have to snatch up immediately because they're so rare. So if you think you've found those friends in your life who are you ride or die, who are you rocks, who make you a better person, hold onto them.  

I am grateful for moments like the ones I experienced this break. From picnicking at Exposition Park, to clubbing in West Hollywood, to brunch at go get em tiger. Thanksgiving break, you have been a culmination of all of the things I want to continue living for: positive vibes, good food, good friends, good weather and more. Friends and LA, 'till next time! 

What do you live for? What will you begin to live for? Comment below!