Los Angeles is misunderstood.

Most people don’t understand Los Angeles, because most people don’t understand the people who live here.

I didn’t when I first moved here 20+ years ago, but here’s what I’ve learned in two decades of living here.

Los Angeles is a town of chasers.

People in pursuit of something.

People who left homes, families, and friends behind to come here.

Sure, some people are from here, but most aren’t.

Los Angeles is a destination – a place you come to, not a place you flee from.

It’s populated with people who didn’t let their fears stop them from pursuing their dreams. Who don’t make excuses for why something can’t happen, but instead seek reasons why it will.

Optimists.

People who take risks, push forward, and refuse to get stuck.

This doesn’t mean they always succeed. Most fail.

Most don’t get what they came for.

But they try. And they don’t regret doing so.

Most people misunderstand Los Angeles because they don’t understand what it’s like to live surrounded by people like this.

Their spirit is contagious. Addictive. Inspiring.

It feeds on itself and convinces you anything is possible.

And in Los Angeles, it is.

Los Angeles isn’t what many think it is.

It’s not superficial, shallow, and obsessed with image – that’s just what the Kardashians show you to sell you stuff.

Los Angeles is a meritocracy.

It doesn’t care where you went to school or if you went to school.

It cares what you do with the gifts you have.

It cares what you create – not what you can exploit.

Life is rarely fair, but Los Angeles often is.

If you’re talented, you’ll be found. It may take time, but you’ll earn opportunities.

And if you don’t hone your skills and combine them with hard work, you’ll fail.

You may get a “break,” but it won’t last.

This town is a filter and staying power is earned.

Los Angeles ain’t easy. It can be brutal.

But anything’s possible here.

And there aren’t many cities where that’s still true.