Meet Lofton Etheridge | Travel + Lifestyle Blogger

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lofton Etheridge and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lofton, what role has risk played in your life or career?
Embracing risks has become an integral part of my character, playing a pivotal role in shaping both my professional and personal life.

Without taking those bold leaps, I wouldn’t have achieved my current position or personal growth. Whether it’s relocating to a new part of the country, resigning from secure jobs in pursuit of something more fulfilling, or launching my own business, I have willingly steered away from my comfort zone since 2021. The journey towards success is anything but straightforward or pretty, but the beacon of hope at the end of the tunnel makes every step worthwhile.

In all honesty, life rewards those who dare to be bold. It demonstrates genuine courage and trust in grander designs, similar to the act of a trust fall. You lean back, assured that life has your back, and it will not only catch you but also help you stand taller when you rise back up.

As I’ve consistently emphasized, embracing discomfort should be a source of motivation. In an ever-evolving world, the responsibility falls on us to continuously adjust and thrive in dynamic environments. Although discomfort may initially prevail, the liberation and growth that change offers are profoundly satisfying.

Darwin coined the phrase “survival of the fittest” for a compelling reason – it emphasizes the importance of adaptation, as those who do not evolve will ultimately be left in the wake of progress.

Naturally, if something instills fear in you, I believe it often indicates the direction you should pursue, guiding you toward the path meant for you. As Andre Gide says, ”You can never cross the ocean until you have the courage to lose sight of the shore.”

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve always had a deep-rooted passion for travel, and I’m now eager to transform that passion into a full-fledged career. I aspire to revolutionize the way stories are told in the travel and tourism industry. My ultimate goal is to be the catalyst for someone discovering an interesting fact while reading my blog, enabling them to confidently contribute in a classroom discussion. I want to inspire others to step out of their comfort zones, inspired by my own experiences, which may soon become their newfound passions.

I’m determined to see greater authenticity in the narratives we share about our travel experiences. For instance, I’d like to narrate experiences like, “I experimented with a new meditation method, and it stirred up profound emotions, but I found peace in the process. The meditation was guided by an individual named ‘so and so,’ who provided unwavering support throughout.” My aim is to introduce my audience to the diverse world of travel and the remarkable individuals who shape it.

My approach to writing is similar to having a heart-to-heart conversation with a friend who’s eager to hear about my adventures when I come back home. I sprinkle in all the juicy details, ensuring that my readers are both entertained and educated. In essence, it’s like I’m sharing my personal travel journal with the world.

Through my brand, I aspire to serve as an internal guide for those engaging with my narratives. While I do promote the idea of travel as a means of personal and spiritual growth, I am not advocating that everyone follow the exact path I have taken with my blogging.

My goal is to inspire someone to explore their artistic talents, fall in love with painting, and ultimately turn their art into a lucrative venture. I want to be the reason someone jumps off a bridge, let me finish, and is now an adrenaline junkie and becomes a bungee-jumping instructor.

Moreover, I aim to empower people to face life’s challenges with resilience and creativity. I want to be the reason someone turns adversity into opportunity – just like that one saying, “When life gives you lemons, you make lemonade.” Instead, I want my readers to make lemonade, use that zest to make pasta, and eventually use the leftover peels to create a holistic cleaning product. This metaphor exemplifies living life to the fullest and seizing every opportunity that comes their way.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Oh my, I must admit that I haven’t fully explored Los Angeles to determine the absolute best spot, but one of the fantastic aspects of LA is that no matter where you go, there are always stunning views to enjoy. What’s particularly special about this city is that it’s perpetually alive and vibrant, whether it’s a sunny Tuesday afternoon or a late Saturday night.

During my time in LA, I’ve had the pleasure of hosting some friends and family members who’ve come to visit. I always recommend that they start with the popular tourist attractions before delving into the more authentic local experiences. Los Angeles is an incredibly vast and diverse city, and fully exploring it can take years. In fact, there are still places within the city that I, myself, have yet to discover. For an itinerary, I have a strong preference for wholesome activities like picnicking in the park or seeking out unique experiences.

If you ever visit the West Coast, you must explore the beautiful beaches, and my personal favorite has always been Malibu. It’s fascinating how just a 10-mile drive to the north can bring about a significantly quieter and more tranquil atmosphere. Malibu, in particular, has a unique charm that transports you to the picturesque coasts of Italy. As Miley Cyrus aptly put it, the sky in Malibu is exceptionally blue, exuding a vibrancy and serenity that’s truly captivating.

While I’ve had the chance to visit numerous beaches in my upbringing, there’s one particular memory that stands out. I remember a day when an old friend and I ventured to the beach, stayed to witness a breathtaking sunset, and in that moment, I couldn’t help but feel a profound sense of awe. It was a reminder of how fortunate I am to be on the coast, the farthest point on the West Coast. This experience consistently reinforces how far I’ve come in life and the significant progress I’ve made. Being on the beach in LA brings me a deep sense of solace and pride in my personal journey – a sentiment I can’t quite attribute to other coastal destinations.

Since relocating to LA, I’ve found myself indulging in sushi more frequently than I ever did before. In fact, I believe my first encounter with sushi happened here, and it has since become a fundamental part of my culinary repertoire. For my go-to sushi spot, I’ve grown particularly fond of Roll Call on Miracle Mile.

Another noteworthy dining experience was at Bossa Nova, a Brazilian steakhouse. To my surprise, I hadn’t sampled Brazilian cuisine before my time in LA, so this city has certainly broadened my food palate.

When it comes to lunch, I have a genuine affection for a hearty SweetGreen salad, with my favorite being the Super Green Goddess.

While it’s practically a West Coast rite of passage to try In-N-Out, I must confess it didn’t quite align with my taste preferences. Instead, I found Monty’s plant-based burgers to be absolutely irresistible!

There are numerous culinary gems to discover, and my recommendation is to try them all. I’ve had the pleasure of immersing myself in a wide array of food cultures here, and I have no moments of regret.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

The list is so extensive that it’s hard to recall everyone, but I’d like to express my gratitude to the entire global community and its diverse individuals. That feels like an inclusive acknowledgement, doesn’t it?

On a more sincere note, I’ve delved into numerous self-improvement books that have provided the gentle nudge I needed to bolster my self-belief. A special shoutout to those insightful authors!

I’ve crossed paths with numerous acquaintances who have generously imparted wisdom when I required it most. My friends and family have consistently stood by me, unwavering in their support, regardless of how unconventional my journey may have sounded to them. They’ve never mustered the heart to say no, always encouraging me to savor life to the fullest. I suspect they also yearn to experience life vicariously through me, and that’s why they give me that extra push.

I’d like to give credit to myself for consistently believing in my abilities and taking that leap of faith. LA has instilled in me a stronger self-confidence, a quality I plan to carry with me wherever I go.

Finally, a heartfelt shout out to God. It often feels like God is leading me in different directions, though in hindsight, it all makes sense. God is the force motivating me to take daring leaps, even when I initially resisted and clung to the safety of solid ground. Strangely, it always worked out in the end. These days, when I sense God urging me to jump off a cliff, I embrace it eagerly and attempt a graceful backflip into whatever lies ahead. Life is simply more enjoyable that way.

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