It’s a really good question.
The Acura Grand Prix is happening now and all weekend in Long Beach, California. The Acura Grand Prix is indeed a big deal, yet surprisingly not all residents are aware of it. I wonder why how it is not uncommon for people to miss out on major events happening right around them.
Here are a few reasons people can be unaware of what’s going on in their surroundings:
- Information Overload
We’re constantly bombarded with news, updates, ads, and notifications. With so much coming at us, the brain naturally filters things out. So, if someone isn’t specifically tuned into local news or community happenings, they might miss even major events like the Grand Prix.
- Busy or Distracted Lives
People are often wrapped up in their own routines — commuting, working, family responsibilities, or dealing with personal stress. When life feels like a treadmill, it’s easy to miss the buzz happening just a few blocks away.
- Disconnection from Local Community
Many residents — especially in urban or transient areas — aren’t deeply rooted in their communities. If someone doesn’t engage with neighbors, attend local events, or follow city-specific social media, they won’t pick up on local chatter.
- Algorithms and Media Bubbles
If your online habits lean toward national or international content, algorithms may prioritize that over hyperlocal news. So unless someone specifically follows Long Beach news or local event pages, they might never hear about the Grand Prix.
- Apathy or Low Interest
Some people just aren’t interested in cars, races, or local festivities. If it doesn’t affect them directly (like road closures or parking issues), they may not even look into what’s causing the commotion.
I noticed a lot of road blocks driving one day and was curious. The next time I went walking, I struck up a conversation with another walker and that was how I knew it was going to happen.
- Lack of Effective Local Promotion
Sometimes, events rely heavily on specific channels (like posters, certain radio stations, or niche social media pages) that many residents don’t follow. Without widespread or creative outreach, even big events can slip under the radar.
Be that as it may
It’s kind of ironic: we’re more connected than ever, yet less aware of what’s happening right next to us.
One thing the Acura Grand Prix experience reminded me of is how easy it is to miss what’s happening right around us. Big things — like a whole Grand Prix — can literally be set up in your city, and unless you’re intentional, you can miss it completely if you’re not looking up, slowing down, or stepping outside your routine, you might miss it.
How can we be more present in our own world (or neighborhood)? Nothing too fancy — just simple, intentional choices:
Stay Present and Actually Notice What’s Around You
That’s something I was reminded of just by taking a simple walk and stumbling into the heart of the Acura Grand Prix.
Life isn’t always about chasing what’s next. Sometimes, it’s about slowing down enough to enjoy what’s already here.
So how do we stay more connected to what’s going on around us — especially in our own neighborhoods? Here are a few easy lifestyle shifts that make a big difference:
• Take a tech-free walk now and then. Not every walk needs to double as a podcast catch-up. I’m guilty of this because I sometimes use the time to read emails or post a thing or two.
Try walking just to see, hear, and feel what’s happening around you. The vibe, the noise, the people — it all tells you something about where you live.
• Be curious. If you see a sign, poster, or a crowd gathering — check it out. A few seconds of curiosity could lead to a whole unexpected experience … you’d be surprised how much is quietly trying to get your attention.
• Keep tabs on local happenings. Follow your city or neighborhood on social media – they’re usually the first to share what’s going on. Check event pages or community calendars once a week. A lot of fun events never make it to your main feed.
• Mix up your routine.
The more familiar we get with our routines, the more blind we become to new things. A little detour can open your eyes.
New streets, new shops, even new coffee spots can reveal parts of your neighborhood you’ve never noticed.
• Talk to locals. Your barista, your neighbor, or that chatty vendor at the farmers’ market — they’re often the best source of what’s going on nearby. This is so true!
Try it this week: take a walk, look around, ask a question. Something might surprise you — in the best way.
Think-Talk 