A Move to New York Is Just What Lindsay Lohan Needs

By Rebecca Macatee Posted Aug 24th 2010 08:00PM

Dina Lohan revealed in an interview with The Today Show's Matt Lauer that her daughter, Lindsay, plans to move back to the east coast after completing her court-ordered 90-day stint in rehab. After reports that Lindsay's addictions might have been over-exaggerated, the new judge in Lindsay's case is issuing a surprise ruling Tuesday, and Lindsay might be released from rehab earlier than expected.

Lindsay was born and raised in Merrick, a Long Island suburb of New York City, and she's no stranger to the Big Apple. Is an escape from the glitz and glam of Hollywood what it takes to keep Lilo out of trouble?

I truly feel for Lindsay, and I don't think any of us are in any position to point fingers and judge. Most of us can't relate to the pressures she's faced from such a young age and what's it's like to fall apart in the public eye. I hope that Lindsay will move to New York, stay sober, and keep progressing towards the new beginning she desperately needs to save herself and her career.

I took the liberty of writing up a few pointers for Lindsay and her move to the big city. As someone her age who's lived in Manhattan for a few years myself, I think I have some sound advice for everyone's favorite mean girl.

1. Choose location wisely -- Lindsay's had some trouble with overspending and managing her finances in the past. I recommend a nice rental somewhere on Manhattan's Upper East Side. There's no need to rush into anything yet and buy a place. The Upper East Side was once upon a time the posh Manhattan niche for socialites, but now it's more of a calmer, uptown Mecca for families and young professionals. But Lindsay needs a safe, quiet place to live, not a stomping ground for late night binges and partying. Most of New York's hip clubs and bars are down in the Meatpacking District and on the west side. It will help in Lindsay's quest to stay sober for her major temptations to be a cab ride away and not literally next-door. Regardless of where she sets up camp, it's comforting to know that like most New Yorkers, she won't need to drive anywhere herself.

2. Join a gym -- Obviously I don't say this to imply Lindsay needs to lose an ounce of weight. If anything, I think she needs to get back eating healthily and building muscle. But regularly working out not only sends endorphins surging through your system, but it provides routine and stability, which Lindsay absolutely needs. I personally recommend a global membership to Equinox Fitness Clubs. With this, Lindsay can work out all over town. An abundance of stars already use the gyms, so Lindsay in a sports bra won't be any grand spectacle for the club's patrons. And for a physical and spiritual boost, Lindsay need only enroll in any one of Darryl Gaines' extraordinary spinning classes at the club. Darryl's unconventional, enthusiastic approach to teaching inspires and uplifts his students, something Lindsay will most definitely benefit from. A Sunday morning class with Darryl in Soho has better music and more attractive people than you'll find Saturday night at any hot NYC club.

3. Try and make some good friends -- I clarify this piece of advice with "try." New York has a tough reputation for a reason, and unfortunately it's not as easy Carrie Bradshaw makes it look to assemble your own Sex and the City clique. I'm sure being famous, and especially a tabloid-topic like Lindsay, you have to be infinitely more cautious accepting anyone new into your life. But Lindsay desperately needs some friends who will be there for her and support her as she gets back on her feet. Her relationship with DJ Samantha Ronson seemed, for the most part, to be a positive influence on her life. I hope that Samantha, who grew up in New York, can introduce Lindsay to a network of legitimate people with whom she can learn to have real relationships. Or, another solid way to meet new people is through work.

4. Get back to work -- For good or bad, right now, people are fascinated by Lindsay Lohan. And while the world might be eagerly waiting for the starlet to crash and burn, all eyes are upon her. After she wraps the filming of Inferno: A Linda Lovelace story, Lindsay should try and keep busy. Whether it's an acting gig or working on her leggings line or self-tanner, Lindsay will find a renewed sense of self-worth and fulfillment when her focus is on propelling her career. And while Lindsay's in New York, she might as well give back. Maybe this means volunteering in the city with youth dealing with substance abuse in their families, or maybe it's serving as a mentor to underprivileged kids interested in the arts. Getting involved with local philanthropies, like New Yorkers for Children or the New York Foundation for the Arts, will be therapeutic for Lindsay and also do wonders for her public persona.

5. Keep getting help -- It takes a strong person to admit they need help. Lindsay clearly has struggled with a multitude of issues. The rehab-stint might have been a quick fix, but to keep sober and sane, she absolutely needs continued counseling. New York is home to some of the top mental health specialists and substance abuse counselors in the world, and Lindsay is so fortunate to have the financial means to afford them. Being back on the East coast and having closer access to her mom and family should also be a positive step for Lindsay in her road to recovery.

Now, people of the Internet, let's all send Lindsay Lohan well wishes and positive vibes. We've all had personal demons to fight, but fortunately most of us face these battles behind closed doors.

And Lindsay, no matter what, I got your back, girl.

Tags: lindsay lohan

Comments

(24)

Wednesday 25 August

By Eleanor Peters

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Lindy belongs in rehab for 6 months to understand she is still an alcaholic. having another problem does not mean she can drink again. her life depends on it. but mama might squash any plans Lindy might have by telling her she is ok now. more parents have put their children in the grave by enabling them and Lindys mother will do this.

By vinpaint

PLEASE

By laughin

maybe ny dont want her drama and her mother there

Thursday 26 August

By ev

People, please!! lol She hasn't done anything too much different from what others her age have done. Not to make light of the sitch, but she hurts herself more than anybody else.Lots more important things in the world to get peeved about.

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