Being here the last week, I must say the city does have a vibe (and a smell :-p ) that is different from anywhere in the world. The residents are a diverse mix never to be seen elsewhere.
It is a hub of money (Wall Street), consumerism (5th avenue/Madison), entertainment (Broadway/Times Square), food (Gramercy Tavern, et al) and of course education (Columbia, most of all).
There are cities which are financial centres (Frankfurt) or education (Oxford) or entertainment (LA) but never all in one place.
The people you meet, even by chance and the conversations you are part of, or even overhear, from different backgrounds/cultures/accents will certainly expand your mind.
In New York, there is always someone bigger, or smaller; someone paler, or darker; someone brighter, or duller; someone louder, or quieter; someone sexier, or plainer; more experienced, or less; each though is a special human in a unique way. And in this cauldron, so are you, my darling. You will add your own your megnificence to this place and in turn this city will add itself to your tapestry of life.
I started writing this as we journey out of the city, first to Corning and then to Niagara Falls. (Powerful as a natural wonder the Niagara Falls is, its a gift that keeps giving because it also produces the most power for New York state, all cleanly!). So, concrete as New York is, there is a world of wonder just at its doorstep. Whether it is from mother nature or from the hands of a glass blower, there are constant reminders what a universe there is to explore and be immersed in here.
I wish you a wonderful time in New York. Your life journey is certainly more expansive, already far more interesting than your old bean's. I am serious when I said I live vicariously through you. I am so happy that you are getting to live all these new and New York experiences. And no doubt these will be memorable (even the less pleasant ones) for it is the wavy throughs and crests of life's vicissitudes that makes it interesting rather than a straight linear point.
And in the twists and turns of this journey in New York, here are the top three lessons I had gleaned from my own to pass on to you:
1. Separate yourself from the experience. You are not defined by one change; you are a whole person with vast and diverse experiences. Yes, life changes can impact you greatly, and, you get to decide what each transition will mean for you. Remind yourself of your wholeness that has been added to.
2. Celebrate growth. Through each and every change, you are making progress. Isn’t this inspiring?! Pat yourself on the back, call a friend, journal, make a social media post, get yourself a bagle, or find another way to honor your growth.
3. Reflect on your own unique journey. Pause regularly to notice how far you have come. Perhaps you do this nightly or weekly or after a big challenge. Regardless, slow down to acknowledge the distance you’ve traveled.
In short, a magical mystery tour is ahead. I said this to you as you headed off to Oxford and look how well you toured that! And now in New York, more magic and mystery awaits and no doubt there will be times when things do not go exactly as planned. Unexpected events are inevitable. In fact they are normal and even necessary. For that is what makes it exciting, enthralling and magical! When that happens to me, I name the occurrence, reflect on it and embrace it as a wave in my life's journey and become more prepared to ride the wave should it occur again
At this juncture, Rumi comes to mind and I paraphrase him,"you are not a drop in the universe, you are the whole universe in one drop". Just like the card mom bought for you. Enjoy the whole universe, my darling.
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