reflection

So it's been exactly a month since I came home from New York and I've taken the time to see what my reflection has shown... something I set out to discover as mentioned I in my previous post...

One of those cliche sayings about New York is that 'if you can make it here, you can make it anywhere.' So I am happy to say that I feel like I conquered the concrete jungle and made Manhattan my bitch playground. In fact, I did better than make it; I thrived. Some of my proudest moments were times I was mistaken as a New Yorker by others. I was able to give directions a couple of times, was asked how long I had lived in the city. I read a book while waiting for my laundry at a laundromat, complained about noisy trucks passing by my window in the morning, exercised in the park, ran to catch the subway, heard about a concert and went the same day, etc. I could really see myself living in the big apple in the future.

The city is definitely made for a girl like me with big dreams and who likes to always be on the go. I did miss loved ones at times since many of my days I only had myself for company with my brother working long shifts. But as Carrie Bradshaw said in a SATC episode, "New York is the perfect place for the single girl. The city is your date." I thought this when I found myself in her exact situation, on my way to the Guggenheim by myself one rainy summer day.

                                                     my concrete playground

My reflection time came during many subway rides and hours in museum galleries. I recognized a lot of my own faults that I need to work on as person and in my relationships. I have a image of the kind of person I want to be in my head, but often fall short. I need to be harder on myself to get there instead of letting other people dictate my emotions and happiness. It's not easy and I stumble every day, but there is progress. This step back from my usual life will make getting there will be easier too I think.

Now, I've come back to M I A happier and rejuvenated enough to take on those stresses again until my next great adventure: Japan.

Thank you, New York. You truly are the greatest city in the world.