Monday, June 6, 2011

Sunshine & Popsicles

Well, it hasn't exactly been all sunshine and popsicles this past year, but I've definitely grown emotionally attached to this city.  Here's a glimpse at some of the amazing people and small wonders I continue to find...

Thursday, June 2, 2011

The Year of Ganesha

Thursday, June 2, 2011
12:48pm, Madison Square Park

One year ago today I arrived in New York City, all bright-eyed and ready for my month and a half vacation/adventure.  I had no way of knowing just how much of an adventure it would turn out to be, one that has changed my life in every way.  I can't believe it's been a year.  Not that it's gone by quickly, but that it's been a year and I'm still here.  I did it.  I've been told that year one is the toughest in NYC, almost as if the city is testing you.  I went through six residences, three jobs, losing my wallet, phone, job, a friend...and yet what I've gained is worth more than anything.  Much like a romantic relationship, I sometimes wish I could go back to that dizzying wonder I felt when I first arrived, because so many things are familiar to me already.  But now, instead of looking up at everything in awe, I am a part of it all.  A friend recently told me that this city holds a mirror up to you and shows you who you really are.  Being so far away from what I had always called home and overcoming so many obstacles, I really did come face to face with myself.  And a year later, I have to say I really like the person that's grown before me in the mirror.

The single biggest lesson I've learned is gratitude.  While I am proud of myself for sticking it out and making the choices I did, I never would've gotten to where I am without the help and support of amazing friends and family, and without accepting help from the universe even when it was offered in unexpected ways.  I am grateful to be alive and blessed with so much love in my life.  Ganesha continues to place (and remove) obstacles before me, and I am thankful for these opportunities for learning and growth.

The question I get most often is, "are you just loving it up there?"  The answer is yes, and no.  It's hard to be away from my family and friends back home.  But I've also gained a family of friends here, something I never expected.  I don't wake up in the morning thinking, "I fucking love this city!"  But there are days, like today, when I'm head over heels in love with it.  This is where I'm supposed to be right now.  It's a holding place for me to expand and grow until it's time to move on to the next thing.  Outdoor work and New Zealand are on the horizon, but we'll get to that later.  For now, I just want to bask in the glory of this amazing city with a heartbeat like no other, and look up at it in wonder.

Paul