The love of New York.
As I gather my belongings and take a moment to pause, I can’t help to think about how quickly the time has passed. It seems as if it was just yesterday — that I had arrived from Dubai and settled back into nyc, tidying my apartment, and getting ready for yet another vibrant spring and summer.
And then, in a moment’s notice, things suddenly changed. Our lives changed. Work became remote and for the first time in a long time, the city’s vibrancy — halted. A complete standstill. Uncertainty bubbled. Anxiety grew. And in short order, I left south bound for the garden state, thinking that it would be a quick escape. Perhaps for a few days or a week. Maybe two.
But the global situation grew dire, work intensified, and suburban life took over. It just happened. There was little time to process. And then days went by. Weeks went by. And I settled into a routine for what would go on for the the next 6 months. Talk about unexpected. I couldn’t have ever imagined. None of us could have. I say none because I know my story is not unique.
Yet amidst this routine, and being away from the city’s electric current — a silver lining. A chance to pause, and catch-up on life as it catches its breath. A chance to re-connect with loved ones and old friends. And an opportunity to improve upon oneself. To do away with the old habits and bring in the new. To hit refresh.
Seldom does life offer you the chance to hit reboot. If it does, take it. I can guarantee you, you’ll be happier on the other side. It has a way of letting you re-charge your batteries, and find new purpose and meaning in your life.
At least, it did for me. After 6 months if I’ve learned one thing, it is that life has no obligation to give you what you expect. The unexpected makes us learn and grow and often gives way to positive, enduring change. It also gives us renewed chances and an opportunity to set new goals in ways which we could have never imagined.
Life can take a turn at any moment. For the better or worst. Sometimes you can expect it. Other times you can’t — it just hits you from left field. And that is okay. There is an inherent beauty in that. You just have to learn to embrace it.
This time, I can expect it. I can see the sun clearly on the horizon. That there are indeed better days ahead. That New York’s energy is electrified and it’s soul once again awakened. I can see it. I can hear it. And you better believe I can feel it. The sights, the sounds. The love of New York. How it understands you at your worst and pushes you towards your best.
This is the city that I love. This is the city that loves me.
And it is this love, that I will always carry with me.
To the adventures that await,
-Raj🗽
