Becoming a New Yorker
Moving to the city where dreams are made of
It’s when you stop doing what’s expected of you that you start being.
Two weeks ago I moved to the upper west side in Manhattan. Before moving to the city, I had only been here for work and an occasional event. Never truly experienced what it has to offer.
Having lived in New Jersey all my life, I often found myself looking for hustle. Others who’re putting in the effort to make something of themselves no matter what it takes.
What I hadn’t realized is that most of them are too busy working towards their dreams in cities. From the person selling umbrellas on rainy days in front of NY penn. station to the suit wearing wall street stock trader. They’re all here rubbing shoulders on the subways.
There have been three major changes in my lifestyle since the move:
First, my average walking speed has significantly increased.
The increase in walking speed is partly due to crowds walking fast and partly due to having somewhere to be. Similar to how a river works its way to an ocean we, as people, work our way to the things we care about. Speed is an after thought of wanting to get somewhere not a conscious decision.
Second, I’ve started reading significantly more.
Subways are libraries on wheels with a BYOB (bring your own book) policy. It’s typically too loud to listen to a podcast or music underground. Aside from people watching the only thing to do is read. Every one else around you is also reading so you’re peer pressured as well.
Third, I’m developing better taste.
With a dense population comes richness in art, culture, fashion, music, and food. I’m currently living on the upper west side. Working most of the week in Williamsburg, Brooklyn and occasionally out of our office on Canal Street. I typically meet with friends in the East/West village for dinner or in SOHO after work. Each locale has a culture and life of its own.
A much longer blog post is to come with the debut of my new personal site abhi.nyc
Since moving, I haven’t had much time to read articles as I’m still trying to find a sense of routine with the transition.
What I’ve been reading:
What I’m watching:
“A group of 20 somethings living in New York City. Ben and Cameron work on starting a fashion company, while enjoying their lives in the greatest city in the world.” IMDb
What I’m struggling with…
As accepting as I am of change, it’s still difficult.
Starting a new job, living in a new place, and surrounding myself with new people isn’t easy by any stretch of the imagination but I recognize that comfort comes with time.
Fortunately, friends and co-workers have made the move enjoyable.
If you’re ever in the city let me know, coffee’s on me!