The windows are thrown open, and the evening rain begins to patter down, gently washing away the chaos of the day. Dishes are piled high, laundry is crammed everywhere, and toys seem to be in every nook and cranny. For the first time in 14 hours, the house has finally quieted down. At first, the silence feels strange, almost unsettling. I tiptoe through the house, checking on the kids in their beds and cribs, releasing a breath I didn’t realize I was holding. Three vibrant, curious little ones—each with their own fiery personalities—are now peacefully asleep. It never ceases to amaze me that they can actually find time to rest amidst their endless questions about breakfast cereal, bath bubbles, and pirates. I wonder what dreams fill their heads at night.
My thoughts drift to the lessons I teach them daily: use a napkin, wash your hands, brush your teeth, tie your shoes. While these are essential skills, I realize they won’t help them navigate the bigger questions in life. So, what do I truly want them to learn? Here it is: Go to New York.
Head there in your twenties, just like everyone else who dreams big and wonders if they’ll make it. Embrace the uncertainty. New York City will greet you with it, and this feeling is crucial because much of life exists in that gray area. Will you flee when faced with the unknown, or will you stay and find out what’s possible, even when the outcome is unclear?
Learn to live on a tight budget, because chances are, you’ll be skimping at the start—or maybe for the whole time. You’ll find yourself in one of those charming, albeit hot and sticky, New York City walk-ups, making magic out of just $40 worth of groceries stretched over three weeks.
Walk everywhere. Literally. Stroll across the city as much as you can; it’s both great exercise and a way to sharpen your sense of direction. New York’s grid layout will become your best friend. As you walk, absorb how small you are in the grand scheme of things. It’s a humbling experience.
But also, walk tall and take pride in your journey. Attend parties filled with influential people, and let yourself shine like you’re the star of the show. Treat brunch like a sacred ritual—waiting two hours for that strawberry butter is totally worth it!
Find a local diner and make it your go-to spot. Get to know the owner on a first-name basis. Share late-night cheese fries with him when you’re not quite ready to call it a night.
And karaoke? Don’t think—just do it. Close your eyes and sing like your heart is going to burst. You might as well start with some Neil Diamond.
Immerse yourself in learning. Recognize how small you are in the grand scheme of things (and I mean this in the best possible way) and soak up knowledge from the brilliant folks, libraries, schools, and museums surrounding you. Keep up with the bustling pace of the sidewalks and subways during rush hour—if you don’t, you might get trampled!
The things that terrify you? Dive in. Go on that blind date, try a trapeze class, or savor Korean BBQ. Push your limits and surprise yourself with what you can accomplish. Become the person who works around the clock just to prove you can handle whatever comes your way.
But don’t forget to be lazy sometimes! On those rare, beautiful NYC summer days that aren’t sweltering, head to Sheep Meadow, lie on the grass, and absorb the enormity of the city around you—feel how small you are yet how connected you are to everything.
Buy those shoes you think are too extravagant; if a friend believes they suit you, they probably do. Jog around the Central Park reservoir, feeling the rhythm of your heart matching the music in your ears. Imagine you’re the hero or heroine in a movie set right where you stand.
Celebrate your achievements, no matter how small. Take three days off work for a staycation in your own city. Be a tourist; visit the Statue of Liberty and the Empire State Building. Enjoy the street performers at Union Square, shop the farmers market, and relish the little things—grab a bagel and a cup of coffee, and sit back to experience the vibrant pulse of life around you.
Don’t miss the street fairs—always a good time. Stroll through them and treat yourself to some inexpensive workout gear. When you find yourself where the Twin Towers once stood, take a moment to reflect.
On the subway, don’t just zone out; observe the people around you. Talk to strangers, but also be cautious—after all, it is New York City.
And yes, buy that New York Post if you must; at a quarter, it’s a guilty pleasure you can afford, especially with Page Six and its quirky columns.
Take a stroll on the High Line, where you can see life from a different perspective. Open yourself to love, even if it’s just for the city itself. Be a beautiful contradiction—embrace the multifaceted nature of who you are. Learn to love yourself fiercely, whether you end up staying forever or just for a little while. Leave not as you came, but with a piece of New York in your heart.
So here it is, my life advice neatly tied up: Kids, go to New York.
And if you’re interested in exploring more about family and parenting, check out our other blog posts at Home Insemination Kit. For authoritative advice on home insemination, visit Make a Mom. For additional resources related to pregnancy, check out Drugs.com.
Summary:
This article is a heartfelt invitation to embrace life in New York City as a young adult. It encourages exploration, learning, and self-discovery while navigating the challenges and beauty of the city. The piece highlights the importance of experiences over material possessions and the joy of making connections, both with the city and with oneself.