I recently returned home from a solo four day trip to New York City. The adventurous part of me loved it - there was a sense of thrill as I laid my eyes on the city for the first time and walked the streets alone. It was liberating to be able to have my own agenda and not have to worry about pleasing anyone. I absolutely love my "me time" - so being on my own was extremely gratifying.
But being by yourself for four straight days gives you a lot of time to contemplate. I feel like it really gave me a chance to reevaluate my life direction and helped me realize how truly blessed I am.
As I walked the streets alone, I did a lot of observation on the harshness of the city. I marveled at the poverty and sat in awe as the career driven individuals finished their 80 hour work week. In each contrasting group there was a noticeable strain and stress as they lived their lives day to day, just trying to make it to the end. By 7 o'clock they could either scrape up enough money to eat a meal, or finally get off work to go out and drink. It was perplexing to witness.
As I wandered and observed, I thought about my own life. I reflected on how incredibly lucky I was to live in such a naturally beautiful place and have so many wonderful people surrounding me.
While I was pumped to be by myself, the fact of the matter was...I was alone. I truly had never felt more vulnerable in my entire life. In Utah I had family and friends who I would see every day, yet in New York it was quite the opposite. It's a lonely and selfish city when you're by yourself - which creates such an interesting and exposed feeling. I continuously had the chance to think about my stable and outstanding support group I had back home - thinking of everyone I loved was such a charming thought. What an advantageous phenomenon it is to love and be loved.
I'm so grateful for the chance I have to know true happiness. No job or adventure or material possession will make you as happy as the relationships you have in your life. Cultivate these aspects in your life and I promise that true and everlasting happiness will come.
xoxo
