En route back to Denver after a fun weekend of catching up with friends and family only to find myself feeling much more rejuvenated in the fact that I have so many amazing people in my life. I place so much value on weekend getaways because it allows for us to break the normal routine and take a moment to reflect.
I’ve had so many fantastic memories in NYC itself and each time I go it’s completely different. I remember my first time in the city when I was 10 years old and that was truly the beginning of my love for the hustle and bustle. From the initial time I traveled to NYC to now I’e grown so much as a person and my life (and everyone else’s) has changed drastically. One of the biggest reasons that I wanted to go to NYC at this specific time in my life was because after my Grandma passed away it was a huge reminder of how important it is to seize the moment. Life moves really quickly and if you want something you really need to just go for it.
The timing was perfect because I was able to see my cousins Elizabeth and Sheila-Ann as well as Auntie Eye and a few friends from college and study abroad. This was probably the first time in NYC in which I realized I have quite a few friends here and now traveling the city isn’t just about visiting family. I LOVE visiting my family but in the past that’s all New York was because I didn’t have any other connections, but now it’s completely different.
In realizing this I’ve become more aware of how I’m growing up and on my way to the most exciting time of my life. Your 20’s are exciting, scary, and exhilarating. I feel like I’m starting to really establish myself with a job, a partner, and an amazing network of family and friends across the world. I feel like this trip really made me realize how the myself and everyone my age are starting the foundation for a new generation. It’s super exciting and terrifying in the same sense because the tables are slowly turning. I’ve always been ready for a new challenge but it’s an interesting shift in time happening right now. It’s nothing that can be controlled or reversed rather you need to adapt to it and I’m happy I’m able to reflect and truly understand the gravity of the situation.
As I was eating lunch with Sheila something really resonated with me that became a topic of discussion. I said “the future will come but we’re in the present so we can create the past.” After saying this I don’t think I realized how meaningful this was to me because the only thing we’re in control of is the present so we mind as well do our best to set ourselves up for a successful future and crate a pleasurable past. I’m going to try and take my own advice a little more and to really focus on engaging in the present. It’s so easy to crave something that’s not yet attainable which isn’t to say it’s important to have future goals, but the present is how we’re able to capture a moment in time. I feel like I’ve been struggling with what some of my long term goals are and I think that focusing more on what’s important to me right now will help me establish an agenda for some long term goals.
There were a few other resonating moments from my trip and of course one of them was being able to see Annabelle. It brought me back to a time of adventure and curiosity that I had during my time studying abroad. So many amazing memories and I’m so happy I’m able to stay in touch with some of the people in my life during a time period that was so special to me. I was also able to see Ethan, Daniel, and Hannah and it was so great to re-connect with some friends from college and see where we’re all at in our lives. So much has changed but things have stayed the same as well it’s so interesting to see what everyone has been up to post college.
Of course one of the highlights was seeing Auntie Eye. When I hear New York I think of her upper east side apartment where my love for the big apple all began. I love our breakfasts at Gracie’s diner and how you love your eggs over medium with EXTRA crispy bacon and EXTRA half and half. Any time spent with you is so rewarding and I love our discussions on trying to find loopholes for me to become an Irish citizen and sharing travel stories.
I’ve been to NYC many a times but this trip I felt was a little different because it was the first time visiting that I really had a shift in thinking of where I’m at in life. There’s been a lot of negative things that have happened in my family recently and a lot of moving on of the older generation. It’s been happening all at once which is quite traumatizing for the entire family and for myself it’s a huge awakening in that we’re all getting older. It’s now more important than ever to step up to the plate and face difficult situation, but also be more aware of how important it is to experience life in its fullest. I’m so happy to have such amazing family and friends in my life to enjoy the crazy journey together. Buckle up and let’s go!