Synopsis of the Soul: NYC Edition
One of the most captivating things about New York to me is the history it holds. For hundreds of years, people have created many lives and memories that have shaped the country and even the world. Anything related to New York that was taught in school I was so drawn to. Like many others, I felt a deep understanding that I was meant to live here. From fashion to the movies to music, architecture, and culture, everything is an experience like no other city on Earth. I chose New York for my state project in the fourth grade and have dreamed of being a Rockette since my ballet days. This is ironic a bit now because I work a block down from the Radio City Music Hall. Reading history books, to seeing it in person every day kind of makes me want to cry with how proud I am. I loved the imagery in school when describing the busy city life. Warm amber summers, with bustling streets and live music. It feels like I have Deja Vu sometimes even though I moved here in March 2024. To the native New Yorker, I probably sound so cringey right now. But as a person who learned that I have to create my own terms for what I call home, NYC has been one of the best places to do so. I think everyone should live here at least once in their life. I’m not saying that it’s easy at all because it’s also been one of the hardest things I’ve had to do. But it will shape you as a person, and catapult you into a direction you need to go. I say need and not want because you are forced to make it. You either do something you love and life is great, or you do something you hate and have to redirect yourself into what you dream of. There are so many people to meet, and so many experiences to share. Every day is a new beginning and the energy that the city holds motivates you to keep achieving. Every borough is like a different universe. I love that I can access any place through the subway and that there is always something to do. The security of knowing that you can always start new again is so refreshing. It has helped me to make decisions that reflect what I actually want in life, and I think that is beautiful.
Structure is built in the frequency here; there’s really no other way to run from it (literally a concrete jungle, hehe)That’s why I knew I needed to make such a vast move from Miami even though I had just got there. For me, life without structure pulls me away from what I need to get done. When I have too much of it, I seek freedom and do what feels best for me. When I don’t have enough of it, I lose sight of my goals. NYC is unique in so many aspects because you don’t think about the things that could go wrong before moving. NYC natives are a different breed; they truly have the motivation that inspires me to my core. I was so out of my body before moving, and I didn’t even realize it. Driving around in a car is way different than immersing yourself in the culture in which you live. Walking everywhere, even in the unbearable winters, makes you appreciate the present moment so much more. People say New Yorkers are mean… but I would say the opposite. Community and culture are so important here. If you respect the culture, then you get friendly experiences from ALL! I love immersing myself in different places because I love connecting with people. You never really feel alone here, which is comforting to me. This city has endless possibilities, and it’s a blessing to wake up and be able to experience that<3
I also want to note that, yes, like any other place on earth there are bad things, people, etc. I’m not trying to dismiss that or anyone’s experience, because I too have experienced terrifying moments here. Awareness and discernment are so important when moving anywhere. If you don’t have a strong connection to it then negative experiences can consume you.
Life was never easy for me, and I feel like I’ve been in survival mode for twenty two years and never got the chance to be who I wanted to be. Now I have learned so much, about myself and the world, and that makes me so thankful for being able to call NYC my home.
With love always,
Marley
Sveta, NYC