Autumn in New York
It's good to live it again
I’m currently on a plane headed to NYC for an event my strike fund “Green Envelope Grocery Aid” is helping to sponsor. Honestly, it feels a little surreal and wild.
The last time I was in NY was Spring of 2016. I was a newlywed, Trump hadn’t been elected yet, I hadn’t gone through pregnancy loss, or divorce, or the pandemic. It seems like a lifetime ago, and in some ways, it really was. Back then, I never could’ve predicted all the curve-balls life was about to throw at me in the world. I was just so happy to be in my favorite city with my new husband and finally get to try Serendipity’s III’s famous ice cream. (Fun sidenote: Serendipity III is also one of the co-sponsors for the event, which is a delightful detail that makes me very happy).
New York is one of those places for me that as soon as I step off the plane, I feel like I’m meant to be there. We’ll see if that holds true this time. The fact that I threw this trip together with air miles and goodwill, and have places to stay and a ride from the airport already feels like it’s meant to be.
After the past few weeks that have been filled with stress and trauma and just trying to stay above water emotionally and physically, this break feels particularly welcome. I know I’m very fortunate that I get to escape right now. When I was approached about helping out with the event, I didn’t think it was possible to attend in person. I’m still looking for work (even though a very exciting opportunity came my way, which I’ll share next week!) and it’s not the time to spend money. And the truth is, it’s always hard to spend time away from my son. But, he’s with his dad this weekend, and a lot of my favorite people are going to be in the city this weekend, so it seemed like there was all the signs to go.
And then this week proved to be one of the most challenging weeks I’ve had. My kid was sick, which is always a struggle and has to involve shuffling of plans. And then I had a head injury, which may have triggered one of the worst aura migraines I’ve ever had. My body was screaming for rest, and rest is what I gave it. There was a minute I thought I might have to cancel the trip, but thankfully I didn’t.
Sometimes things work out the way they’re supposed to. Autumn can be a magical time, especially if you open yourself up to letting that magic in. I’m still having tough days, and I can’t even begin to articulate everything that’s going on in the world right now that makes me wake up in tears, but I’m also seeing little signs of being on the right path. (Right before I typed this, my champagne bottle fell off the tray table and landed face up… I mean, come on, universe!)
A lot has changed since I’ve been to New York, both for the world and for myself, but there will always be things that remain the same. The beauty of the leaves, for example, or how wonderful it feels to be thrown into the hustle and bustle of the city. Magic can be unlocked anywhere we go, we just have to look for it.
Have a great time❤️😘😘