The windows are open, and a gentle evening rain begins to fall. Dishes, laundry, and toys are scattered everywhere. For the first time in 14 hours, the house is silent. Initially, the quiet makes me uneasy. After a quick round of checks on the kids, I finally release the breath I’ve been holding all day. Three vibrant, fiery redheads are all finally at rest. It’s astonishing to me that they actually sleep, given their endless curiosity about breakfast cereals, bath bubbles, pirates, and basketball. I often wonder if their dreams are filled with all these questions.
Already, each child—an energetic preschooler, a spirited toddler, and a curious baby—has such distinct personalities. I think about the lessons I try to impart during the day: wash your hands, brush your teeth, tie your shoes. While these skills have their place, I realize they won’t carry the weight of life’s deeper questions. What I truly want to teach them is this: Go to New York.
Embrace the Adventure
Venture there in your twenties, just like everyone else who packs a bag and wonders if they will succeed. Embrace the uncertainty that New York greets you with; it mirrors the gray areas of life where success isn’t guaranteed. Will you flee when things get tough or stay and discover what you’re made of, even when the outcome is unknown?
Learn to thrive on minimal funds because, let’s face it, you might not have much, at least at first. You’ll reside in one of those charming, albeit cramped, New York walk-ups. Stretch that $40 worth of groceries as far as you can and turn five pieces of pasta into a masterpiece, with just a slice of cheese and yogurt on hand.
Explore the City
Walk everywhere. Traverse the city from end to end as often as possible. It’s not only great exercise but will also help you develop an innate sense of direction. New York is a grid, and knowing your North, South, East, and West will serve you well.
As you walk, recognize how small and insignificant you are in the grand scheme of things. Yet also walk with your head held high, proud that you’re making it work on your own. Attend parties filled with influential people and allow yourself to feel like you belong.
Treat brunch like the sacred ritual it is in New York; don’t hesitate to wait two hours for that famous Strawberry Butter. Get to know your local diner, frequent it at odd hours, and enjoy cheese fries with the owner on nights you aren’t ready to call it a day.
Live Boldly
Karaoke? Don’t think about it, just do it! Close your eyes and sing like your heart might burst. Don’t overthink it; start with a classic like Neil Diamond.
Embrace the lessons you can learn from the brilliant minds, libraries, schools, and museums surrounding you. Keep pace with the hustle and bustle of the morning and evening commute; fall behind, and you might get trampled.
Face your fears head-on—take that blind date, try a trapeze lesson, or dive into that Korean BBQ. Go out and do things you never imagined you would. Push yourself to the limits and discover the depth of your capabilities.
But don’t forget to take a moment to be lazy. On those rare, beautiful NYC summer days, find a spot at Sheep Meadow, lie back, and appreciate the grandeur of the city and your place within it.
Embrace Your Style
Buy those shoes that catch your eye even if you think they’re not your style. Trust that whisper from a friend who insists they would be perfect for you.
Run around the Central Park reservoir, letting the rhythm of your heart match the music blaring through your headphones. Picture yourself as the star of every classic movie set right where you stand. Your city is your stage.
Celebrate Your Achievements
When you land that dream job you’ve worked so hard for, celebrate like there’s no tomorrow. Remember, at any moment, you can feel both completely sane and utterly crazy, especially at 36th and Broadway.
Take a staycation by exploring your own city. Go on the Circle Line, visit the Statue of Liberty, and climb the Empire State Building. Experience the touristy side of your own backyard.
At Union Square, watch the street performers and visit the farmers market. If bookstores still exist, swing by The Strand. Grab a coffee and a bagel, find a bench, and soak in the vibrant life surrounding you.
Engage with the City
Don’t miss the street fairs; they may all seem the same but are a treasure trove of inexpensive finds. And of course, indulge in a Mozzarepa!
Visit the site where the towers once stood. Reflect, pray, and feel the weight of history.
On the subway, take a moment to observe your surroundings instead of zoning out. Engage with those around you; you never know what connections you might make.
And while it’s wise to be cautious of strangers, don’t let fear hold you back from experiencing the unexpected gifts of New York.
Skip the New York Post—it’s not worth your time, but if you must, at 25 cents, it’s a guilty pleasure you can afford.
Stroll along the High Line, experiencing both the beauty of the skyline and the life bustling below. Open your heart to the possibility of love, whether it’s with the city itself or the people you meet.
Be a Beautiful Contradiction
Be like New York: a beautiful contradiction. Embrace the parts of yourself that don’t seem to fit together but somehow do. Fight for yourself, love yourself, and stand tall for what you believe in—whether you decide to stay put or move on after a few months. Leave not as you arrived, but with a piece of the city in your heart.
So here it is, all your life lessons wrapped into one powerful message. Kids: Go to New York.
Conclusion
In summary, this article encourages young adults to embark on a transformative journey to New York City, where they can learn valuable life lessons through exploration, self-discovery, and engagement with the vibrant culture around them.