The pace of New York City is at once thrilling and relentless. I often find myself wondering “How is it possible to be so exhausted and yet feel so ALIVE?” What I’m learning about this city, my city, is that it stops for no one. If you want to “make it” here, then you must pay the toll. It will not negotiate. It will not slow down. It will constantly demand the most of you and often times give very little in return.

 

These last 4 months have been such a whirlwind. Living here for the first time in my adult life has been exhilarating, but not without its fair share of challenges. We’ve all heard the saying “the city that never sleeps,” well neither do any of the people living in it! There’s always something (a million things) going on here; a show to see, an event to attend. If you’re anything like me, you will attempt to do it all… At once.

 

A word of advice from this native New Yorker: DON’T.

 

I’m learning as I go. So while I don’t pretend to have any of the answers, what I’m discovering is that balance is key to my mental, physical, and emotional health. Real talk, it’s not an easy thing to maintain, especially when you live a life on the go. I will however encourage each of us to remember that on our quest to build a career and a life, the quality of that life is equally as precious as the quantity of our achievement. What’s the point of having a successful career and living in a great city if you never leave any space for yourself to enjoy it, or if you’re always too exhausted to enjoy it fully.

 

Actively schedule “Self-Care” into your calendar, the same way you would schedule a meeting! Spend a lazy Sunday at home (No Emails). Take a leisurely stroll through the park. Make a home cooked meal (I STILL haven’t gotten around to this)! TAKE A VACATION… Even if its only a short getaway once a year. It doesn’t have to be expensive or glamorous, but just make sure to leave some space to plug into your proverbial “outlet’ and recharge your battery.

 

This city may never slow down, but I’m beginning to understand that at times I have to. I am not Super Man (as much as I like to pretend I am) and if we burn ourselves out too quickly, then we will forget what it is we are working towards in the first place.

 

One thing I learned during my time in Europe was that people “worked to live,” instead of “living to work.” This was a vital life lesson that I am striving to keep with me as I power walk through the streets of this concrete jungle. When I am full, I have a lot more to give.

 

Now I concede, nothing I have said here is revolutionary or wholly original; but as we embark on this new year, sure to be just as jam packed as the last, a gentle reminder to myself and for anyone who is reading certainly couldn’t hurt:

 

You are beautiful. And you are WORTHY of moment of stillness.

 

Besides, they are doing 8 more performances of that Broadway show this week. If you didn’t catch it today, there really is always tomorrow.