I briefly met NYC as a child, passing through on our way to Germany for the second time. Well, I caught a glimpse of this magnificent city while in NJ and as we toured Ellis Island. I was only in the 8th grade and didn’t yet have a place to call home because we moved every four years to a new military base. Little did I know that I would make NYC my home over 20 years later.

Fast forward. My hubby applied to NYU and before we found out he got accepted we traveled and explored the city with confidence that it would be our next settlement. We fell in love. When we returned home we prayed that he received an acceptance letter to NYU! And we were a family of four on our way to the city that never sleeps.

Bright-eyed and bushy tailed we began our adventure. Most of my upbringing was in Europe, so I grew up hearing and learning different languages (although I am not fluent in the least in any of them). The first thing I noticed was the diversity and all the cultures and dialects that were spoken. I absolutely adore the fact that I can be in an elevator or walking the streets and can hear a language I don’t even recognize. It makes me eager to learn more about the people I pass each day.

This city also inspires. I meet so many New Yorkers who have the most non-traditional careers. Lifestyle bloggers. Child book illustrators. Personal shoppers for your new found home. Lifestyle coach. Guitarist. Startup entrepreneurs.  I mean, the list goes on and on. Just being in the presence of these creatives inspires me to leap out of my comfort zone.

And then there is the pace of the city. When enveloped in its furiousness it can sweep you away. Although, people and things around you are moving fast you determine when to shut it off. I didn’t realize the wisdom of this truth until I started living it. I can enjoy how quickly things move because it keeps me on my feet and aware of how swiftly the world is changing and especially in terms of technological advancement. I often find myself in my thoughts, solving problems with innovations that I have yet to pursue. When I need to decompress I close the doors to my apartment and the pace of the city turns into my own.

If you live here you will also be stretched and challenged some days. As most of you know NYC is the most populous city in the United States and makes the top 10 list for most expensive city to live in the world. With all the people and personalities you encounter it isn’t foreign to see disputes occur on a daily basis. Just keep it moving. And depending on where you live in the city you will pay an absurd amount for an unfurnished one bedroom apartment. It’s all worth it though because, after all it is a luxury to live in such an exciting place. It teaches you patience and to dream B-I-G-G-E-R.

Transportation. I no longer need a vehicle in the city. I can walk almost everywhere. And if I don’t walk I can take the train. Believe it or not, I really enjoy riding on the train. You never know what you will witness during your commute and therein lies the beauty. Sure, there are some odd characters. But the sheer talent that performs in the subway stations and in the cars of the train is mind-blowing. I sit in peace as I ride to my destination, and listen to the sweet music of a stranger.

The convenience and accessibility of the city is one of my favorites. I detest wasting my time, although a good Netflix binge gets me every time, and living across the street from my pharmacy and down the road from a local grocery store is all I need. Pre-NYC I resented driving my car at least 45 minutes one way every time I wanted to shop or go to a good restaurant. I don’t miss those days.

You see, I love this place. And for as long as I can remember I’ve always been from “everywhere.” New York City is now my home and I often catch myself, claiming I’m a New Yorker. Ha! Now, I know there are rules in place and some say you have to live here a full decade before NYC will claim you – while others proclaim you aren’t from here unless you were born in these city limits. I’m under the belief that NYC can adopt me as its own because my heart beats for this place!