There’s nothing like walking the streets of a big city.
May 18th, 2015, 11am
It was 16.7°C with overcast. The breeze was light.
I wonder if it’s the tall buildings, the long streets, the hundreds of strangers that walk next to you, or the never-ending atmosphere of novelty. Or maybe it’s some kind of residual energy people & events leave behind (if you’re into that sort of things). Whatever it is, it’s almost palpable, and it’s something that keeps drawing me to big cities, like London or New York.
It’s definitely stronger on sunny days, perhaps because instead of being distracted cursing the bad weather you’re actually focused on the warmth you feel on your face. Walking through the sunbathed veins of big cities always filled me up with joy. It’s almost as if I could see my life in front of me, and going through it was as easy as taking a few steps forward. I can see opportunities unraveling right before my eyes, at an arm’s reach, ready to be seized if I see it fit. I can choose to ignore them or not; if I keep going towards the horizon more opportunities will follow. I believe this simple metaphor helps me fighting the ever-present fear of missing out; there’s always something more, and unfortunately you can’t do everything or be everywhere.
So just relax, put a friendly smile on your face, and keep walking forward. Try to enjoy the sun while it lasts, I’m sure you’ll come across some more unbelievable opportunities, uncanny places, and unforgettable people.
Other moments in New York
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Espressoing
in New York, United States -
A few more days
in New York, United States -
Goodbye
A final Hi meeting
in New York, United States -
meditation, Creativity
The local neighborhood bar has a quiet time between six and nine. It is a place that specializes in coffee, beer and seasonal menus. There is just enough of each for a satisfying snack and effective buzz. After the time when the laptop lids close and before the social gatherings start -- there is a sort of twilight*. Often this time is a fugitive ground rife with creative inspiration and meditative work -- of the kind that results in personal reward.*twilight may refer to civil, nautical or astronomical variety depending on your social or terrestrial condition
in New York, United States -
Web, development
A man positions his mouse on the edge of his browser window. He clicks, holds and drags the viewport first left then right. The content of a video game promo micro site responds and adapts to the available space. To the man, this is more delightful than the game itself.
in New York, United States -
subway, music
A man laboriously moves his piano down three levels onto the subway platform. Classic vocals and strided chords -- he played so well I swore he was blind. Oblivious to the heat on that August stage, he was most in touch with his audience -- whom he elevated with his music.
in New York, United States -
Feminism
A woman should do exactly as she pleases no matter what a man may think.
in New York, United States -
Travel
As the Dalai Lama once said, "It is a time when there is much in the window, but nothing in the room."
in New York, United States -
stars, Grandma, Love
"No one understands me," she said. Her grandmother was silent for a minute. It seemed she was searching for an answer in the star speckled sky. "But no one understands anyone in this world, darling. We are all unique. It is what gives us a sense of wonder."
in New York, United States