2 Many Stripes

New York Is Meant to Break You

Some days, often actually, I wonder what I’m doing in this city. It’s changed me so much, in many, many great ways and in many not so great ways, unfortunately. But then I sit and think about where I’d rather go, and really, I can’t imagine being anywhere else. Sure, I love to travel but when it comes to putting down roots of my own, New York City takes top spot. 

This piece by Greg Jacobs, along with some discussions from the past few weeks really hit home and affirmed that despite the ups and downs, New York City is where I’m meant to be. It’s the only place that will push me to my limits and force me to become the best me. 

They come here with their bubbly personalities and uncanny innocence and then turn into vicious, pale ghosts of their former selves. Others want to experience everything the media has made New York seem to be, only to realize that the winter’s wind will swipe your smile right off your face and the summer’s heat will drain your body of any remaining optimism you have left. You fuel yourself on lofty aspirations, alcohol and Adderall just to keep going.

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The pain and struggle that come with living in this city are all worth it in the end…A lot of people give up and move out, while the rest of us keep climbing. There is some unexplainable comfort in knowing that you are not alone, even though you may feel like the only person living in a sea of excess and greed. It’s the intimidation, the competition, the pace, struggle and ultimately the growing glimmer of success that make this city like no other drug out there. It isn’t for everyone, and if it isn’t for you, there is no point trying to explain New York. But for the rest of us who brave the streets and all the shit that comes along with it, there isn’t a better place in the world.