Why New York City is My Therapist
There’s a saying here in New York City that even the shrinks have shrinks. After living here nearly three years, I can only imagine some of the things therapists must hear on a daily basis so I really hope they have a sounding board of their own. While I do see a therapist from time to time, there are so many ways that this city has helped me grow as a person and tackle challenges head-on.
Taxi Drivers Offer Good Advice
Some may consider this to be odd behavior, but I generally sit in the front seat of taxi drivers. Since I usually take the subway or walk to save money, I would say that 9 out of 10 times, I’ve learned some valuable advice from taxi drivers. Many of them are from other parts of the world, which makes for interesting conversations. I always love asking them what it was like growing up in their hometown and then transitioning to life in the United States. Most of them are so grateful to be in NYC that it makes me remember that I too should never take my life for granted.
Taxi drivers also tend to have really positive energy. I remember one Halloween night (my birthday is the next day) I was lamenting to my poor taxi driver about how I hate turning another year older. I don’t remember what he said word for word but it was so comforting that I immediately felt revitalized. His general message was that each new year brings new experiences and that I will never truly grow as an individual if I’m not viewing each new day as an opportunity to better myself and the world.
Walking Clears My Head
Only in New York can you aimlessly walk the streets at 2 am and feel safe. I generally don’t walk alone at this hour but it’s nice to know that if I did, there would be enough other people in the streets to make me feel less alarmed. I’ve actually had some really motivational walks in New York simply because it’s hard to walk down a street and not feel inspired. Every neighborhood is uniquely different and has it’s own eclectic vibe that makes you feel “brand new” (Alicia Keys was right).
My favorite neighborhoods to walk through are NoLIta, SoHo, West Village and the Upper West Side. I try to avoid Union Square, Herald Square and anywhere even close to midtown when I’m looking for a peaceful walk. There have been some days when I walk for hours, crossing from East to West or from TriBeCa to Chelsea. Watching life as you go from neighborhood to neighborhood is sometimes all you need to solve your problems.
The Real Crazies Make You Feel Sane
This may seem like an obvious reason but I don’t think people understand the extent to the craziness in New York. On any given day, you will see the man who roams around town with his cat on his head or the woman who decided to paint the rainbow in her hair or the homeless man on the street who happens to be a talented chef. The list goes on and on but the important thing to remember is that everyone has problems and yet everyone finds a way to solve them.
While there are always going to be people crazier than the next, I’m happily content to admit that I’m a bit of an oddball myself. All my friends are too and this makes me feel like there are power in numbers. I like to think of New York as the place where the outcast fit in. Every time I feel misunderstood, I look around and am comforted by the fact that there are hundreds of other people who feel the exact same way.
I’m Constantly Inspired
There’s a reason why so many people take the risk and move to New York. There’s a glow about the people here that is truly magnetic. Everyone here is pursuing a dream and the energy that bounces from one person to the next is enough to stay motivated about my own life goals.
You really can never judge a book by it’s cover. Countless waiters are waiting for their next big break – some of them making it to huge success. For all you know, the local mailman may be pursuing a rap career and he may even have some talent. I’ve seen some pretty amazing street and subway performers during my time in New York and it certainly puts a smile on my face.
The Street Art Never Ends
I’m sure you all know how much I love street art and luckily, I came to the right city to find it on every corner. My favorite areas for art are in the East Village and along the Bowery but Queens and Brooklyn have some fantastic local street artists as well. I find inspiration from this sort of creativity and always stop in my tracks when I see a piece that speaks to my bohemian self. When I travel, I love exploring the art influences of a city. I feel in love with Valparaiso, Chile mainly due to the amount of street art created by locals artists.
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43 Comments
Loved this post! A long walk in NYC is definitely better than a visit to a therapist. I used to walk for hours along the West Side Highway/Hudson… I miss that now that I don’t live there anymore!
Angie Orth of Angie Away recently posted..Cruising the Nile on a Traditional Felucca | A Must Do in Egypt
Glad you agree Angie! There is something so therapeutic about these crazy city streets. The view from the West Side Highway is lovely!
Megan recently posted..Why New York City is My Therapist
Have you heard the old saying? “New York, New York. So nice, they named it twice!”
This is a city I definitely have not spent enough time in. I need to visit my relatives in Staten Island and spend some time in the city, getting to know the neighborhoods.
Nina F recently posted..Grooving In The Yellow Knolls
I agree Nina! I’ve lived here almost three years and I don’t think I’ll even see it all. There are always new restaurants and shops popping up all over the place – one of the things that makes nyc so unique and special!
Megan recently posted..Why New York City is My Therapist
Wow, smart taxi driver! I wonder what dream was he pursuing?
Laura recently posted..5 Reasons Why Africa Should Make It To Your Bucket List
He sure way! I’m a bit curious too…I can’t remember if I asked him much about his life in NYC
Megan recently posted..Why New York City is My Therapist
I really love this list you’ve put together. I’ve been spending an awful lot of time outside of the city lately and every time I come back it always feels so good to be “home.” This place is so special because it’s so different in ways that I can’t even begin to describe to people. You’ve hit the nail on the head here with some of the beautiful things about NYC.
Aaron @ Aaron’s Worldwide Adventures recently posted..Get to Know Me Through My ABC’s of Travel
Thanks so much Aaron! I feel the same. Sometimes I can’t wait to get out of the city for a few days and yet I always end up missing it and am happy to come back!
Megan recently posted..Why New York City is My Therapist
There’s something special about NYC for sure. Although my mother-in-law lives a mere 2 hours away, I had never been to the city until about 6 years ago. Now I go every chance I get!
Nancy Sathre-Vogel from Family on Bikes recently posted..A bicycling kind of love story
Glad you liked the piece Nancy! It’s one of those cities that you will never be able to discover everything – which makes it the perfect city to return to time and time again
Megan recently posted..Why New York City is My Therapist
i would love to spend more time in NYC. It seems like such a wonderful place to live!
dtravelsround recently posted..Que Sera Sera
It is! Let me know the next time you are in town
Megan recently posted..Why New York City is My Therapist
I’ve never been to New York but reading your posts I really want to go. Definitely moving it up the list!
Claire recently posted..Christmas Market Paris
Great to hear Claire! The thing I love most about NYC is that there is something here for everyone so I’m positive you will love it.
Megan recently posted..Why New York City is My Therapist
I love this post! I totally relate to what you’re saying. There’s something about walking around NYC, at whatever time of day, that allows you to clear your head. And the energy is as you described it. And it’s true re: the taxi drivers and the great advice they give!
Lisa @chickybus recently posted..The Dominican Papaya Milkshake Scam—and How to Avoid It
Thanks Lisa! Everyone who moves here is pursuing a dream and the energy is contagious.
Megan recently posted..Why New York City is My Therapist
Hey Megan, we just got here and are here until the end of February. It seems like we’ve already walked a thousand miles. It’s addicting just to wander in this wonderful city.
If you’re around (or anybody in NYC for that matter) we’d love to have coffee. We’re living in Harlem (W130th) so let us know
Pete recently posted..Contrasts of Morocco
Great to hear! I’ll email you today
We are sort of neighbors actually!
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Locals Worth Befriending
Cool, look forward to it
Pete recently posted..Into The Sahara: My Camel Hates Me
Great perspective on the city.
Stephanie – The Travel Chica recently posted..Welcome to El Chalten
Thanks Stephanie!
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Locals Worth Befriending
I agree that walking is a fantastic form of therapy. What an inspirational post!
Ana O’Reilly recently posted..Lisbon, warts and all
Thanks so much Ana! I’m always inspired by walking through a city, especially one with a great energy like NYC.
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Locals Worth Befriending
OMG!!! I agree with everything you say… I’ve lived in NY for almost 7 years… Bleecker&Thompson! Whenever I needed to clear my mind I wandered around, mostly downtown!
Even now that I live in Finland when I need to “recharge” my batteries I need to come to NY. Just can live without it! Ciao
So glad you liked the article Barbara! I used to live close to Bleecker but in Soho – the streets downtown are the best!
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Locals Worth Befriending
I’m jealous! Need to plan a NY trip after reading this article!
Alexa — 52Perfectdays.com recently posted..Comfort Mixes with Luxury at the Kahala
You definitely should Alexa! It’s a great city for everyone
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Trails Gets Personal
I definitely agree with this post and also about taxi drivers! One of them heard me coughing and gave me Halls! How amazing is that?
charu recently posted..What are Travel Bloggers’ Top Destinations in 2012?
haha that’s so nice of him! I rarely take cabs but when I do I’m always ready to hear some words of wisdom
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Trails Gets Personal
Love walking around Manhattan– it is so relaxing!
Leslie recently posted..Where to ski in Salt Lake City: Insider tips from a Utah skier
I know! and so inspiring
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Trails Gets Personal
NYC is a pretty amazing city so I can see why you feel this way about your home! I look forward to future visits there.
Cheryl Howard recently posted..Cooler Than Cool. The Lloyd Hotel and Cultural Embassy.
Definitely let me know when you do
Megan recently posted..How to Spot A Bohemian Traveler
Really loved this piece. As a fellow New Yorker, I too am often inspired and awed (or odd?) by the city. You (and your cab driver) have reminded me that, although it can sometimes be frustrating, it must not be taken for granted.
Thanks
Jeff Dobbbins recently posted..Dickens Does NYC
So glad you liked the article Jeff! It’s true, as odd as this city is, there is something about it that I can’t get enough of.
Megan recently posted..How to Spot A Bohemian Traveler
I love NYC! I totally agree about waking in the city and enjoying the neighborhoods — I can walk for hours there (with a stop for lunch in a nice little bistro along the way).
Cathy Sweeney recently posted..Sweeney’s Seven Super Shots
So true! In the summer I walk for hours and there is so much to see and do that I hardly even notice just how far I’ve gone.
Megan recently posted..Why Travel Writing is Misunderstood
Megan, one of my goals in life is to live in NYC for a period of time
Nomadic Samuel recently posted..Two Khmer Girls Hug | Smiling Faces From Cambodia
You should! You will love it here
Megan recently posted..Middle Child Syndrome and Travel
Interesting, we love NYC for the exact same reasons! I have a few additional but the ones you have listed are my top picks.
Most particularly, whether it is street art or food or anything to photograph – I am always inspired here. That hasn’t happened anywhere else that I have rested my head between travels.
Kirsten recently posted..So, it turns out, I hate camping. In the jungle.
I feel the same! I keep forgetting you live here too
We must meet up one of these days
Megan recently posted..Bohemian Trails Gets Physical
I love the perspective on walking that city dwellers (particularly New Yorkers) develop. When people visit from out of town, I often forget that walking for blocks and blocks does not sound appealing to everyone the way it does to me. (I get my errands AND my exercise out of the way!) If its sunny out, I’ll walk for miles and come across so many places that I wouldn’t have discovered had I taken a subway.
I totally agree Britany! I always forget how used to walking I am because when I have friends visit they get tired after walking just a few blocks.
Megan recently posted..Photo Friday: Norway Memories