New York City is wonderful to me on a personal basis because of its combination of anonymity and accessibility. This city offers me a frenetic, fast-paced, and exciting energy that I can get lost in. At times it can be frustrating and downright anger-inducing, however I find that if I am able to tune out the negatives, then I can make good use of the energy and vibe around me.
There is something exciting about this city at night. Whatever problems I have seem to fade when I go out at night, even if just for a few hours. I feel powerfully anonymous; most people are seeing me for the first time. There is tremendous accessibility to all types of fun and entertainment. But I can choose what to partake in and what not to. I can go from diverse neighborhood to neighborhood, engaging with locals as I choose and zoning out when I feel like it. No one cares; the city’s heartbeat drums on regardless.
I try to go out every night I can…usually that means at least 4 nights a week. If I’m feeling lazy, depressed, or frustrated (not that unusual for me), I make an even greater effort to go out. Meet new people. Have new adventures. Make friends. I have a lot going on in my life on a personal basis right now and I find that New York is the perfect backdrop to keep me sane.
I currently am experiencing a feverish tension to my psyche, a kinetic burst of varied emotions (not necessarily bad) and the city’s pace, energy, and quirkiness matches that.