I find that I do some of my best thinking when I go for a nice long walk. There is nothing like a little time to yourself, wandering aimlessly and getting lost in your own thoughts. January in NYC, can be a little bit depressing and gloomy. The holiday lights are all taken down, bare, forgotten Christmas trees line the sidewalks waiting for pick up and the snowless winter weather is usually cold and windy. Think of the empty parks on the set of “Law & Order” 😉
An empty sidewalk
Buildings under the grey skies of winter
All of that being said it is also one of my favorite times to re-connect with the city. The streets are a little bit emptier as people tend to hide indoors and tourists choose warmer destinations. So, the other night while the girls were at an activity, instead of chilling out at a Starbucks or pretending I am hip enough to hang at The Ace Hotel, I took the opportunity to go for a walk. I had no clear destination in mind and just set off across 32nd Street. Soon I found myself in the heart of Koreatown. Dusk was just settling upon the city and a sprinkle of rain was starting to fall. The mist of the rain was glowing off the many flashing lights. Dodging rain drops and people I weaved my way through the Karaoke Bar heavy streets and continued on my way to 5th Avenue.
I LOVE NY!
The Paris Baguette in the middle of Koreatown
Oh la, la… Better keep walking!
As I wandered down 5th, in the lightly sprinkling rain I couldn’t help but realize that this was why I truly love NYC. Every street is different and has it’s own energy, charm and hidden treasures. It is almost like there is a story that is waiting to be written on every block. As I walked, I could feel my mood lighten. Sometimes I seem to forget how cleansing a walk is. Good for the soul. I guess it can be hard to imagine that a walk in all the hustle and bustle can be relaxing but it truly is. It is like letting yourself get caught up in a wave and letting it take you on its path (just make sure you are not trying to be the only salmon swimming upstream!).
Lighting up the dusk
You never know what you may find!
Side view of the Flatiron Building
Where am I going with this post? Good question- HA! I guess, in this, a new year, I am just trying to be healthier and happier all round. Getting my head and heart in the right place. I am reminding myself to do the things I love and to take a little bit of extra time to be truly present in what I am doing. A walk in the city I love, to clear the head and re-connect on so many levels seems like a good start to me. Take some time and connect with something you love too.
It's Always An Adventure 
I love this post. I can’t wait to visit NYC and wander around. Of course I’ll likely have my kids in tow, so we won’t walk too far. 😉 I’m also trying to do more of what I love to do and be more present this year. So far, so good!