NYC Commutes: How They Jade and Invigorate You
Can you romanticize a daily train ride forever or do the sliding doors open your eyes to something deeper?
October 1st, 2023
We walk (or jump) through turnstiles every day and night like second nature. We brave the gust of cold air and sweat through the blistering heat with a war-like resilience. But what is our intrinsic drive? And does that drive change with time?
The New York City Subway system has been around since 1904. Millions upon millions have traveled underneath the concrete jungle and behind the treacherous rats, persistent trash and unpredictable encounters – I’m convinced that each of those carts sends you into deep self-reflection. One day you’re a tourist who can’t believe a metro system like this exists and the next you’re a few years into your time in the city and the awe has almost entirely faded.
My first visit to New York was a pivotal moment in my life trajectory. It was a drastic change in the pace and atmosphere of my daily norm which was the capital of Texas and my college city, Austin. I never really identified with the yeehaw culture that embodies my home state. In fact, I wholeheartedly rejected it my entire time there. To me it was cringe and rooted in a complicated history of racism and colonization (yikers!) but that part of it we’ll save for a later date.
It was on this trip that my entire worldview went through a quantum leap. I discovered millions of universes outside of the timeline I was currently experiencing. The energy was vibrant, the people were infinitely diverse and for the first time I had uncovered a true lust for life. I clenched to this experience, and I knew in my heart of hearts that I would do whatever it took to live here one day.
Fast-forward to what is now a little over a year and half into this chapter of my life and my fascination with NYC commutes has evolved. What started as endless gratitude for making my 8-year-old dreams come true has become a ferocious tenacity. I’m no longer satisfied with simply being here. There’s unsatiable hunger for more, which is pretty fitting considering that New York City is a Capricorn. A sign that embodies hard workers, overachievers and the drive to pour into your craft—whatever it might be. These qualities don’t come to me very naturally though.
As a triple Leo, I’m flooded with a myriad of creative outlets but in true fiery nature, once a flame has dwindled down it takes me a while to spark it back up again. Until now. You see, once you get a taste for this city it’s almost impossible to settle for anything less. I’ve accepted this fate and it’s the reason why I’m taking the appropriate measures to keep each of those flames burning bright.
So, the next time you swipe your MetroCard (old-school, I know) or you tap away at your digital wallet—take a moment and let it sink in. You are here and there’s absolutely no mistake in that. What you make of this moment is a thought I’ll leave with you.