A Goodbye Letter to New York City

Dear New York City,

If I’m being honest with myself, I didn’t know what to expect from you as you became my home in the summer of 2014. All I knew was that there was a guy here who I was overly smitten by and wanted a future with, so I decided to give you a go, and what a journey it has been.

First, you taught me resilience. Not only did I live out of plastic bags from a bed bug scare within two months of moving here, but I also experienced the harsher realities that crept up from my work in underresourced communities that was unlike anything I’d experienced before. Talk about a reality check. I’ve never considered myself a ‘tough person’ until after living here. Thank you for putting me in those situations because I needed them in order to grow.

Secondly, you taught me that being vulnerable is a good thing, and it pays off. I went on blind girlfriend coffee and workout dates trying to make new girlfriends, I left a job that was making me feel sick and found the courage to truly explore what I wanted to do with my life in a city of endless opportunities. After dreaming about it for two years, I finally started a blog that allows me to share myself and my journey towards creating my ideal life, which has just this week gotten recognized by an online magazine that asked me to be a guest contributor (!). Thank you for getting me more comfortable being uncomfortable.

Lastly, you taught me balance. Yes, I said it – balance. Actually, you taught me so much imbalance from working all the time, drinking all the time, and spending way too much money all the time that I HAD TO learn how to find balance even when temptations exist literally everywhere here. Thank you for teaching me how to say ‘no’ and being able to own it.

And that guy I mentioned earlier? He’s still around, 5 years later 😊, and one month from today we are moving across the country to Denver, and I am giddy thinking about what lessons the Mile High City has waiting for me there. I am forever grateful for the lessons you taught me and am no doubt a better, humbler person because of you.

With endless love + gratitude,

Marah Elizabeth xx

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