Finding Beauty in Every day

It’s a strange thing to have lived almost twenty years in such a fascinating city yet not be well enough to partake in a fraction of what’s available. I, always looking on the bright side, seemed to come alive when I stepped out of my apartment even on days when I barely had the energy to walk down the stairs. I spent those years alone, healing, yet I never felt alone. That’s the wild thing about Manhattan.

When I lived on the Upper East Side in my 20’s, I made friends with the doormen of the nearby buildings on my morning walks. I loved seeing how they were dressed with their fancy top hats, pressed shirts and double breasted suits. They all seemed to resemble my grandfather. I’d stop and chat for a minute or two as they stood outside whistling a tune from the 1960’s and people watching. They’d tell me what was going on in the world (since I lived under a rock and avoided the news) and would share old stories from their 40+ years as doormen. It was fun. It brought me joy. It was a way of finding beauty in my day through connection.

I’d make friends with the cashiers at the food store and share recipe ideas with the farmers who drove in from upstate for the neighborhood farmers market. I looked forward to seeing them each week. They, too, would have stories from their morning bus ride or a tale about a customer that made them roll their eyes and giggle. I loved it.

My 30’s (and now my 40’s) have been spent living downtown, which feels a bit like another solar system even though we’re all on this island together. It’s magical down here. It just feels like me: creative, free and peaceful. And while I’m starting to feel a strong pull towards the mountains, right now, this is home.

I could go on and on sharing various stories of my anomalous life in this city and perhaps I will as time goes on but after I snapped this photo a few days ago, I sat with it and was captivated by the beauty and joy in this single snapshot. I’m not sure if you can see it. It’s subtle but quite potent.

It’s hidden in the cloudless cerulean sky.

The patina sweeping across the facade of the buildings highlighted by the sun’s bright rays.

The easy breezy energy of the people strolling by.

The stunning architecture wrapped around SoHo and Tribeca buildings from the 1800’s.

It’s in all the tiny details. That’s where the beauty lies. For me, that’s where my joy lies, as well.

I live a simple life. I always have. Yet, after all these years I continue to have a profound experience with beauty and joy on a daily basis from the most mundane tasks and leisurely walks around this city. It’s amazing how a simple snapshot like this (while standing on the sidewalk waiting for the light to turn green) has made me realize how grateful I am to live on a concrete island filled with lots and lots of delicious beauty.