Friendship in New York
One year and three months ago I moved away from home. How can I describe how I felt on the day I pulled away from my parents' house with my life piled into my car? I was hopeful, and also intensely nervous. What I feared the most is that I wouldn't be able to maintain my relationships to loved ones back home. I was afraid of feeling lonely.
What I didn't anticipate is that moving to New York would bring a huge influx of meaningful friendships into my life, and that my life would be richer and more colorful because of it.
I love these wonderful people who I never expected to come into my life. Half of my friends in this city are new, yet consistent presences. To stay grounded in this busy city, you need to find your anchors. These people have stayed by me, rooting for me, through all the traveling. Even though I've had a residence here, I've been away for gigs at least half of that time.
My other friends are acquaintances that I've met through previous life experiences, and when we found ourselves together in New York, our relationships deepened and became more meaningful. Last week when I had an informal get together, looking around the table, I realized that I knew each person from a very different phase in my life. A friend made while spending the summer in Kentucky, a friend made on a trip to Israel, a friend made through acting class, a friend from summer camp, a friend made through a mutual friend; and there we were, all of these colorful characters from my past enjoying a drink in the present.
The relationships and roots I have back home continue to deepen. Being away from home makes it all the more important to cherish them during my visits home. The people that matter have stayed with me through the journey, and the rest have been weeded out. I'm thankful for all of my life adventures, and am humbled by the love that I have surrounded myself with.
I love my friends. I love my city.
What I didn't anticipate is that moving to New York would bring a huge influx of meaningful friendships into my life, and that my life would be richer and more colorful because of it.
I love these wonderful people who I never expected to come into my life. Half of my friends in this city are new, yet consistent presences. To stay grounded in this busy city, you need to find your anchors. These people have stayed by me, rooting for me, through all the traveling. Even though I've had a residence here, I've been away for gigs at least half of that time.
My other friends are acquaintances that I've met through previous life experiences, and when we found ourselves together in New York, our relationships deepened and became more meaningful. Last week when I had an informal get together, looking around the table, I realized that I knew each person from a very different phase in my life. A friend made while spending the summer in Kentucky, a friend made on a trip to Israel, a friend made through acting class, a friend from summer camp, a friend made through a mutual friend; and there we were, all of these colorful characters from my past enjoying a drink in the present.
The relationships and roots I have back home continue to deepen. Being away from home makes it all the more important to cherish them during my visits home. The people that matter have stayed with me through the journey, and the rest have been weeded out. I'm thankful for all of my life adventures, and am humbled by the love that I have surrounded myself with.
I love my friends. I love my city.
Great post Britt!
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