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It’s groundhog day and I could care less about Punxsutawney Phil.  I’m thinking about birds instead. 

Birds of paradise that is.

My friend Heather sent me flowers for my 40th birthday. Three roses with greens and 2 Birds of Paradise. I can’t explain how beautiful they are to me-it’s even a bit spiritual. I have always been  fan of these flowers and I am in awe of how exotic and unique they are. When I wikipediad what are otherwise known as ‘Strelitzia’, I read they resemble ‘birds in flight’ which has symbol and meaning to me especially where I am at in my life right now.

Birds in flight——That’s where I have been in the past year or so.  In flight.  And still flying.

This month I land in Jersey City. I think I am in denial of leaving Gramercy/Flatiron/East Side. I am ready for new beginnings, but it’s all a big change and somewhat bittersweet because this 400 sq. foot shoebox is where I began my NYC journey and embraced the change that I was so afraid of all alone. Downsizing from the comforts of home (2 bedroom apartment, wine bar down the street, Friday night friends, dinner at parents) into small living quarters, cold walks to work, swollen feet, and no car was one of the hardest things I had to do, but I knew it was my next step and an opportunity to seize. Would have thought that in some ways life became easier, not harder.  The other day on my way to work, I stopped for coffee, took my clothes to the dry cleaners, and dropped off a bag at the salvation army all within 10 minutes in 1 block radius. Life is sooooo convenient now. I have adapted and loved.

Living in Manhattan has exceeded my expectations. As I look out my window 6 years later since that spring of chaos, fear and anxiety, I know I made the right decision. I still enjoy the sounds of the city at dusk and at dawn— a faded hum of yellow cabs, trucks and buses quiet in the night. I still look down to the street to see little people with dogs admist yellow cabs and street lights- just like a scene from a movie. I take it all in. Not to mention the multiple summer or winter nights that I am walking home and look up to see the Empire State building in today’s color of awe. Alicia Keys is right. The streets will make you feel brand new and will inspire you.

I am inspired.