Every once in a while you run across something that makes you look at things differently. It could be something as simple as a poster or photograph recalling another time in your life, an interaction that makes you realize that there is more than you thought out there, or even passing a business that's been there since I moved to the Upper East Side in 2006.
It can make you think of longevity and the journey we take along the way. We are truly the accumulation of experiences and choices that shape what we're born with, but that's both a blessing and curse. I find that the business analogy is best.
There are institutions that were around since the 1930's that have gone out of business because of a greedy landlord. Some family-owned restaurants no longer have the third generation care about keeping it open. Then there are the new stores that take those places and thrive, as well as those who close in a year or two after trying to start something new.
Particularly since the 2nd Ave. subway has been underway I've seen all of these scenarios. Are you being so pressured by outside forces that you are being squeezed out? Are you the one stuck in the past with no one willing to learn from you and carry the responsibility? Are you the ambitious newcomer that has the resources, drive, and ability to weather some problems but overcome them in the end? Or are you the one where you go all in...and don't succeed?
Usually we're a mix of all of these depending on the time, the exuberant, the new spark of hope, the apathetic, the jaded, and the depressive experiences.
I think the last is the one we all fear the most, but sometimes you have to acknowledge that failure happens and start again. And again, if necessary. I respect those people for risking everything, and wonder and hope that they find success elsewhere (or even in another NY neighborhood), even though you never know for sure.
Yes, it's a microcosm, but as I walk the streets and avenues, the longer I'm here in New York, the more I work towards understanding where I am at the time. I suppose the lesson is that history can fall to modernity, ambition can propel you forward if you're prepared enough, and that to leap before you look often leads to disaster. With all of these scenarios, how do you truly apply it to life and make all of the right decisions? If you find out, let me know!
It can make you think of longevity and the journey we take along the way. We are truly the accumulation of experiences and choices that shape what we're born with, but that's both a blessing and curse. I find that the business analogy is best.
There are institutions that were around since the 1930's that have gone out of business because of a greedy landlord. Some family-owned restaurants no longer have the third generation care about keeping it open. Then there are the new stores that take those places and thrive, as well as those who close in a year or two after trying to start something new.
Particularly since the 2nd Ave. subway has been underway I've seen all of these scenarios. Are you being so pressured by outside forces that you are being squeezed out? Are you the one stuck in the past with no one willing to learn from you and carry the responsibility? Are you the ambitious newcomer that has the resources, drive, and ability to weather some problems but overcome them in the end? Or are you the one where you go all in...and don't succeed?
Usually we're a mix of all of these depending on the time, the exuberant, the new spark of hope, the apathetic, the jaded, and the depressive experiences.
I think the last is the one we all fear the most, but sometimes you have to acknowledge that failure happens and start again. And again, if necessary. I respect those people for risking everything, and wonder and hope that they find success elsewhere (or even in another NY neighborhood), even though you never know for sure.
Yes, it's a microcosm, but as I walk the streets and avenues, the longer I'm here in New York, the more I work towards understanding where I am at the time. I suppose the lesson is that history can fall to modernity, ambition can propel you forward if you're prepared enough, and that to leap before you look often leads to disaster. With all of these scenarios, how do you truly apply it to life and make all of the right decisions? If you find out, let me know!
posted by AnonymousX at 10:49 PM
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