The Upstater's Experience: The Little Things

It is so easy to get caught up in, and overwhelmed by, the glamour of New York. Once you have lived in the city for an extended period of time the golden shimmer starts to melt into shiny paint over long stretches of concrete and rust. Glowing spotlights that promise excitement and adventure fade into harsh fluorescents, guiding you from one dingy corner to the next. In a city full of flashing signs, constant bombardment of advertising and intensely unpleasant odors, it is a daily struggle to sift through the unpleasantness and spot something fresh, simple, and purely enjoyable.

But struggle does not equal impossibility. There’s nothing like taking the time to appreciate the little things, especially in the city.

Every day for the last year and a half I have made a point of writing down the best parts of my day, even on the very worst of days. Nothing extensive, and absolutely nothing negative, just at least one positive thing I witness or experience throughout my day. Most days have more than one positive occurrence, but even on a bad day you get an unusually good cup of tea, a perfectly-timed compliment, or a chance seating next to an attractive stranger on the train.

For example, just a few of my favorite small moments from the last four months:

·        Witnessing a RomCom-worthy introduction between an unlikely pairing at the bar.

·        Spotting a bright blue Morning Glory vine twisting its way over an eyesore of rusted sheet metal and barbed wire.

·        Sharing coffee and orange juice and conversation with roommates on a cold, lazy morning.

·        A simple birthday dinner turning into all-night adventure of drag shows, cheap pizza and Netflix.

·        Being awake at six in the morning to watch the sun rise and city wake up.

·        Receiving a generous tip from a kind table during a really slow day at work.

Since starting this positivity journal, I’ve seen my share of simple joys and miraculous moments, had my share of miniature adventures and epic journeys. Never has it been more important than in these last few months, in a place where it is too easy to let looming stress, hectic schedules and overdue rent overwhelm the mind, to stay the course.

It has not always been easy to find the good in a truly awful day, but the phrase “practice makes perfect” has never rung more true or carried more weight on a personal level. And whenever I leave this place, I’ll only take the happiest moments and the best stories home with me.