The Next City You Go To
“If you think your life is going to be defined by a few big moments, you are setting yourself up to feel like a failure most of the time”
What’s something about you that no one knows about? Is something you experienced? A habit you maintain? A guilty pleasure? When someone asks me this question in the future, I’ll take a moment to collect myself before I illustrate my favourite little thing to do in a new city. It’s not terribly sexy, expensive, or exciting, but if you have a minute then feel free to read on and learn about you can emulate the same experience. Your instructions are below.
You’ll wake up in a room you haven’t before. You might be on a co-op term and your back will be sore from sleeping on a mat on the floor for nearly four months. Perhaps you’ll arise to find yourself in a sweet little hostel in New York City. No matter where you are, I hope you wake up to the sun gently beaming into your window signalling a new day has been gifted to you. If you’re like me, a little ping of anxiety will hit you when you wake up (as it does everyday). Should I have been up hours ago working on something? Force yourself to relax. Allow yourself a day of being human and grant yourself the same love and appreciation you give to your family and friends day in and out.
Slowly get out of bed and don’t change your outfit too much. Maintaining your authentic morning face is vital for your adventure. Grab what you need to leave your room, but keep it minimalistic. Your wallet, keys, and phone are all you need as you head out the door. Your lungs will thank you for the breaths of fresh air you take in as you witness the sights. Local pedestrians will pass you by, not thinking of caring for a minute that you’re not from around there. Bikers will zoom by you as you wonder how they’re not scared of getting hit by a car at any moment. Give the bearded old men who hang out at street corners a friendly smile simply because you can. You are in a new city.
Start walking through the streets while carefully remembering what ways you turned so you can back to your temporary home. Don’t turn on Google maps or dare look up what places around you strangers have recommended. Keep your head held high and fake some confidence as you find a small cafe that tickles your fancy. Maybe it’ll be the establishment’s interestingly coloured outdoor sign or the recognition of something you like on their menu that draws you in. Stay away from large chains and prepare your senses to experience a cup of coffee you haven’t had before.
Go inside and order a cup of coffee as you normally would. Weather permitting, sit outside so everyone can look at your ill fitting shirt and gym shorts as you sip on your warm companion for the next few minutes. Enjoy the coffee and laugh to yourself fas you remember your teeth that haven’t been brushed, hair that hasn’t been combed, and the culture you get to experience for a little moment in time. Your only job is to be mindful and appreciate.
If you think your life is going to be defined by a few big moments, you are setting yourself up to feel like a failure most of the time. Give yourself permission to have your days made by the smallest, simplest things in the world that most us, myself included, often take for granted.
