City Life

As I've thought about what makes New York City New York City, in contrast with anywhere else I could be, I've decided that it fits me better than I initially realized. For in this city it is easy to be different, without standing out from the crowd. With so many and so varied people constantly surrounding me, it is easy to be lost in the general mêlée. Which fits me well, because my personality is to want to be unique, without drawing attention to myself—to be the best at being me, without anyone else noticing, unless they are already of like mind with myself. And living in Manhattan is a lot like living inside my mind: having all the world laid before your doorstep, yet being simultaneously tied to the boundaries of a narrow island; having a mind that walks unabashed the myriad pathways of the soul, yet having a heart that cowers from the thought of leaving the security of its own front door. New Yorkers and I, we imagine ourselves to be completely free, with infinite possibilities before us, yet in reality are self-constrained to walk only the old familiar paths. I think a walk in the old forest would help both of us clear our heads.