8 years old. Magenta jacket. Time Square. New York, New York.
Magic. That is the best way to describe this specific moment in my childhood.
It seemed the whole time we were there I was running up the street from my parents and younger sister, stopping at each cross walk to wait for them. I could not believe how awesome this city was, or how awesome it made me feel.
Fast forward 12 years, and the magic of the city has not left me. At that age, I thought I could live in New York City. Then, at some point between middle school and high school, that dream got lost somewhere.
This loud, lipstick wearing, PR major now believes the dream of living there is attainable for her, if she goes and gets it when an opportunity presents itself.
Oh, decision making. Many of us make decisions to stay in our comfort zone out of fear of what may be outside of it. We choose to stay where we believe we can predict what is going to happen next. The truth is you are not able to do determine what will happen next in your life. You do not have that much control. So, why wait to take a chance?
Picture this: you are graduating from college and you have two job offers. One is in a city, and one in a small town or suburb. You have wanted to live in a city your entire life, but you are scared to take the opportunity even though the chance to do something you have always wanted to do is staring you square in the face.
When the city calls, and the timing seems to work, you take the jump.
It is important to remember that sometimes, the city will only call you once. One chance is all you get, and you don't want throw away your shot (Hamilton reference totally intended).
When in doubt about what to do at times, think of the young girl (or boy) you once were. Think of the dreams that child had. Think of the places that child wanted to go, the things they wanted to see, and the person they wanted to become. At that point in your life, you believed in what you believed in because believing in it was enough.
When the city calls, answer it.