Self-Love in the City

Last Tuesday, I did something I’ve never done before: I took a solo day trip to New York City. I went to see The Neighbourhood at Madison Square Garden and to get my favorite pizza. I left Tuesday morning and was back in Rochester by Wednesday morning.

Everything about this trip aligned perfectly. I wasn’t sure I could make it work financially, but the weekend before, I earned exactly what I needed. A part of me wondered if I should be "practical," but the other part of me—the part that refuses to deny myself happiness—made it happen.

The Solo Shift

Originally, I was going to go with my kids and friends, but life happened. My kids started new jobs and couldn't take the time off, and I didn’t want my youngest to miss school. My friend had work commitments. If I want to do something and people can’t join, I do it by myself. So, I took it as a sign that I was meant to do this trip solo.

I remember my first time driving to NYC in 2015 because my ex-husband couldn't drive. I was nervous and scared. In 2022, I went with my middle child to see My Chemical Romance and had to be the navigator. I was anxious then, too.

But this time? I got off that bus and felt nothing but joy. I walked through the streets like I belonged there—because in that moment, I did. I even said to myself, "I love myself so much right now."

Miracles and Pizza

While I was walking to my favorite pizza place, a woman stopped me and told me she could "get me pregnant with water." I’ve never had a woman tell me that before! It gave me a good laugh. I guess you don't even need a man or sperm anymore—just NYC "magic water."

I made it to the pizza shop during a slow period, so I took my time and truly enjoyed every bite. Then, I headed toward the venue. My feet and back were starting to feel the miles; even though I’m training for a marathon, I’m still used to being in a car most of the day. (You can read more about my training progress in my Sunday posts!)

The Pit and the Presence

I had a pit ticket and wanted to be close to the stage. I’m glad I took an earlier bus than I technically needed, because I heard later that the afternoon buses were delayed and people missed the opening acts. Because I listened to my gut, I was right where I wanted to be.

The energy was amazing. I looked around and realized I was old enough to be the mother of most of the people there, but once the music started, age didn't matter. We were all just dancing. Interestingly, my back and feet stopped hurting the second the band started. The joy of the moment literally healed the pain.

Coming Home to Commitment

The bus ride home was tough—does anyone actually sleep well on a bus? When I got back to Rochester Wednesday morning, I chose to walk the final two miles home. I felt refreshed.

After a four-hour "power nap," I headed to my 5:00 p.m. commitment: speaking in front of a group of women about my experience, strength, and hope. I was worried I wouldn't make sense because I was tired, but the feedback was wonderful. People really got something out of it.

What Self-Love Looks Like

I’m sharing this because this is what self-love looks like in action. It’s living with intention. It’s not about the trip itself; it’s about the fact that I chose to show up for myself.

The best thing I do every day is find love for myself. Sometimes that’s a trip to NYC, and sometimes it’s just changing my perspective—staying in the present so I can be happy in the moment instead of worrying about what might happen.

Ask yourself: Do you do things that prove to yourself that you love you?

I love you.

This is Love