I recently was given the opportunity to travel to New York City for a conference. My friend and I decided to fly in a day early to take in all the city has to offer. Visiting NYC was on my bucket list and I am very grateful of the timing of my visit. The election had ended a week earlier and protests were erupting all over the city. I was apprehensive, but never back down from a challenge (being the rockstar that I am). Traveling to a big city…the largest city in the US…well if I’m honest, it did make me a little nervous.
I grew up in the suburbs of a small coastal city in Texas. Population 200,000-250,000, and the suburban area I grew up in…is even smaller. Traveling was a privilege in our family, but by the time I was 16 years old I had 10+ stamps on my passport and visited handful of states in the US. I was hooked. I love to travel! I grow and learn from each destination and the local communities within them.
Typically, when I travel I am a Planner. I like to have a rough plan of stops I would like to see and then if a surprise arises, cool. This trip was different. I totally surrendered and wandered through NYC from the 911 Memorial to Central Park with my friend. Experiencing the city in this way, we were fortunate to get a feel for the people and the heartbeat of the city. The people of NYC were the biggest surprise to me- they are welcoming, friendly, and courteous. People of all backgrounds, income status, and careers, were so nice. I had heard that the people of New York are rude and in a hurry, but this was just not my experience.
NYC taught me that we can come together as a Nation. I saw that no matter the color of our skin, our religious background, or income status we can live, work, and respect each other. We can have different political views, and discussions about our political views. As long as we respect and speak from our hearts, I believe we can come together.
NYC is a melting pot of this beautiful world as is our nation. Instead of yelling at each other or dismissing each other’s views, we can instead hold everyone in this beautiful nation and its people in our hearts. We can pray for peace and safety for everyone- democrats, republicans, independent political officials, and police officers. We can be compassionate with everyone.
Giving people the opportunity to be heard and really listening to them is the best way to provide compassion. Then, above all, is to be compassionate with ourselves. When we really listen to ourselves and accept our feelings without judgment, self love becomes easy. Compassion is the medicine for ourselves and others. The election, like every experience in the “Earth school,” offers us opportunities to give and receive this medicine. Giddy up!
Author: Jenn Piorkowski
Jenn is the embodiment of the “Self Love Rockstar.” She enjoys serving the community and healing others through writing, Reiki, and sharing her authentic personality. She also allows plenty of time for fun and adventure personally and professionally.
