The Great Escape
- Asha
- Sep 20, 2017
- 3 min read
Just like that, she was gone. That girl pulled a Houdini.
Sometimes, I just have to get away and do something that feels good deep in my soul. It's nothing for me to pull a disappearing act and head to the places I love: city, town, park, mountain, beach, or greenway. I seek these places for reason. They restore my soul, ignite my creativity, give me a place to let my hair down, and just relax from all the chaos of daily life -- which can be thoroughly consuming.
This time, I went to New York.
I love New York. She is an enigma, that city. She is a whirlwind of talent, culture, diversity, art, politics, raw emotion, pretentiousness and everything mesmerizing: the good, the bad, the ugly, and the ugly-beautiful. I find beauty in all things there, though, honestly. New York, along with Savannah and New Orleans, is one of my favorite cities. How fortunate am I that my brother and sister-in-love decided to make Manhattan their home? Very! I always have a couch to crash, a cat to play with, and a hot meal to enjoy. My brother made me biscuits and gravy, y'all. He likes me! He really likes me!
So, last Thursday, I caught the first aluminum eagle flying out of Charlotte Douglas International and headed straight for JFK International in Queens. My friend, Shayla, who I endearingly call "ShayShay Sobieski" also accompanied me to the Big Apple.
By the way, does anyone know what ever happened to actress, Leelee Sobieski? I don't think I've seen her in anything else since The Glass House which was 16 years ago. Anyway, I digress.
New York was a brilliant escape. The trip allowed ShayShay the opportunity to momentarily leave the stress of dealing with post-Hurricane Irma destruction behind (she lives in Clearwater)-- not to mention, it was her first time in the city. We boomeranged under the lights of Times Square, marveled at bags we can't currently afford in Herald Square, took touristy photos and discussed the love languages in Central Park, we admired the work of creatives before us at the Museum of Modern Art (MoMa), ate soul food in Harlem, ate Korean barbecue in Midtown Manhattan, learned how to properly navigate the subway via the 6 train, got breezy walking the Brooklyn Bridge, made our own spot of rest and reflection in Prospect Park, enjoyed $10 pizza at the San Gennaro festival in Little Italy, and drank wine in a hip corner bar in Bed-Stuy with my dear friend, Obed. We laughed a lot. We talked a lot. We walked a lot.
We left an impression on the people we met in each borough and, in return, they left an impression on us. It was a very cathartic.
When our bodies and minds grow weary, we have to find a way to reinvigorate them. We practice yoga, we stretch, we meditate. Maybe you go to the spa and get a massage or steal a few moments tucked away in a jazzy blues bar with a stiff drink. Or, maybe, you plan a quick jaunt to a feel-good place with a friend. Whatever it is, you find a way to give your spirit some sort of rejuvenation -- a spirit lift!
But, just like that, I'm back. Back in Charlotte. Back to life. Back to reality.
I hope you know it's okay to pause and take some time for yourself. It's not selfish -- it's necessary. It is the essence of self care. And you can't be great for anyone or anything else unless you are good and nurturing to yourself first. In the midst of all the chaos spiraling around you, it's okay to say, "No!" It's okay to walk away, reset, and then revisit your circumstances with a fresh perspective or approach. Sometimes, a getaway is necessary.
It doesn't have to be grand. It just has to be great.
Always,
-Asha
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