- Growing up in the suburbs made my move to Brooklyn as a single mom feel like a huge culture shock.
- My daughter flourished in the city, blossoming into a strong, independent child, even as the city’s pace overwhelmed me.
- Though I lost my creative edge, I found wonderful friendships. Ultimately, New York wasn’t my forever home.
Following my divorce, I decided to leave my serene suburban life for a snug apartment in Brooklyn. There, I embraced an emotional rollercoaster that lasted six years, filled with highs and lows.
I picked Brooklyn to be near family, hoping it would make single parenthood a bit easier, and it did help boost my daughter’s spirits. Despite leaving her best friend behind, she felt part of a community with her cousins at school.
“I feel like I belong here,” she said one day, and I couldn’t help but feel overjoyed for her.
She truly became a city kid, bursting with resilience and social skills. Most days, she took the bus to school with her pals, thriving on spotting street art and food trucks along the way.
However, while she thrived, I struggled silently, grappling with the city’s overwhelming atmosphere.
The City Life Shock
Having spent my childhood in a cozy little New York town, transitioning to city life was like entering a whole new world. I used to love visiting the city, finding inspiration to write when I wandered its streets.
I’d hop off the train, notebook in hand, ready to create. A relaxed stroll through SoHo or the energy of a café often sparked my imagination.
But living in Brooklyn full-time was a different ballgame. That vibrant energy that once fueled my creativity sadly dimmed. Day and night, the sound of trains rattled behind our apartment, reminding me of the peaceful suburbia I missed, sipping coffee beneath my backyard maple tree.
In Brooklyn, my desk was squeezed between the radiator and the fridge, hardly an inspiring environment. I tried hitting the libraries, but they were always packed, forcing me to cling to a corner near the restrooms while the noise from cell phone users drowned out my thoughts.
Eventually, I landed a job as an office manager, which sadly left little room for my writing aspirations.
Everyday pleasures like grabbing a bagel and coffee had to be meticulously planned around rush hour or postponed to tranquil Sunday mornings when parking was more accessible. Not having a parking spot of my own proved to be yet another hurdle, with driving around taking needless time.
In the quiet of night, after the nightly routine, I sat scrolling through Zillow, eyeing apartments elsewhere. I pictured a lovely home with a garden, serene mornings, and birdsong instead of the persistent sounds of an urban neighborhood.
My New Brooklyn Social Life: A Bright Spot
Despite the challenges, my social life exploded after I transitioned to the city. After years spent in the suburbs, New York offered a smorgasbord of restaurants, live music, parks, and museums, all easily accessible.
Saturday evenings out and Sunday brunches allowed me to connect with new friends. I was fortunate to have family close by to take care of my daughter while I explored the vibrant city, reminding me that I perhaps once overanalyzed everything.
In the city’s fast-paced life, I learned that people were remarkably straightforward and authentic – no chasing after everyone’s approval or over-explaining myself. I started incorporating this open and direct style of communication into my life, finding a new ease in relationships, both personal and professional. Consequently, I felt more liberated and mature.
Much like my daughter, I, too, shifted from being a sheltered rural dweller to embracing my city identity.
Parting Ways with the City: A New Journey Begins
I didn’t plan on leaving New York until my car was towed thanks to a sneaky parking violation, forcing me to trek five blocks through icy streets while feeling unwell.
With my daughter on the brink of graduating elementary school and the challenges of junior high looming, it seemed the perfect time to make a big change.
Hoping for a quieter lifestyle, I began reaching out for copywriting gigs and surprisingly landed a role in Florida—a state I hadn’t considered before. Finding a great school and welcoming neighborhood in Palm Beach, I waved goodbye to Brooklyn.
Upon reaching the beach after a long absence, I found fresh inspiration to dive into writing, even prompting me to publish my first poetry book–something I had never tackled! The gritty lessons of Brooklyn paired beautifully with the calming nature of Florida—the perfect blend for me.
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