Dear NYC,
thank you for the past six months.
Thank you for carrying me, inspiring me, uplifting me, distracting me, thrilling me. Thank you for giving me a chance to grow, to learn and to transform into a better, stronger, more fierce version of myself. Thank you for making me feel at home instantly and for never making me feel alone. Thank you for giving me the ability to dream!
But most importantly, thank you for giving me me!
The time here in NYC has been incredible. I feel like I was broken open – much wider than ever before. I was given the chance to really get to know myself, to dive in deeper and to come out stronger.
I’ve learned so much: from surrendering to the subway system to going after jobs that seemed way out of my league, from doing B-school to joining the Good Life Immersion Project with Jonathan Fields. I’ve grown and I’m changed.
My favorite lessons of the past six months:
1. I’m able…
I have never cooked before I came to NY. I mean, I was able to cook, yes, but I never chose to prepare a meal for myself or others. When I was married, my husband did the job and before that, well, my mom… But coming here, I wanted to really take care of myself and so I did: I learned to cook and I made the commitment to cook healthily. I suddenly found myself preparing meals with quinoa, millet, barley – ingredients that I had never heard before. But I tried them and loved them; much to my surprise. I’ve had so much fun experimenting with food and as a result, I’ve never been and looked healthier and felt more energetic!
2. I’m likable…
Although I still suck at networking, I’ve definitely taken great steps forward. I’ve gone to book launches and spiritual events and I think I’ve had more lunch and cocktail meet-ups in the last six months than during my entire life. It’s definitely been fun, but also a bit nerve-wrecking. It’s not easy for me to put myself out there, to be confident in myself and to represent my work in a professional way. I always have thoughts like ‘my work is not important at all’ or ‘man, she looks so much prettier, is so much skinner than me’ running through my mind, bu tover time, I was able to push them aside – lovingly – and go about introducing myself to more people. I’ve learned that we’re all equal, we all have major insecurities and we all just want to be loved and accepted, right?
3. I’m employable…
The biggest lesson (or miracle) was, without a shadow of a doubt, the fact that after two weeks of moving here, I was offerend three jobs. I had many, many job interviews and ended up working for three companies. Yes! It was unbelievable to me that other people saw potential in my work. But they did and – had it not been for the visa issue – I’d now be rocking it at an agency on 26th Street.
4. I can believe in my work!
Through finding work, I’ve finally seen that I’m not just a fraud, that I can trust myself, build on myself, believe in myself. By being accepted into the Good Life Immersion Program, working with Jonathan Fields on my brand and my good life (how freaking cool is that?!), I’ve realized that I’m not the only one believing in the message of making peace with yourself, your body and food and this knowledge has given me much more confidence to move forward with my mission.
5. I can rely on myself!
Yes, there have been evenings when I was homesick and there have been challenging days and weeks. However, I’ve been able to hold space for myself, console myself and be there for myself like never before. I’ve always enjoyed traveling on my own, living by myself, spending time with myself, but I’ve always fled into my anorexia. This time, it was different. This time, I was taking care of myself and I stayed strong.
Although the outcome is different than I had hoped it was going to be, I can only recommend chasing your dreams and going for what you’ve always wanted.
You might not get what you were dreaming of, but you may end up with so much more!
NYC, I’m not ready to move on, but I have to. For now. I’ll see you again soon. With love, Anne-Sophie
This is so beautiful and wonderful. I cried. Love to you on your journey. I hope you don’t get tired of me saying, “You’re simply amazing!” xo
Sorry to make you cry, Tess. But as long as they’re good tears…. 🙂 Thanks for your kind words and how could one ever get tired of hearing them?
Whoo! You go, girl! I bet you’ll be back to skipping in NYC in no time. 🙂
I soooo hope you’re right. 🙂
I had the goose bumps when reading your words – raw, vulnerable, authentic …and just magnificent….what a victory!…xxxooo
A victory indeed. <3
What a beautiful farewell! Looking forward to the next phase of your adventure, dear Anne-Sophie! xoS
Thanks so much, Sandi. xxx
I bet those months flew by! And yet, it sounds as if you have come more and more into being the inspiring woman you are. It’s powerful to look back and notice these things – each step feels small but the journey goes on…
Yes, it feels like yesterday that I moved here and yet, so much has happened. Definitely a lot o forward-momentum.
You are a gift to the planet Anne-Sophie! Just listened to your interview on Radio Enzo. Loved it. Bravo girl. Keep rocking it out sister.
You’re the sweetest, Lisa. So glad you enjoyed the interview. Thanks for stopping by here. Love you, girl. xxx
Beautiful, Anne-Sophie. How fun to hang in New York and take in the city. You will be missed, I’m sure. Can’t wait to hear what is in store for you next. Enjoy!
Thanks, Cathy. It was definitely an amazing time I’ll never forget. I’m quite intrigued to see where life takes me now. hehe
You found yourself and will continue to do so! I am so excited for what you will not… regardless of where you live!
I hope you’re right, Ed. I’m very happy I get to share part of my journey with you! Thanks for being an awesome friend.
Such a beautiful post, Anne-Sophie! Thank you sharing your story. You are inspiring! Hugs to you right now – as the transition can be hard but you’ll adjust. You rock! Can’t wait to hear what is in store for you 🙂
Yup, it’s not easy. Cried a bit this morning as I miss “home”, but it’ll be allright. Sending love to you too.
Beautiful Anne-Sophie…your life is such an inspiration and I can’t wait to see what you delve into next.
Love Elle
xoxo
Thank you, Elle. It’ll be an interesting year. We’ll see what happens and I’m sure you’ll get to hear all about it on the blog. hehe
What an adventure you had in just 6 months! So beautiful…and I know you will keep chasing your dreams no matter where you live. I’m so very honored to know you, to call you my friend…keep on! xo
Oh, Lisa, I feel the same way about you. Just having met you in NY was worth moving there. 🙂 I’ll never forget the weekend we had and I’m so thrilled that we get to see each other again in a few weeks. You’re amazing.
Best wishes for what’s next in your life – I’m sure it will be filled with inspiration, purpose and passion!
Alex
Thank you, Alex and I hope you’re right. 🙂
Thanks so much, Alex. I hope you’re right. 🙂
NYC is going to miss you! And your next destination is going to welcome you with open arms. Happiness to you, Anne-Sophie! Hugs and love, Vidya
Thanks, Vidya. One of my next destinations will be India. Who knows, maybe we’ll meet?! xxx
Not maybe. We will meet, definitely. You cannot leave India without visiting Bangalore. I am going to inform the passport authorities 😀 HUGS! What a lovely thought to think you’re visiting and we’ll meet!
haha OK, well, then I guess I have. 🙂 It would be truly awesome.