I figured it out!! Finally.

Sometimes a great (personal) revelation, can come from something so seemingly meaningless, it amazes me. But the thing is, when you allow yourself to be open, to be conscious and present, you realize that in some way, shape or form, the universe is always conversing with you - even if through other people, through symbols, signs etc. You just have to learn how listen.

I got off the Q today somewhere in Midtown. Yes, I'm currently in New York. I was on my way to see the Tim Burton Exhibit at the MOMA. Totally irrelevant I suppose but moving on, I crossed the street, itunes on shuffle and the song suddenly shifted to "Everything's Magic" - Angels & Airwaves. Again, could be irrelevant but I often walk with music blasting, not to drown out the noises of the city necessarily, but moreso to enable myself to "listen" to the city in other ways. So I'm crossing the street and I see 3 guys hanging on the corner. I can already predict what's coming. For those that don't know, NY guys are for the most part extremely aggressive, and try to talk to nearly any girl they find attractive walking down the street.

As I walk past, one motions to ask if I have a lighter, though I can hear nothing but Angels & Airwaves. I do, so I allow him to use it. I pull one headphone out so I can tell him it's a childproof one because he has trouble with it. Of course, his friends start with the "Damn mami, you're sexy etc etc" I say thank you and continue my walk towards the MOMA.

But it hit me like a ton of bricks. I know many, many men (some living in NY, though most elsewhere) who are intimidated by women. So afraid of rejection that they rarely outwardly express any interest. They allow their fear to control them, prevent them from going after what (or in this case, who) they want.

I've said New Yorkers have a hustler mentality - which is true. But to go even further, I believe that what's different about this city, is that in order to "survive" in any way, a person MUST grasp an opportunity the moment it presents itself, push aside any fears, any insecurities, and any doubt, and just go for it.
And if you get smacked down, so what. You pick yourself back up and try again, and again and again if necessary. However many times it takes to achieve whatever it is you desire. This is what is ingrained in New Yorkers.

But you don't have to live here to have that same mentality. Being frozen by fear, will get you nowhere in life. Instead a person must have utter belief and faith in oneself if they wish to fulfill their desires. Yes a very simple revelation, from a very random, seemingly meaningless interaction, but I felt compelled to write it down and share it.

PS- It's freezinggggg here! Thankfully I love the snow. :)