My first business trip in years was last week. I went to New York. I LOVE New York, I really do. I love the energy of the city, the shows, the food, the shopping….love it.
I my first consulting gig was on the eve of my 30’s in New York. Ironically, on the eve of my 40’s, I have returned back to my Big Apple.
I returned back in my business suit, heels that felt good in store (now not so sure), laptop in hand…..wondering who I was.
The uniform is the same but the person behind it has changed a bit.
Flying in, I could see the Statue of Liberty. For years I would fly in every week and see my Lady Liberty hanging out in New York harbor. There she was….just as always; same sandals, same book, same torch.
“Hey Libs”’ I said as we flew over (we’re on a first name basis), “how is it that I have had to redefine myself three times in the last ten years, turned completely grey, gone through several identity crisis.... and look at you…you don’t look a day over 120. You haven’t changed a bit.”
She looked up at me with her wise eyes, “Oh Heather, I’ve been holding this stupid torch up for ages. On average, I get struck by lightning four times a year and there is nothing I can do about it. These toes? These toes have been exposed for 44,640 days and no one has had the decency to give me a pedicure. I would love to change it up.”
At this point the plane was heading into Queens so we waved a quick goodbye. There we were, me and Lady Liberty….one who is yearning for a change after 126 years and one who would had just gotten used to her life when it changed drastically once again.
As we landed I begrudgingly slid my feet back into my kitten heals. I thought longingly of the comfy shoes I had left at home. Funny, four years ago I couldn’t even talk about leaving the corporate world behind for a sick child and a pair of sweat pants…..I was so very sad about the change I had to make. I missed the social life of the coorporate world. I yearned for conversations over the Harbor with Libs.
And now we were back where we had met ten years ago…..a bit wiser, both of us needing a pedicure, both looking onto the horizon wondering what is next….both struck by lightning a couple times in the past decade.
Well.......at least I could get a pedicure. So that’s just what I did.
4 comments:
What color did you pick for your toes? Staying the same and constant change both have their ups and downs. I love the way you write about it all. Hugs!
But one thing is the same...you are both still standing.
Hugs to you!!!
First name basis ... alright! About that lightening ... you wear "singed" surprisingly well. Maybe it is because you are honest with yourself and with us. Give Lib my love next flyby.
Lovely post. I miss you!
Post a Comment