An Island of My Own
In another life time I was a Brooklynite but I was actually raised on Staten Island. Since my family moved to Staten Island, I've struggled to like my home town. I'm the type of New Yorker to rep the whole state instead of having pride in my borough. I've realized harboring so much dislike for anything breeds negativity into other areas of my life. And not liking Staten Island doesn't give me a chance to express gratitude.
For example, instead of saying I hate taking the ferry, I say because of the ferry I get to ease into my day with a meditative boat ride. At the end of a tough day, I allow the water to wash away my frustrations.
Also, instead of loathing the fact that it can take me up to 2 hours just to get to my destination. I can look at the commute as a time to read, reflect, and do menial tasks. The ferry forces me to be early and improve my time management.
Although I don't live in the greatest neighborhood. I love my apartment. Its decorated and has the energy of my liking. I'm living in my space.
“If you don’t like something, change it; if you can’t change it, change the way you think about it.”
It has not been easy to change how I think about Staten Island. Actually, it never occurred to me to change how I think. But once I realized that it was affecting my happiness. I created a few mind tricks so I can look at things differently and appreciate the not so obvious.
Its difficult because Staten Island is the same, the ferry is still there, the commute is about the same. But because I'm focused on the positive, I feel differently. And that makes the world a difference.
This doesn't mean I want to live on Staten Island. It just means that while I'm here I'm going to make my stay as pleasurable as possible.
With Love,
Rebekah Love
