Bucket List New York √
New York, New York!!!
I wrote my bucket list several years ago. There are all sorts of things on there from life skills to items I want to own and holidays I want to go on.
One of the holidays was New York. My parents have been several times and ever since I was a teen it was something I wanted to do, but other priorities came up and if I’m honest, I was never with the right person to go to New York.
I woke up last Christmas morning with no idea that Matt had booked me a trip to NYC. Then the countdown began. 216 days until I would be checking off that thing I had been hankering after for years.
I think one of the reasons I hadn’t booked this before was fear. Much as it was something I wanted to experience; I was still fearful of such a big vibrant city. What if it didn’t live up to expectations? What if I was disappointed? What if it was scary being there?
There was also 6 months of wondering, what if we can’t go? What if covid gets us, or the flights get cancelled, or I can’t leave the kids.
So many what ifs to worry about for 216 days.
But we got over covid a few months ago.
The kids were packed and ready to stay with grandparents.
The flights were running.
A slight hiccough
But the covid passport wasn’t quite as smoothly. On the morning of the flight, we went to the NHS app to download the vaccination pass as we had many times before. Only this time it was different. Apparently, the travel one is not the same as the domestic one. The domestic one is no longer available and Matt, for whatever reason, had to verify his identity (mine came through same as always). When he sent off the required documents it came back saying it could take up to 7 days. The flight was in 5 hours!!!
We set off for a very quiet 2-hour drive to Heathrow, both of us contemplating what could happen but focusing on getting on the flight. Just as we got to the carpark, the email came through, we had the passport! Phew, bucket list still on.
The rest of the week was completely magical. We had booked one sightseeing activity every day but had hours to spare so it was completely relaxed. We saw everything we wanted to see, and I cannot wait to go back and see more. I had my own personal tour guide because Matt knows NY well.
Highlights of New York:
The Boat to Freedom
I was stunned by the size of the Statue of Liberty, in the distance it doesn't look much but the closer you get, the more glorious she becomes. The statue has very masculine features from the face to the hands and feet, bringing conversations whether Liberty is actually a They/Them being neither masculine nor feminine.
It’s a stunning entrance to a new life for millions of immigrants for over a hundred years. It must have been a sight to behold. I also pondered the contradiction of the idea around liberty and America. At the time it was very contentious as people questioned how free many people really were (especially women who at the time did not even have the vote) and sadly it doesn’t feel it has changed so much.
Ellis Island had the feel of that place where you ask, “what would it have felt like to step off a boat after months to arrive in this place?”. You had very few possessions and now a rigorous test to go through to get to the promised land, with no idea what was at the other side. It had an energy of long-ago dreams. People who took risks to change their whole future. It’s almost impossible to understand what they must have been feeling. With no easy access to the greater world, they were taking a genuine leap of faith hoping for a better life.
My Birthday Celebrations
On the morning of my birthday, I stood at the top of the Empire States Building looking at New York below. It’s a breath-taking and inspiring city. Again, a feat of amazing human ingenuity and determination. Videos of men, flying through the air on cranes with no safety gear, throwing red hot rivets into the air to be caught by their colleagues and hammered in place. Again, we couldn’t imagine working conditions like those now.
My birthday was continued with the most exquisite meal I have ever had. Oysters, Clams, Shrimp and Lobster followed by crab pasta. It was one of those meals that fills every part of your being. We just sat and groaned and sighed as we made our way through the food. When we couldn’t finish, it was parcelled up into a doggy bag. Now this was lovely but not entirely practical as we were heading to Broadway to see Moulin Rouge. We popped the bag in one of the homeless tents. I hope they enjoyed it but perhaps it didn’t get eaten, it seemed a shame just to throw it away.
So, my birthday was topped off with another bucket list item. Moulin Rouge on Broadway. The stage, lighting and costumes were out of this world. Everything I love about musical theatre.
I could go on (Macy’s 4th July fireworks were spectacular), but I feel I may have lost you already.
What is the point to all of this?
I have waited to do this for years. I then started to worry it wouldn’t live up to expectations. But it was so much more. I would have missed one of the greatest pleasures in my life if I had kept waiting.
What do you put off doing that you start to worry, what if it’s not what I imagined? What if I’m disappointed? If I do that, what can I aim for next?
I have had clients hold themselves back for similar reasons. They are now living their best lives.
What is stopping you living your best life?
If you are putting off your bucket list because your relationship ended and you don't know who you are anymore, join my Free Facebook Group.
New York may have been checked off the list, but I can't wait to go back!
If you want to know how you can work with me to find out who you are and what you want from your life and relationships, the best way is to book a Free Introductory Call.
How can an Introductory Call benefit me?
I know (as someone with introvert tendencies), having a call may feel like the last thing in the world you would want to do. I know that feeling of staring at the phone thinking, I really want to do something but this feels very scary. In all honesty, I still feel the same for a second when the phone starts to ring!
The reason it is important is that we need to know if we want to work with each other. This works 2 ways.
Building a relationship where you feel confident enough to tackle some deep issues with me starts here. Before you part with any money, before you commit to 3, 6 or 12 months deep work, we both need to know it's the right thing for you.
Because I understand how hard it is, booking the introductory call via the website creates the whole initial link. You get the meeting time you want, you receive the zoom link and reminders and then, when the time comes, we have an informal chat about what you want out of all of this. I will guide you the whole way and during this first call, we will already begin to design the life you want.
How I can help
My 1-1 programs will give you the focus, challenge and direction to find what you are looking for.
My membership will surround you with inspiring and positive people.
My Emails, YouTube and Social Media posting will give you the daily boost you need to know you are not alone, others are going through similar things and it is possible to change if you choose to.
Take the first steps towards your own Powerful Life.
Jenny Jarvis is a practicing, certified, UK Life Change Coach and NLP Practitioner who has empowered numerous people to live a life of their dreams, unleash their relationship with money and start and grow brands and businesses to great success. A truly inspirational individual, Jenny is also the mum to two amazing teens, a Reiki Master and motivational speaker. She inspires all to harness their greatness through energised coaching sessions, workshops and her membership club.
Book a free introductory session with Jenny and discovery how you might work together.