Dear New York City,

Will you be my valentine… again?

Our love has been short but fierce. Even though I didn’t believe in it,   it was undeniably love at first sight.Your aren’t just the greatest city in the world. You are an organism in yourself. Living. Breathing. Existing.

I came to New York in 2003 in search of something. I didn’t know what it was then and I still don’t. Since then you have molded me into who I am today. You are the reason why I am who I am and why I act like I do. I think fast, walk fast and talk fast. I dream big and I believe anything is possible. You fill me with hope, inspire me, and spark my curiosity. You make me feel so small, so insignificant but at the same time like I am on top of the world. You have forever changed me and for that, I’m forever grateful.

I know I’m not the first one to fall in love with your diverse, loud and quirky people, your passionate fans and rattling subways. And I won’t be the last to love your grand museums full of treasures, tiny bodegas filled knick-knacks as well as your green parks smack dab in the middle of the bustling city.

Each part of the day casts new shadows and sheds light on what was once dark. I love the color of your fading daylight. There is constantly something new to discover in your wonderful city. It’s not just the light that brings changes. When it snows, it’s magical. Mother Nature dusts your every surface, nothing is safe. A white blanket covers all that is familiar, transforming it into something different and new to discover all over again.

I’m not going to lie. I’ve thought about breaking up with you. California keeps calling my name and taunting me with warm winters and a laid back attitude. But once I see the lights of Times Square and the towering skyscrapers I know there isn’t a place in the world quite like you. I could never leave.

So today, I ask you to be my Valentine. To inspire me for another year. To teach me new things. To forever give me a million reasons to keep coming back.

Love always and forever,

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