Subway shows vs Broadway shows

My “gig” in Hartsdale was “interesting” – take those quote signs as a wink and eye roll.

It was also full of life lessons about aging, happiness, spirituality and optimism.   The best part was taking the train into Grand Central Station a few times a week and getting around the Big Apple.  What an amazing place. I felt like I was in the middle of the entire world on every street corner. In two city blocks I heard dozens of different languages. Spanish, French, Polish, German, several Asian dialects and African languages. I could buy any street food from around the world.

Everyone knows that the Broadway shows are fantastic but no one reviews the subway shows. Not only are they amazing but free, well except for a small donation, but only if you want to give something.  Many talented people from all over the world come to NYC to try and make it big. But not everyone will be on Broadway or see their names in lights.  I have come to realize that it takes more than talent and/or brains to succeed.  There are many other small details that factors into the equation. Right place at the right time, connections, systems in place, etc. Ultimately the level of success can be looked at as not the destination but a journey to be enjoyed.  

I was exposed to so much talent in NYC.  I saw a beautiful violin concert, salsa dancing and a blues singer all in the subway. One afternoon I grabbed a coffee and just strolled the subways for shows. I also attended the famous Hamilton on Broadway which was a lot more than a few dollars I had spent in on the subway shows. Later I watched Josh Groslin in a dark comedy on Broadway.

Visited old friends from the past and many of the world-renowned sights in NYC. Made new friends when I volunteered at the local catholic church to help with the English classes. Walked through the largest Hindu temple in the USA in New Jersey.  I packed in a lot in a short time.

My take away from this experience was:

Find joy in the simple things in life

Life is not always fair, but it is still good

Life is too short to hate anyone or anything

No one is in charge of your happiness except you

Make peace with your past so it won’t ruin your present

Don’t allow someone else to steal your peace, just because they can’t find theirs.

However good or bad your situation is- it will change.

Tomorrow, I head down to Utila with the family for my 70^th birthday party.  I will keep you posted.

Grand Central and it really is grand!