Whether

December 05, 2018

Whether

The weather in New York is starting to take a chilly turn as we get further into December. Although I'm psychically adjusting to the change (i.e. scrambling to find sweaters, fleece-lined leggings, scarves, and other cold-weather essentials), mentally it takes no effort for me to get used to below 32° temperatures. Something about the crisp, cold wind striking your face walking around as your fingers slightly numb feels so rejuvenating- like mother nature is giving you no choice but to stay awake and aware of your surroundings. I've come to realize many aspects of Brooklyn resonate with me beyond the weather: The intricate street art on buildings, the lively and prominent music scene, the diverse street style of locals, and many of the 24-hour delis (because we all need a salad and fries at 3:00 am sometimes) to name a few. Lately, the idea of belonging is one that I've been toying with: Do the things about Brooklyn I relate to and enjoy determine whether I truly belong there or not? I'm not sure, but I do know that my sense of belonging largely depends on whether I focus on the differences of my personality/ aesthetic in relation to New York or the similarities. Sure, there are times my Californian upbringing leaves me feeling like a fish out of water on the East Coast but I remember many times feeling like an alien in my hometown because my preferences and outlook on life were different to those around me. No matter where I am, I believe I will always belong there as much as I don't belong: whether I feel more of the former or the latter will depend on my perception.

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