New York City, home to 8.4 million people-- or rather, mother to 8.4 million people and counting.
To me, while growing up in Bronx, the fathers were the tough ones, the ones who simply provided for their families (just like my father did, a Vietnam Veteran from the South), day in and day out. That was it, nothing more and nothing less.
But whether you're a native New Yorker or a transplant, it really doesn't matter to NYC-- just like to our mothers, it doesn't matter who we are either.
This city will take you in, just like any loving mother would, and it will teach you a thing or two about this thing we call life.
Yep, there's no doubt about it: NYC is a rough city and at times, things will get difficult.
But for the New Yorkers who stand the ultimate test of time, the ones who truly love this city, the Big Apple will teach you numerous, invaluable lessons-- just like our beloved mothers did growing up.
So here are 5 essential life lessons that New York City taught me; these lessons happen to be some of the same lessons my very own Mama taught me growing up.
1. Always be true to yourself
New York City will always encourage you to be yourself. Take a walk around any part of this city and you'll see people of all shapes and sizes, all religions and sexual identities, wearing whatever they please.
To me, this was the norm. I thought this was how the entire world was.
But it wasn't until I got older and traveled more frequently that I realized the ugly reality: it really isn't like that everywhere else, especially in numerous small-towns across this country, where you see everyone wearing and doing the same, exact things.
But in NYC, just like a loving mother, NYC accepts you for exactly who you are.
2. Be kind and treat people how you would want them to treat you
My mother is the kindest woman on Earth. (Whose mother isn't, right?) And just like my mother, NYC has taught me to be kind.
The stigma that all New Yorkers are mean is beyond irrational to me. I have never been on a subway where someone else hasn't given their seat to a pregnant woman, or an elderly person, or a child.
People hold doors in this city, people feed the homeless in the city, people give up their seats in they city; people help strangers in New York City.
Being around so many New Yorkers on a daily basis, it's easy for us to practice random acts of kindness... just like our mothers would want us to. So why not try it next time around?
,3. Work hard and never give up
If it was not for my mother, I would've fallen through on countless things in life, and I probably wouldn't have gotten back up either.
Whether it was applying for a job or finishing school and getting good grades, my mother motivated me to do better. Just like whenever I drive back into the city and see its skyline, it motivates me to work harder. To never give up.
You see, simply walking around this city motivates me; seeing all the stores from Soho to 6th Avenue motivates me, and seeing all those nice apartments buildings in Midtown motivates me.
And yeah, it's true, NYC is one hell of an expensive place to live. But I wouldn't want to live anywhere else. This city motivates me to do better in school, so I can find my calling and stay living here in this great city.
Just like my mother motivated me growing up... and still does to this very day.
4. Anything is possible
All mothers believe in their children; growing up, my mother continuously reminded me: keep following your dreams and in NYC "anything is possible." I could not think of a better quote to live by in this city... because it's true.
You want to be a famous actor? It's possible. You want to be a rapper? OK, that's possible too. You want to open your own restaurant? Yup, you can achieve that here.
The list goes on and on and, just like Mama did, New York City will remind you that here, anything is possible.
5. Just like my mother, New York City made me who I am today
Growing up with four older sisters and an Italian mother, I guess you can say I'm somewhat of a Mama's boy. But just like the strong bond and love I have for the women in my life, I have those exact same feelings for New York City.
The parallels between the lessons that my mother and this city taught me are ironic and grand, and I am forever thankful for the role both have played in my life.
But the best part of it all?
If you ever end up leaving this city, it will always welcome you back with open arms... just like any mother would.
If you enjoyed this article, check out Hey NYC: Thank You For the Good… and the Bad!