What if I move to NYC ?
The perfect 'it girl' morning routine , elegant breakfasts, stylish lunch dates, rejuvenating Pilates sessions, and much more
Since I was a teenager, I've been obsessed with Pinterest, pinning all the pictures of NYC to a board I called "Future." I've always had this idea in my mind that NYC is perfect, perhaps because of the movies and romcoms I watched. These films painted an idealistic picture of the city, and I couldn't stop thinking about it. I loved the streets of New York, the bakeries, especially the bookstores, Central Park, and so much more , I watched *When Harry Met Sally*, *Maid in Manhattan*, and *13 Going on 30*. Every time I watched these movies, I became so happy and excited just thinking about the idea of going to this wonderful city . My aunt lives there with her family, and my online friends, who are also in New York, always rave about the city on Twitter.
If I lived in New York City, my mornings would look something like this (this is how I imagine myself there): I would wake up early and drink tea on my small apartment balcony, feeling the sun on my face and watching people go by while listening to the birds sing. I would spend some time journaling, reading a few pages of my book, and praying. After that, I’d clean the house, open the windows for fresh air, and listen to a wellness podcast I adore or just Emma Chamberlain chatting away while I make the yummiest savory breakfast. I would savor every moment and be grateful for everything. Then, I would prepare myself to go to the Pilates class I booked the day before. I would pack my essentials in my bag, wear my black workout set, and go on a "hot girl walk" on my way to Pilates. Before heading there, I would grab a matcha or an iced latte. With sunglasses on and a podcast playing, I would walk to my class. After Pilates, I go get a sweet treat, like a butter croissant, the delicious Levain cookies, or cheesecake to enjoy in the afternoon. By 11 AM, I would be on my way home when my friends call to invite me to lunch at 12 . Excited, I would put on a white tshirt , denim flare jeans , kitten heels, silver jewelry, and style my hair in waves with minimal makeup. For perfume, I would choose Beach Walk by Maison Margiela. I wish I could be as productive in my current life and city. I used to be very productive, but I’ve been in a rut these days.

After lunch, I would spend the afternoon taking a nap, watching a TV show or a romcom, and enjoying the sweet treat I bought earlier. I just know that if I lived in NYC, I would make a lot of friends. As I often say in my posts, I adore making connections and meeting new people; it makes me so happy and inspires me greatly. It's effortless for me to talk to people, and I always want to meet new people , even though I already have many friends. Especially when moving to a new city, making friends is essential—they can become your personal tour guides! Seriously, just start conversations with random people and see where it leads.
For my dream work, I envision myself as a scientific researcher who occasionally writes for fashion magazines. I might even write a book and become a writer. I'm also an influencer, creating content on social media, and I imagine working in a gelato shop or a bakery during the summer. This reminds me of the games I played as a teenager I used to spend afternoons on my iPad, obsessed with bakery and pizza shop games. The possibilities in NYC are endless; it's like a dream. The last time I met my long-distance best friend, I suggested we make a vlog and start a YouTube channel. Although I know it's improbable for me to actually do that, deep down, I truly want to share bits of my life with cool people and document my 20s. However, my fear of being discovered by people I know has stopped me from posting. I remember when her friend said she wanted to open a coffee shop. At first, I couldn't believe it, but now I understand. We all have the urge to step out of our comfort zones, but it's sometimes hard to take that leap. Still, I always daydream about creating a YouTube channel perhaps when I move to another city.
This also happened to me when I first had the idea to start a podcast. I remember being so obsessed with podcasts. One night, I thought, "Why not start my own? I can do that!" I had so many ideas swirling in my mind, but doubts crept in too. Thoughts like, "No one will listen to your episodes," and "Nobody will subscribe to your podcast" haunted me. Despite these doubts, I decided I didn’t care , I wanted something new in my life and to have fun that summer. So, I decided to make a podcast and share it with my mutuals on social media. After recording and editing for an hour, I finally posted my first podcast episode on Twitter. I wasn't expecting people to love it as much as they did. To my surprise, they all complimented the way I talked. They liked all the things I was afraid of, which made me extremely happy. In that moment, I was the happiest I had ever been. Seeing people inspired by my podcast was incredibly fulfilling.
I’m so obsessed with the videos on YouTube titled “What People Wear in New York.” I've been watching these videos since 2020, and I'm still captivated by them. I love how everyone in the city expresses their unique style with such confidence. These videos have provided me with endless inspiration. I also enjoy watching a guy who gives $2 bills to strangers with great style and then asks them for life advice. Their responses, like "Just be yourself and don’t worry about what others think," "Learn to love your flaws, you are special the way you are," and "Go after your dreams and never give up," are pure serotonin for me. Watching his videos became an obsession, and every time I do, I wish I lived in New York City. Everything looks so perfect, with people showcasing amazing style. In my dream NYC life, I would visit boutiques and thrift stores to buy new clothes, meet up with friends for dinner, and attend Pilates classes. I’d enjoy eating my açaí bowl, and I hope to meet a hot and smart guy unexpectedly. I’d take my camera everywhere to capture moments, meet new people while reading my book or during Pilates, visit perfume stores to buy expensive fragrances, indulge in the yummiest pizza, pistachio gelato, and Levain cookies. I know I can truly be myself in NYC because it's the city where my higher self can shine . It's all written in my future self letter. She dreams of being in NYC and always holds hope for it. In that letter, I was torn between choosing Paris, LA, and NYC. LA is the city of wellness, and I plan to visit it when I need a break from work.
Unfortunately, this year I was supposed to travel to the south of France to study abroad for my master's, but it didn’t happen. I was devastated and unhappy, having already planned where to go and shop. However, deep down, I know that sooner or later, I’ll make it there. Maybe when I get a job, I can visit, and perhaps I’ll spend some amazing days in NYC as well. I stay positive about it. I created an NYC board on Pinterest, carefully curating every pin to reflect how I envision my life there. While it’s a bit demotivating to think it might take years of hard work to make this dream a reality, I’m okay with it. As long as I have the idea in my mind, anything can happen. Watching NYC vlogs is so fun and inspiring I love it.
The key to achieving your goals and dreams is to be grateful for where you are right now. I always enjoy writing in my gratitude journal; it's so therapeutic. I also write affirmations as part of my new routine, similar to the 5-minute journal. My prompts include: 3 things I’m grateful for today, what will make today a good day, and affirmations. I love it, and I hope one day I’ll go to NYC and live my dream life 💌
New York City is a place of endless possibilities, but is it the right place for you? I'd love to hear your thoughts and experiences
Consider this post a manifestation of my dreams and aspirations, inspired by my notes in the future folder of my phone. I hope you enjoyed reading about my vision for life in New York City. Stay tuned for more updates
See you next time!
NYC is truly magical! I loved visiting last October. Another classic & quintessential NYC movie for me is The Devil Wears Prada!!! That opening scene alone just encapsulates having & going after for what you want (cue “oh, how I love being a woman audio). I hope you find yourself there in the near future.
i’m going to be going in the fall and i’m so excited to visit and i plan to move there and i would say go for it all my closest friends live there and i can’t wait to be there myself. nice if you have the opportunity, finances and means to do so. that’s what i’ve been told by friends so i thought to pass it on :)