As I’ve entered my fifth year living here in the big Apple a big question on my mind is whether to continue living here or to return down under to the homeland. In many ways I feel that I have proven I can “make it” in NYC and I have achieved so much in the time I have been here. I’m so grateful for every opportunity I’ve been given! However, does that mean I now move back? I guess when I moved here on a 3 year artist visa I didn’t really think in detail beyond that time frame. It is ironic that I am writing this blog sitting inside Bluestone lane on 42nd st – the Aussie cafe in the heart of Nyc.
This blog really is just my stream of consciousness appearing in random order on my screen. I’m hoping it may help me work out a solution to my dilemma. On the one hand there is the fact that I’ve been waiting for 1.5 years to hear about the success of my green card – so maybe I’m trying to be “ok” with the fact that I may have to move back. Or perhaps it really is time… I believe I have more than enough credentials to be successful in my case, however I’m trying to maintain the mindset that “things are meant to be” and sometimes there is a grander plan in place for what is best for each and everyone of us.
In both places I have amazing friends – I am so so lucky to have the very BEST, supportive friends in the world in both countries. My family is in Australia which at times is difficult as I can’t just “pop” over to see them so to speak. However the ever connected world has made this gap smaller and when I do visit home we really do spend quality time together. I love the hustle and bustle and “magic” of New York yet on the Gold Coast I have a gorgeous beach condo I could live in complete with beach walks and pool days as part of my day to day life. I really struggle with the long, cold winter in New York – that is probably one of the biggest downfalls of living here. It was a novelty for the first few but now it is just brutal – snow ain’t pretty y’all!!!!
My recent trip home was so perfect that it really left me thinking whether remaining here is the right decision for me – yet there is still a pull not to leave. I am also so aware that a vacation style trip home is not real life. I am so fortunate that my career would allow me to work successfully in either country – I could do what I love anywhere. Living in nyc has definitely proven that to me! So after all that I still don’t have a clear answer. I will still keep looking for the signs and listening to my gut – it hasn’t steered me wrong yet!
Maybe the answer is to live in both countries? I guess time will tell…
"Strayan in the City" 