Tag: nyc

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#118 Coffee with John

You have plumbing issues! I have plumbing issues! We all have plumbing issues.

Plumbing, health, emotional, or any other type of issues/distresses/stresses, we all going to experience them at some point in our lives.

But we have this perspective that either it’s only us and that the grass is always greener on the other side.

Physics dictates that indeed grass is greener on the other side but that’s because we are looking at the distance, not the ground where we are standing where flooding water might be soaking our brand-new boots.

The paradox here is that at other times we don’t notice the patch of green grass at our reach; we only focus on the drowning feeling of the situation. Perhaps that’s the myopic dichotomy of the human experience: we compare, put other people’s lives on a pedal stool, and suffer alone in our own drama.

We all have problems and challenges of varying degrees. Of course, we all have different resources and support to deal with them. Not all of us are fortunate to have the financial, emotional, or appropriate resources to tackle broken pipes, fallen down fences, or -thinking of a friend here – back surgery.

Still, no matter the resources or the tools at our disposal, my point is that we need to take a step back to empathize with others and stop looking through a prism of the “only me situation” and “if I only had their lives.”

My other takeaway from my conversation with my superb, incredibly brilliant, insightful, and understanding coffee mate for Coffee with John #118: never, ever attempt to walk 12 NYC blocks wearing new boots and a turtle neck on a mildly warm winter day. You will be late and a sweaty mess.

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#119 Coffee with John

Sitting down for coffee in New York City on a rainy, cold winter morning with one of my closest and oldest friends from college this past February triggered memories of the sweetness of a city I called home for nearly 17 years.

New York saw me grow, giving me unforgettable experiences, like running for my life after getting jumped in an apartment lobby on Halloween evening to my most memorable one: seeing my son born in Lenox Hill Hospital in Manhattan.

Whenever I step out into the New York City streets, part of me returns to a place and time of my life that warms my heart and soul. Sharing coffee and breakfast that morning with my friend moved me in a way I had not expected.

Our friendship has always gone through phases where some years we more or less lose touch. Still, no matter the years or how long we have not seen each other, we share one of those relationships where we can always pick up wherever we left off, talking and laughing about this and that.

Seeing this old friend had the same feeling that erupts within me whenever I return to New York: a coming back home in ways that feed and lift my spirit. I could not have asked for a more fitting impromptu “Coffee with John,” than this occasion.

Sounds corny, but the saying, “home is where the heart is” holds true. We can return to “home” in the relationships we carry, and in the places and people we hold close. Cherish the moments and opportunities to visit your metaphorical home.

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#54 Coffee with John

(Not sure why this entry is not showing; reposting)

Takeaway:

People come into our lives through family connections, serendipity, special circumstances. We build those relationships, connect and sometimes, disconnect and, if lucky, reconnect down the road.


No matter how people come into your life or how strong your bond is with them, if they bring you joy, make the effort to share and spend time with them.

We get busy with life, work, other relationships, or whatever else. Life will always throw something that might take precedence in your mind but the effort to spend time with people that warm your heart and soul will yield insurmountable wealth in your life. Who brings joy to your life and when was the last time you reached out to them?


I am grateful for having had the chance to have an awesome Coffee with John New York edition. Love you, bro. You know who you are. Hope to see you and your family soon.

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