Have you ever heard someone say “Don’t stop in Chicago if you’re going to New York?” This is a common expression that means you shouldn’t get distracted by something less important or exciting than your main goal. Some people might use this phrase for what it can teach us about staying focused and motivated. There’s nothing wrong with stopping in Chicago if you’re going to New York, as long as you don’t lose sight of your destination. Sometimes, we need to take a break from our busy schedules and enjoy the journey. Sometimes, we need to explore different options and opportunities before we decide what we really want. Sometimes, we need to appreciate what we have and what we’ve done before we move on to the next level. That’s why some people might say “Don’t stop in Chicago if you’re going to New York.” They want to remind us that we have a purpose and a direction in life, and that we shouldn’t let anything stop us from reaching our potential. They want to encourage us to stay focused and motivated on our journey, and not to settle for less than what we deserve. They want to inspire us to keep moving forward and never give up on our dreams. So, as a writer, trying to earn a living, the next time you hear someone say “Don’t stop in Chicago if you’re going to New York,” think about what it means for you. Are you on your way to New York? Are you stopping in Chicago? Are you happy with where you are and where you’re going? Whatever your answer is, remember that you have the power to choose your own path and your own destination. And remember that you can always start again if you need to. As long as you don’t stop dreaming, you’ll never stop living.
But you might also want to think about why a writer would go to New York in the first place. Of course, New York is one of the most famous and popular cities in the world, with a lot of attractions, opportunities, and diversity. It’s a place where many people dream of living, working, or visiting. It’s also a very competitive and demanding place, where you need to work hard and be persistent to achieve your goals. So, going to New York can symbolize pursuing a big ambition, a passion, or a challenge.
On the other hand, and more to the point, there is NOTHING more important for a writer or a wannabe writer, than going to NYC, except maybe going there lots of times. I’ve been fortunate enough to have multiple work trips to the big bad apple, so here is a little high point travel guide for your required visit to the holy land for writers.
First NYC visit with Patti, stayed right across from the Twin Towers in Summer 1999, Note Patti at the end of, wait for it, DAY 1. No matter what anything else anyone ever says about NYC it is utterly, uniquely exhausting. There are simply too many things to do, too many sites to see, and too many experiences to take in.
Battery Park & Staten Island Ferry A Few Years Later
Destroyed Gold globe from Twin Towers mall (see pic above), now displayed at
Battery Park.
From Battery Park boardwalk
Manhattan skyline from Staten Isd. Ferry
Lady Liberty from the ride to Staten Isd.
Little Italy, NY
Central Park, Strawberry Fields Monument. and more
Empire State Building & skyscraper views
With a fake, life-sized, cut-out of a noisy NY Celeb. To the REAL NYC
On the Brooklyn Bridge, a great walk
Monuments everywhere for everything!
Broadway, Times Square
Subway Stop for my agent’s office, Sterling Lord Literistic, Bleecker Street
The house that replaced the House that Babe Ruth Built Keep in Mind
The experience of visiting NY city is utterly unique to all other visits to other places. There is no other place in the world where you can see so many different people, cultures, cuisines, attractions, and sights in one day. You can go from the Statue of Liberty to the Empire State Building, from Chinatown to Little Italy, from Central Park to Times Square, and still have time to catch a Broadway show or a comedy club. You can eat anything you want, anytime you want, and as much as you want. You can shop till you drop, or just window-shop and admire the fashion. You can ride the subway, take a taxi, hop on a bike, or walk the streets. You can feel the energy, the hustle and bustle, the excitement, and the diversity of this amazing city. You can also feel the stress, the noise, the crowds, the pollution, and the expense of this crazy city. But hey, that’s part of the charm, right? Visiting NY city is not just a trip, it’s an adventure. It’s a challenge. It’s a test of your endurance, your patience, your sense of humor, and your wallet. It’s not for everyone, but for those who love it, it’s unforgettable. It’s utterly unique.
So, the next time you hear someone say “Don’t stop in Chicago if you’re going to New York,” think about what it means for you. Are you on your way to New York? Are you stopping in Chicago? Are you happy with where you are and where you’re going? Whatever your answer is, remember that you have the power to choose your own path and your own destination. And remember that you can always start again if you need to. As long as you don’t stop dreaming, you’ll never stop living.
