I Made It To New York City!

 "I MADE IT TO NEW YORK CITY"...hang on, I'm gonna have to read that again:  

"I MADE IT TO NEW YORK CITY"! 

Even after 7 months of exploring, discovering and experiencing this absolutely wild, and often times chaotic place, that sentence isn't computing in my brain as reality. Although months has passed, I still have a hard time believing I actually took this giant leap into unknown territory. It took me ten years of saying I was going to move here before I finally did it, and I am proud to say: I AM HERE.

Now, I must be transparent and share with you all: IT HAS BEEN MUCH HARDER THAN I EXPECTED. People weren't joking when they gave me advice with a raised eyebrow and a "good luck" pat on the shoulder, once I told them the news of my NYC plans. It has been probably the most challenging chapter of my entire life, which in turn has made me much stronger and resilient, even when I don't want to be. This city sorta forces you to grow up... because if you don't do it yourself, no one will do it for you.

This city runs on independence, efficiency and GRIT. It's constantly buzzing with energy. The electricity isn't only for appliances, but also for THE HEARTBEAT that runs this place: i.e. the people here. I thought I had a pretty good idea of what to expect, since I had lived in LA (another large city) for a decade, but nothing could've prepared me for how things operate on this coast. It really is running on fumes: there's a no-nonsense attitude that requires a certain way of existing just to get from point
A to point B. I think the major difference here is the fact that I don't have a car, so I am completely reliant on the public transit system. Thankfully, New York is designed for commuters, and those without a vehicle (many people say it's a waste to have a car here, due to the parking fees), so I have found it to be pretty convenient for the most part. But, it is extremely difficult to be able to pin-point my own energy from others... I am used to decompressing in my car back in LA, and finding space and time to get centered. But, since I am crossing paths with literally hundreds of people a day, on the subway, the sidewalks, or in the incredibly congested Times Square, it has made it difficult for me to find that inner peace. I know myself well enough to know how sensitive I am to energy, so this has made it probably the hardest part of the transition.

Now, as you may already know, I moved here to pursue BROADWAY, and that has been my dream since I was very young. I knew that if I were to move across the country, it would be for my career and passion in life. Because of this, I would be willing to sacrifice the comfort of familiarity. So, I packed up my belongings, and started auditioning straight away. I am so thankful to have an agent who has been submitting me to productions, and that I'm not alone in this journey. But, let me tell you... it has been NO walk in the park. I have been challenged almost daily in regards to my imposter syndrome, due to comments made by teachers here in the city that have made me question the last 12 years of my career, to unsafe situations within the industry that have been absolutely shocking... I realize just how blessed I was in L.A. all these years, and I am so thankful to have had so many positive experiences there. So far, I have seen things here that feel like I have traveled back to 1950... which is interesting to me, because I thought New York would be much more progressive. I do believe there is alot of work still to do... but, I have grown a ton and I realize that I am the new kid on the block. It's going to take time to establish professional relationships here! Recently though, I have had many wonderful opportunities, especially in the Cabaret scene. I've made wonderful new friends who are just as passionate as I am about theater, and I've been invited to sing a
Don't Tell Mama NYC and, I'm officially making my 54 Below Debut! So, that is very exciting. 

I also have had very interesting jobs in New York: I am teaching acting/singing at schools in person, working as Modern Marilyn at parties/events, (Modern Marilyn) princess parties in New Jersey, teaching online and applying to jobs daily (including office environments, which is very different for me!). But, a girls gotta eat! So, I'm doing what I can- there is a reality about living in the most expensive city in the country as an artist and that includes working numerous jobs at once. So, I'm accepting that, and doing my best. But, OOF, it's not easy! I think financial stress is a common situation for many people, so I'm trying my best to be kind to myself, and know that this too shall pass. I think that I will be working on new avenues for income: such as Voice Over work, commercials and film as well. It might take a little while before I can consistently work as a theater artist in a brand new city, so patience is key. 

I wanted to share with you all this recap, because I think social media often paints a picture that isn't always accurate. Of course, I have found a lot of joy here, and I am so glad I made this decision to follow my heart and dream! But, it's also caused me to really have to stretch myself in ways that I've never had to before, which in turn hasn't always been comfortable. I am glad I waited until I was a little older to move here though, because it would have been extremely overwhelming if I hadn't had so much previous life
experience to help me navigate this new beginning. Somedays it really hits me at how beautiful this place is though, and how the life I'm leading is one that many dream about (including myself!). Stress has a way of interrupting joy, and I'm trying my best to tend to my stress, so I can be present and practice gratitude for all of the blessings I have. I do believe that good things are here and more are on the way, I just need to keep the faith that I am exactly where I need to be at this moment, and that my time will come, despite the challenges I have to face! I am thankful for ART, theater and for all the people that consistently lift me up.

Thank you for reading and I'm excited to share even more about my adventures soon!

Sincerely,

Monica ***