From one of our members of the New York Incubator:
So last night was a hectic evening for anyone who works or lives or just happened to be in mid-town east. My office is located across from Grand Central on 41st and Park. Yesterday, I happened to be standing outside of our office chatting with a couple of co-workers. It was a lovely evening and we were deeply engaged in our conversation about men and when you should break up with a boyfriend who was still active on Match.com.
Then there was that moment when you sense that something about your environment has changed but you aren't sure what. In this case, it was a loud roar and plumes of smoke which stretched toward the sky and rolled toward us. The rumble was deafening and threatening and the smoke continued to billow up the street. We turned and ran. Not sure from what and definitely no idea as to where. I tripped and fell and a man I didn't know reached down to grab me up. We all were screaming and running west - away from the explosion. A rainfall of mud-drops pelted us as we vainly sought a place of safety away from the unknown source of danger. There were rumors that a building had come down on 41st and Lex.
Later, as a co-worker and I wandered, rather lost, down 6th Ave, we found a cafe where a news report informed us that a man-hole had exploded - right before cutting to a commercial break. It was a dizzying and frightening experience of the unknown, combined with freshly primed fears of Al Queda from recent news stories and memories of 9/11. Even though I am grateful and thankful that terrorism was not involved, I am still in awe of the power and force of the explosion that occurred. And somewhat shakey as I recall how near my friends and I were to the event. But mostly I am appreciative. Out of this experience of intense fear, I am so thankful for the opportunities that I have each day to indulge in life and to live my best life. (A little cheesy, I know, but true!). And so even though I was covered in mud, I wanted to celebrate something wonderful instead of giving into the evening's fearfulness. So after cleaning up in a deli and getting some fresh clothes from H&M, I headed to Nancy's jewelry event at the Chelsea Hotel. It was so delightful to see Nancy and the fruits of her talent. And I even found a lovely pair of pearlized earrings for myself!
I just encourage each of you to indulge in life, take time to be good to yourself and to not give in to the fears which plague us, be they internal or external.
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