This week, I went to New Jersey for work for four days, and knowing the demanding schedule wouldn’t leave much room for adventure, I decided to stay one extra night to celebrate myself. To celebrate nearly three decades of motherhood, and 23 years of being a nurse, caring for others, educating, supporting, and hopefully making a positive impact on people’s lives.
Both roles have required love, sacrifice, compassion, and constant giving. And sometimes, in the middle of pouring so much into everyone else, we forget to pour back into ourselves. This Friday night, I gave myself a personal adventure in New York City, a place that always awakens the inner child in me, fills me with wonder, and leaves a smile resting quietly on my heart.
I began the evening at the One World Observatory, a place I had always wanted to visit but never had the chance to explore. And what an incredible choice it was. The breathtaking views truly took my breath away.
Afterward, I enjoyed dinner on the 101st floor, starting with the New World Fashion, a delicious bourbon cocktail, followed by tempura cauliflower as an appetizer and a beautifully prepared branzino for my main course. I was far too full for dessert, but I simply could not resist an espresso martini, honestly, one of the best I’ve ever had.
As if the night wasn’t magical enough, I watched the sunset and was blessed to witness fireworks lighting up the sky right from the observatory.
Then came the real NYC adventure, navigating the PATH train and getting slightly lost in the subway system. But honestly, if you don’t get a little lost in New York, did you even experience it? Eventually, I happily made my way to Times Square, where the city’s energy, street performers, and tourists brought even more joy to my night.
I stopped at Dos Caminos for a Passion Fruit Margarita, though the tartness wasn’t exactly my favorite. Still, the night continued beautifully as I wandered through the city streets before heading to STARCHILD, a stunning rooftop bar I had long admired in pictures and Instagram videos. With breathtaking views of Midtown, Times Square, and the Hudson River, I enjoyed a delicious coconut martini and the most amazing truffle tater tots.
That night in NYC became my reward to myself. I’ve come to realize that I am enough to celebrate myself, the way I want, the way I deserve, and the way I know how. Loving myself fully, giving myself attention, grace, and joy.
And maybe one day, when the time is right, the universe will send the right person to share these beautiful moments with. But until then, I will continue doing me, loving me, and celebrating me.
To every mother and every nurse reading this: I hope you feel loved, appreciated, and celebrated. Happy Nurses Week and Happy Mother’s Day weekend.
You sure know how to spend a great night in NYC. I hope you had an amazing, thank you for all your nursing years of services. You deserve to be celebrated.
Thank you, it was a fabulous night!