Guest Blog Post by  Karen Kung

I recently came to the realization that I have been ignoring my backyard. No, not the one covered in green grass and trees. The one that is home to more than 8 million people, the tallest building in the US and Lady Liberty.

That’s right, although it may seem strange, I have been ignoring the fact that my “backyard” happens to be one of the world’s coolest, most interesting places. Yes, I’m talking about the ultimate concrete jungle also known as New York City. Growing up in New Jersey, I never stopped to think for a second that I lived so close to a city where some people save up for months just to visit, where some can only dream of, or watch in the movies.  It got me thinking…I wonder how many others happen to live outside a major city or attraction and forget to take advantage of all the cool sights and sounds because they get too busy to stop and appreciate them?

So how do you rediscover your “backyard”?

My best advice: be spontaneous. This will open up your doors to exploring!

It wasn’t until weekend trip without a plan or specific destination that I finally came to appreciate what my “backyard” has to offer. I came home with the realization that I have been taking this city for granted. All I ever did was complain about how it is busy, noisy, crowded or dirty.

I wandered around aimlessly for an afternoon and found myself in Chelsea Market enjoying my lunch, when I had an epiphany. Mid bite, I realized how I have wasted so much of my time and money planning trips to go to other cities that don’t compare to this one. I even started taking pictures, which I rarely do, to capture and remember every minute I was experiencing.

Being that I’m so close and only ever went to the city to work or attend an event, I never got to be a “tourist” to fully drink in the city and see it for what everyone else in the world saw it for. One afternoon with no plan taught me a valuable lesson, stop and smell the roses!

Just because you live close to a specific attraction or city and can visit it at any time doesn’t mean there’s nothing to see. You don’t need to search far and wide for the beauty that is right in front of you and remember why you chose to live where you live.

I hope this post will inspire you to rediscover your extended backyard and make you fall in love all over again with the neighborhood that is your home sweet home.

Karen Kung is the Digital Content Manager for Coldwell Banker Real Estate

Cover image via Wikipedia