The View That Changed My Perspective
This photo was taken from the top of the Empire State Building — a view I had dreamed of for years. I had seen countless images of people standing at this very spot, looking out over New York City. I knew I had to be one of them.
That day had started off rough. Jet lag, back-to-back work calls, and an unwell body made it harder than usual to pull myself out. My team in India was grappling with a situation that needed constant coordination. But despite it all, I was determined to make it here.
Every morning, for three days, I had sipped tea on the patio of my Airbnb just a few blocks away, watching this tower pierce the skyline — regal, unmissable. I kept telling myself, “Tomorrow, I’ll go.” Finally, that tomorrow came.
Everything about the Empire State Building is iconic. The vintage elevator, the courteous staff, the seamless crowd control — even the strict security process was smooth and respectful. Hundreds of people stood in quiet awe, waiting for a glimpse of the city from above.
And then, the elevator doors opened on the 102nd floor.
What I saw took my breath away. The entire city lay sprawled beneath me in every direction — a magnificent 360-degree panorama of motion, ambition, and stories unfolding. Yet up there, it was still and windy. Peaceful. A world apart.
I paused. For a few moments, nothing else existed. The chaos of my morning, the work stress, the fatigue — all of it shrank in front of the vastness that stretched out ahead. I realized how often we let momentary challenges take over our vision. We carry burdens too tightly, even into our sleep.
That day reminded me: the world is so much bigger than our passing worries. I stood there, gazing out over New York, and knew there are countless such views waiting across the world — if only we learn to set down the weight we don’t need to carry.
I’ve started doing that. Have you?
Wishing you lots of love and luck!
