A Mother's Love Letter to New York

As a mother living in New York, I often get asked the same question:

"Why do you choose to live in the city with your family when you could live in Switzerland?" 

And let me be clear, this question comes more often from a place of perplexity rather than curiosity. 

Honestly, I get it. Switzerland is a beautiful and well-organized country that many people consider to be the perfect place to raise a family. I call myself lucky for having the opportunity to grow up in this beautiful country. It’s so clean you can extend the 3-second rule to 3-minute rule. It is so well organized that being on time means you are late. Yes, I found myself often arriving on time on the train platform only seeing the train pass the station (yikes!).

On the other hand, New York is crowded, loud, and messy, making it a less than ideal place to raise a family. The city can be overwhelming, with its constant noise, chaos, pollution, and traffic congestion. It's not necessarily the first choice that comes to mind when considering a family-friendly environment. Well, so I thought when we embarked into this New York adventure 10 years ago. 

The original plan was to embrace the hustle and bustle of New York for a few years of wild adventures before settling down to start a family. But as it turns out, life had other plans for us. After only a few years living in the Big Apple, something unexpected happened. New York unleashed a side of me that I never knew existed - a fierce drive, a relentless passion, a boundless creativity that I claim could never have been unlocked in any other country. The energy of the city is contagious, the diversity and dynamic of its people inspiring. I found myself diving headfirst into new experiences, pushing myself to my limits, and discovering strengths and talents I never knew I had.

You see, New York is where I feel free to dream big and celebrate my uniqueness. In many places, being different is merely accepted, but in New York, it's celebrated. 

In this city, I feel inspired to embrace my messy, different, and even provocative side. And that's not just okay, it's encouraged! New York is a place where anything is possible, and it's impossible not to feel inspired when you're surrounded by so much diversity, creativity, and energy. 

So here are my reasons why I chose New York to raise my kids.

Energy

New York's energy is contagious. The pulse of the city can be felt the moment you catch a glimpse of its skyline. It's a feeling of limitless potential that infuses every street corner and every moment of the day, making it the perfect place to raise confident kids. The city's cultural offerings, from world-class museums to Broadway shows to street performers, offer endless possibilities for children to explore new interests, meet new people, and find their unique contribution to the vibrant fabric of the city. New York's energy is not just about the busy daily routine, but it's a feeling of excitement and opportunity that can be felt everywhere in the city.

Dream Big

My all-time favorite tennis player Roger Federer once joked in an interview "In Switzerland, you don't dream big." But in New York, dreaming big is not just a possibility, it's practically a requirement. The city's towering skyscrapers are a constant reminder of the heights that can be achieved with hard work and determination. Endless opportunities are being offered to think outside the box and pursue ambitious goals. And with a community of like-minded dreamers and doers all around, kids growing up in New York are encouraged to embrace their passions and strive for excellence in every aspect of their lives. Whether it's pursuing a career in the arts, starting a business, or simply making a positive impact in their community, the possibilities for dreaming big in New York are truly limitless.

Diversity

Recently, I had the privilege of having dinner with three powerful women from different parts of the world, each with a unique profession, who were discussing possibilities and ways to make a bigger impact. The group consisted of a film director, a retail therapist, a UN Political Affairs Officer, and myself as an entrepreneur. It was a diverse group at its finest, and it made me reflect on how far I've come. In New York, people from all over the world bring their unique cultures and viewpoints, providing my family and me with countless opportunities to explore new experiences and learn from diverse perspectives.

Authenticity

In New York, authenticity is not just accepted - it's celebrated. This city has always been a place where people from all walks of life can come and be themselves, free from judgment and expectation. Whether you're an artist, a musician, an entrepreneur, or just someone who wants to live life on your own terms, New York is a place where you can find your tribe and be embraced for who you are. From the colorful characters on the streets to the diverse neighborhoods and communities, New York is a city that encourages you to be true to yourself and to celebrate your individuality. And when you raise your kids in an environment that values authenticity, you give them the gift of confidence and self-assurance that will serve them well throughout their lives. In a world that often tries to force us into boxes, New York stands as a beacon of acceptance and celebration of authenticity.

As parents, it's natural to want to create a safe and stable environment for our children to grow up in. But sometimes, it's in the midst of chaos and diversity that our children can truly flourish. New York is a city unlike any other, with a pulse that never stops and a vibrancy that never fades. It's a place where dreams are born and possibilities are endless. By raising your children in this incredible city, you're giving them the opportunity to embrace their uniqueness and discover their true potential.

Sure, New York can be loud and messy, but it's also a place where authenticity is celebrated and diversity is embraced. It's a city that encourages you to dream big, to be bold, and to think outside the box. So, let your kids run wild in Central Park, take them to a Broadway show, or visit the world-famous museums. Let them experience the energy and excitement of this one-of-a-kind city. And who knows, maybe they'll unlock a part of themselves they never knew existed.

So, if you're wondering if New York is the right place to raise your family, I say go for it! Embrace the adventure, the unpredictability, and the endless opportunities. Let your children experience the magic of this incredible city. They might just surprise you (and themselves) with what they're capable of achieving.