Once upon a time in New York City.

Up to this point, I’ve avoided writing about the time I spent living in New York. Well, I don’t know if I’ve consciously avoided it; it just hasn’t happened. It’s not because of anything specific, really. Perhaps the experience was too big for me to process – too many emotions, too much uncertainty, too many directions to choose from. It was a 3 ½ year challenge laced with fabulousness and tremendous personal growth. By the end of it I was so ready for a simpler life, a better fit, that when I finally broke away I never looked back. The choice to leave was just as brave as the choice to move there, and it's still the best decision I've ever made.

My Austin life has now eclipsed the time I spent in New York. I have not been back to visit, nor have I had more than a fleeting desire to do so. The amazing friends I made there are constantly with me in my heart, but this nostalgia has yet to convince me to choose a NY trip over a more relaxing vacation. Sometimes it seems like those years in New York were just a dream, but it becomes very real when I consider how much it has informed my perspective and my independence. Finally, I’m starting to understand what it all meant.

Last weekend I wished my friend Laurel farewell as she set forth into her new chapter: the Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, for a master’s degree in dance therapy. She’s so much more ready for The City than I was, with a clear path and a few extra years of life experience. I know she’ll be fine – more than fine, she’ll be glorious – but I felt I should at least impart some words of wisdom. Survival tips, perhaps. What could be more useful?

So I sat down to find within me what I needed to share about my former life as a New Yorker. I was surprised at what this exercise brought out in me. When I set out, I started with just 10 tips, and once I was rolling it became 15, then 20, then 25, now 35, and I could go even further. In fact, I could probably write volumes. Hey, maybe I will.

Here's the list, expanded from the original 25. Feel free to leave your additions in the comments.

Maggie's Tips for the New York Life

1. Be brave!
2. Give yourself some credit every day.
3. When you start to feel lonely, know that it’s okay. Everyone is.
4. Avoid Times Square at all costs, and Macy’s during the holidays.
5. Keep in mind that men are different there. Young people don’t come to NY to settle down – they come to stir things up. Be careful with your own heart.
6. Stick to your course. Distractions abound.
7. Go to yoga. Meditate. Explore spirituality. It’s far too easy to get lost, especially in the winter.
8. People won’t be as friendly. Your grocery store checker won’t smile or look you in the eye or tell you to have a nice day. It’s not personal – it’s just the Yankee way.
9. Look both ways when you’re crossing the street.
10. Expect to be cat-called daily in your own neighborhood.
11. Understand that it takes an inordinately long time to get to know new people. You will appear, at first, as a blank slate. Don’t lose sight of the parts of you that may be invisible to others.
12. Go to shows! All the time! And always buy your tickets super early because they WILL sell out.
13. It’s gonna start getting dark at 4:30pm in late October. Take your vitamin D.
14. Purchase your Metrocard with a credit or debit card. If you lose it, you can get a prorated refund.
15. Go home for the holidays, whatever the cost.
16. There is no way to understand what it’s like to live in NY until you’ve actually lived in NY. Keep this in mind when trying to communicate with those who have never experienced it (especially your parents).
17. Appreciate H&M every chance you get.
18. Beware the black puddles in winter, and puddles in general.
19. Know that you will probably have to do a lot of things by yourself, and that’s okay.
20. Take care of your feet!
21. Have your window unit A/C delivered, if at all possible.
22. Beware the temptation to drink too much/too often in the absence of the responsibility of driving.
23. Be firm when saying no.
24. Be careful. Be smart. Be aware. Consider your safety.
25. Call your friends.
26. Wake up each and every morning knowing how amazing you are, and what a difference you are making for people in the world.
27. Only buy as much as you can carry.
28. February sucks, but March is worse. It'll trick you. Don't count on spring until late April.
29. When taking the train late at night, ride in the conductor car.
30. You can order any type of food you can imagine and have it delivered at all hours of the night, but you won't find queso on anyone’s menu. Keep some Velveeta and Rotel handy.
31. New York cops can really be jerks. Don't expect them to give a shit.
32. Get lost. A lot. Your sense of direction will build with time.
33. Don't touch the handrails in the subways unless you are wearing a hazmat suit.
34. Protect your ears: be aware of your iPod volume when riding the train.
35. One day at a time. Sometimes that's all you can do.