Barclays Center

-- Part II to Yesterday's Post --

So after zipping past Junior's Restaurant, I made a quick stop to check out a gigantic map of Downtown Brooklyn, located on the corner of Flatbush Avenue and Dekalb Avenue.

For those familiar with this area, I am sure you are equally amazed as I am about the growth of Downtown Brooklyn over the last 15-years. Truly remarkable!

Once I finished reviewing the enormous electronic map, I took a pic of the image for my journal, and then I got back to my run. Let's go!

With the Barclays Center now just four very long city blocks away, I decided to pick up my speed, and while doing so, I looked up for a moment, and that's when I spotted the Williamsburgh Savings Bank Tower Clock, and the time was precisely 7 am.

A few minutes later, I was approaching the main entrance of the Barclays Center fast, and that's when I decided to jog around the arena before making my way back towards the Brooklyn Bridge to run over the East River and cruise into Manhattan.

Since it was still pretty early, there weren't too many people out, so it was nice to roam around this area without much pedestrian and automobile traffic.

With that in mind, I thought it was an ideal time to thoroughly observe the outside of the Barclays Center and learn about the upcoming events and NBA games that I might want to attend in October.

Allow me also to add, even though I grew up in #Brooklyn, I remain a die-hard #NewYork Knicks fan; however, I do have a lot of love for the Brooklyn Nets. As a result, I wouldn't mind seeing them win the National Basketball Association championship next year. Lol!

Friends, I ended up spending nearly 30-minutes in this area before finally jogging over to the Brooklyn Bridge, eventually making my way back into lower #Manhattan.

As soon as I landed in Manhattan, I made an immediate beeline to the City Hall subway station and jumped on the 4-train to get home—the end. 😊

Until we meet this upcoming Saturday again at 11 am EST, I wish you all a relaxing Sunday and a great week ahead!

#authenticity #mindfulness #motivation
 

DUMBO

I began this Saturday in DUMBO #Brooklyn, standing on the corner of Water and Main Street, preparing to jog to the Barclays Center, and then over the Brooklyn Bridge.

For those not familiar with the DUMBO area, it's one of Brooklyn's most charming and vibrant neighborhoods. It's also worth mentioning that it's Brooklyn's most expensive neighborhood and home to 25% of NYC-based tech firms.

Bear in mind; there are over 500 tech companies in just a 10-block radius. DUMBO is also considered one of the Big Apple's premier arts districts and has plenty of top-of-the-line eateries.

Now back to my story. 😊

Okay, right as I was getting ready to begin my run, I suddenly decided to make an impromptu trip over to the Brooklyn Bridge Park, which happened to be only two blocks away.

Friends, this is a unique area to see because if you're standing in the exact spot where I was standing, as soon as you look up, you'll find that you're literally underneath the Brooklyn Bridge, and when you look to the left, you'll have a terrific view of the Manhattan Bridge. Love it!

So, naturally, I spent some time looking in each direction, and let me tell you, both bridges were looking even more impressive since the last time I visited this historic place, just a couple of months ago.

Moreover, I ended up jogging in place for a few minutes as my warm-up exercise, which allowed me to continue marveling at the beauty and exceptional design of my two favorite #NYC bridges.

Interestingly enough, I felt like I was watching a live tennis match, moving my head back and forth from left to right.

Did you find yourself doing the same thing as you read the above paragraph? I bet you did. Lol!

So before I started making my way towards the Barclays Center, I decided to take a quick stroll around the nearby Empire Stores to check out the place and grab a piece of fresh fruit. And, of course, I snapped a few pics for my journal and future viewing pleasure.

Shortly after that, I found myself barreling down Flatbush Avenue, getting ready to zip by the famous Junior's Cheesecake Restaurant, with the Barclays Center now in my direct line of sight. Let's go!

Well, friends, I will have to stop it here because the maximum character limit for a LinkedIn post is near.

Do you think I should share the other half of this journal entry with you at a later date?

Have a fun weekend! 😊

#authenticity #mindfulness #motivation

Moon and Sunrise

While taking a leisurely walk around a nearby observation deck this past Sunday evening, naturally, my eyes drifted in the direction of the Hudson River because it gave me a nice view of #nyc.

As soon as I began to focus my attention across the river on what was a clear blue night, I could not help but notice a bright full moon hovering over New York City.

As I stood there cool, calm, and collected, admiring yet, another breathtaking view, as you might expect me to do, I slid off to the side to get an unobstructed and better view.

Next and instinctively, I took a few pics and then took some time to reflect, which I love to do. In so doing, my first thought was about how fortunate I was to have this experience and the presence of mind to stop and savor this moment!

Then, I mentally compared my LinkedIn post from this past Saturday with the images I took this Sunday evening and stood in awe, appreciating both of these beautiful experiences.

As you can see in the slideshow, the contrast between watching the sunrise and the moon hovering over New York City on consecutive days is truly a sight to behold. It is also important to acknowledge the commonality: I was fully present and relaxed during each moment!

So after processing all of this and how it was making me feel in the here, and now, I eased over to the black metal bench and quietly positioned myself behind a dear friend of mine, who had on a nice burgundy shirt, navy blue jeans, and some cute-looking sandals.

I must have sat on that bench for nearly 30 minutes, contemplating life, enjoying the breeze, all while typing my thoughts into my journal app.

Nevertheless, I felt compelled to share this spur-of-the-moment Tuesday evening post simply because I had a sudden urge to write. Moreover, when I think back to Saturday’s post, I now know why I felt like that journal entry was incomplete, and by blending in the images of the moon floating over the city in my mind, my thought is now officially complete. Lol!

Have a lovely evening and a successful rest of your week. 😊

#authenticity #mindfulness #motivation
 

Sunday Brunch in Jersey City

On this third Sunday in September 2021, I arrived in downtown Jersey City a little before noon to meet with some friends for our monthly Sunday brunch.

If you follow my LinkedIn posts regularly, it will come as no surprise that I arrived early and used the time waiting for my crew to reflect and write a new journal entry.

Since the agreed-upon local bistro meetup spot was right across the street from City Hall Park in Jersey City, I figured that would be the perfect spot to relax, ponder and let my imagination run wild!

Friends, knowing that my creative writing juices will be activating shortly, I became super excited because I am always curious to find out where my thoughts will take me.

So off I went walking towards City Hall Park and was soon standing at the front entrance. I immediately noticed several street lamps and yellow lights as I looked around, which made me think of a recent comment from one of my LinkedIn connections, pointing out that I seem to take many shots of lampposts.

Indeed, that's an astute observation, and I've shared why in a previous post. Okay, now back to the story.

As you continue reading along, envision me slowly walking with my iPhone in my left hand, gently tapping the appropriate letters on the glass screen keyboard as I am capturing my thoughts.

After passing by the statue illustrated below, I stopped for a moment to take a couple of pictures. While doing so, I happened to read the two signs hanging on the fence and mentally acknowledged that these were both worthwhile events.

Then, I checked the time on my iPhone, and I realized that I had twenty more minutes before my friends began showing up. Knowing that I still had some time, I started looking for a bench to sit down to close my eyes and meditate for ten quick minutes.

It didn't take long to find a bench, and I settled on one that was only a couple of feet away.

And just like that, I entered into a meditative state and came out of that beautiful state feeling refreshed in ten minutes flat!

Now with five minutes to spare, I quickly finished crafting my latest journal entry, and then I started walking over to the restaurant, which I could see when I looked at the corner to my left; see below if you are curious. Lol!

And with that, I will end it here because it's now time to chop it up with a few of my dear friends.

Until we meet again at 11 am EST next Saturday, have a relaxing Sunday and a great week ahead. Let's go! 😊

#authenticity #mindfulness #motivation