Spending 48 hours in New York City was an adventure. This trip was more than just sightseeing and food stops. It was a chance to step away from the constant noise of the online world, reconnect with family, and recharge in ways I didn’t know I needed.
Our visit was packed with meaning, from celebrating my dad’s incredible achievements to watching my daughters soak in the magic of the city, taking a college tour, and more. It was a weekend core memories were made.
Decompressing from the Online World
Lately, I’ve felt the weight of being online more than usual. Social media can be an amazing tool, but it also comes with pressure. The world feels louder than ever lately. Between the constant barrage of political advertising we just had, the endless cycle of opinions, and the arguments filling every corner of social media, it’s hard to escape the noise. Everywhere you look, someone is shouting to be heard, online, on TV, even in conversations. And most of it feels so divisive, especially for those of us who are naturally sensitive to the energy around us. This trip reminded me of the power of unplugging, even if just for a couple of days.
This trip reminded me about soaking up the present. Walking through the streets of NYC, the focus wasn’t on capturing the perfect photo or crafting the perfect post. Instead, it was on being present, laughing with my family, talking with my parents, and soaking up the energy of a city that’s alive with creativity and history.
The Giants of Broadcasting Event
The main reason for our trip was to honor my dad, who received a prestigious award as part of the Giants of Broadcasting event. Watching him on stage, celebrated for his contributions to media and broadcasting, was one of those moments that makes you pause.
For years, my dad has been a quiet champion for women in media, working behind the scenes to create opportunities and uplift voices that deserve to be heard. He’s been instrumental in the Gracie Awards, which recognize women who make a difference in broadcasting. Having my daughters witness that was powerful.
It’s one thing to tell your kids about the importance of making a difference, but it’s another to let them see it firsthand. Seeing their grandfather honored for his work showed them that true impact often comes from consistency, kindness, and staying true to your values.
My girls are very lucky to have some amazing grandparents all of which have worked very very hard, are truly kind, and very humble.
Exploring the City with My Daughters
My daughters, are at such fun ages, kind of, insert an eye roll here. Teenagers! Both wanting to start exploring their independence, one almost done with high school, the other on the verge of starting high school. They had their own wish list for the trip, and we made time to check a few stops off:
• Ice Skating at Rockafeller: The tree was there but not lit up yet. This was a perfect night. Not too cold.
• Gossip Girl Vibes at The Plaza and Central Park: We didn’t stay there, but walking by and soaking in the elegance of the lobby felt like a Gossip Girl moment for my oldest.
• TikTok-Famous Eats: Of course, we had to try a few trendy spots, including bagels at Essa Bagels, a famous pizza place that we stood in line for 45 minutes, the Seinfeild Dinner, and a famous market.
Saks 5th Avenue
The huge Louis Vuitton Luggage Display
College tour of Columbia
and sooooo much more
The Power of Stepping Away
One of the biggest takeaways from this trip was the importance of stepping away, from the noise, the arguments, and the constant pull to stay plugged in.
This trip reminded me to slow down, even in the busiest of places. There’s something grounding about stepping back from the noise, both online and in life, to focus on what really matters.
It’s easy to get caught up in the online world, especially when everything feels so urgent and in your face. But being in New York reminded me of what really matters, connection, presence, and taking the time to celebrate the people who inspire you.
Sightseeing, family dinners, watching my dad receive his award, and just being together with family, reminded me that the real work of life happens offline.
Last week, I was reminded that:
• Unplug regularly: You don’t need a trip to NYC to do this. A walk in your neighborhood or a family game night can be just as refreshing.
• Celebrate family moments: Whether big or small, these moments matter. Share stories, create memories, and let your kids see the people who inspire you.
• Reflect on your impact: Like my dad’s work in media ( and my mom’s work in media too for that matter), what small steps can you take to make a difference in your community or field?
As we left New York City and returned home, I felt lighter and refreshed, not because the noise of the world had disappeared, but because I had clarity about where to focus my energy. This trip reminded me to lean into the things that bring me joy and peace: family, meaningful work, and the little things that go unnoticed.
The online world will always be noisy. But stepping away for 48 hours reminded me that the most important conversations are the ones that happen face-to-face, with the people who matter most.
Here’s to finding peace in the noise.
Nikki Lanigan
Nikki Lanigan is a yoga, HIIT, and Barre instructor, she is also a Holistic Health Coach through Institute of Integrative Nutrition. Nikki is trained in Yoga Shred, Yoga Psychology, meditation, chakra balancing, and EFT/Tapping. She has done trainings with Sadie Nardini and Ashley Turner. She got her 200 hour yoga teacher training in 2017 at the Carrie Treister School Of Yoga. Nikki takes a holistic view of health, helping her students and clients reach a place of self-love not just through movement, but with mindset and lifestyle guidance as well. Nikki is also show prep writer for The McVay Media Show Prep and host of the podcast Fit, Fun, and Frazzled. Connect with Nikki on Instagram. www.instagram.com/nikkilanigan.yogaandwellness www.instagram.com/fitfunandfrazzledpodcast
