Year-End Reflections and Delicious NYC Bites

Wow—a full year of Love Lists! How fun is that?

Things feel quiet and steady on my end in the best of ways. I’ve been enjoying the quietness of the city, spending time indulging in the city’s bathhouses—recharging and reflecting without the pressure of rigid year-end reviews or goal-setting.

And while I don’t have a ton of resources to share, I do have a mix of things that have been sparking thought, curiosity, and joy lately.

The Love List

Dr. Martha Beck - Diary of a CEO

Two of my closest friends both sent me this episode, separately raving about it. I’ll admit, I found the first half pretty boring (and was surprised they thought of me!), but it takes a major turn in the second half. Vulnerable, raw, and beautifully authentic—it’s worth the listen. Maybe just skip ahead to the 1-hour mark?

A Real Pain

Part of me hesitated to share this here because so much of what I loved about the movie felt deeply personal. It was thrilling—and emotional—to see generational trauma portrayed in a way that resonated so clearly with my own experience. 

I’ve read a lot about generational trauma over the past year, especially through a Jewish lens, but much of it has felt abstract or disconnected from the reality I know in my own family. This movie, though, felt real. It captured something raw and familiar in a way that really hit home.

I thought it was a fantastic film. Maybe you’ll relate to it too?

Gratitude Letter to 2024

Instead of diving into a big 2024 recap or attempting to set goals for 2025, I’m taking a gentler approach: writing a gratitude letter to the year. I plan on reflecting on the silver linings, lessons learned, and deeper meanings—not just the highlights, but also the challenges and the unexpected teachers along the way.

Try it! Take 15 minutes, grab a piece of paper, and thank 2024 for all it brought you before stepping into 2025.

Best NYC Bites of 2024

I might not have a ton of resources to share this month, but I do have delicious recs.

If you know me, you know I love food. I see enjoying food as one of our greatest pleasures in life—how lucky are we to have taste buds that bring us into the presence of the simplicity of a delicious meal?

It’s an act of presence that we get to practice daily that unites us all.  As I step further and further away from diet culture and restriction, I see enjoying my meals and listening to my body as the only diet I really need. 

And, well, you probably know by now that I love guides. 

So, here’s my short and sweet best bites guide to NYC. (I’m actually cringing at myself writing this. I’m still new around here! I’m not a food expert!) So if you live here and have your own list of best bites, send them my way!

Croissant at Librae

Yum. So buttery and delicious.  

Cheeseburger at S&P

This might be my favorite bites of all bites. It’s my perfect Sunday activity. Order both a Cheeseburger and Grilled Cheese to go and then go enjoy them in Madison Square Park. I’m also just obsessed with any order from S&P. They have perfected all Jewish Deli creations and understand the art of the perfect bite. You can’t go wrong.

*My partner would like it to be known that he prefers the 7th Street Burger, which I understand and would like to say, it depends on the state of your hunger. S&P is a much more chill, less hefty burger, which is why I prefer it. But it does deserve an honorary mention. 

Cardamon Bun at La Cabra

Another favorite Sunday activity. Cardamon bun + matcha post-yoga time. 

Seven Grams Chocolate Chip Cookie

I feel silly that it took me living by a Seven Grams for a year and a half now to discover this cookie. It’s so good. Incredibly delicious, perfect and gooey in all the right ways.

Tunisian Pita Sandwich - Cafe Mogador

Full transparency: I’ve only eaten here once, yet it's been on my mental list of best bites of New York since I did. Their kebab and salad combo paired with Moroccan tea? Simple, satisfying perfection.

Thank you for being here and for reading along this past year. Whether you’re here for the reflections, connection, and now the food recs, I’m so grateful to share this space with you.

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More notes on mental health resources:

Julie Goldberg is a licensed therapist and the founder of Third Nature Therapy. Her practice focuses on helping individuals better understand their inner world, befriend their nervous system (instead of working against it), and navigate changing relationships. She offers somatic therapy, EMDR intensives, and Ketamine-Assisted Psychotherapy in Brooklyn, NY.