My Own 'Second City'

There are two schools of thought on the origin of my hometown's most well-known moniker, "The Second City." One belief is that a New York Times reporter coined the phrase while insulting Chicago, labeling it second-class after New York City. This is entirely possible. I mean, have you met New Yorker's? 

I subscribe to the other version of history, which attributes the nickname to the The Great Fire of 1871.  Upon the fire's ashes, Chicagoan's rebuilt an even bigger and better version of their city, earning it the nickname "The Second City." Meaning that we are not the second city-of-the-U.S., we are the second City-of-Chicago. ...Chicago 2.0. ... Chicago the sequel.

One of the most well-known parts of our city is "The Second City" improv company. I started class here last Sunday and half-way through our lesson the instructor led us through a form of group meditation. "In this room," he said, "is infinite space and infinite possibility. This is a beginning."

A great thing to say to any performer, but it resonated deeply with me. This past year of my life has been about change. Here I was, trying to tread a new path in my home town, feeling out of place as the oldest person in my class, and wrestling with balancing this new interest with the life I was expected to 'restart' now that I'd returned to Chicago.

His words were instantly stunning and relaxing. They gave me permission to let go of the pressure I'd been placing on myself. I didn't need to lead a double life - I could wipe the slate clean. I may be in the same town, but I didn't have to be the same person.

So like my home town, I'm brushing away the ashes and building anew. ...I'm just glad it didn't take an actual fire for me to get there.

My Sunday Afternoons