The departure from Boston was sadder than I thought it would be. It honestly came out of nowhere. One moment, I was living there one moment. I went to Montana for a ski trip, and when I got back, there were just a handful of days left to pack up the apartment, move things into storage, and leave.
Those last few days were a grind. The never ending packing and cleaning meant not getting even a few minutes to process what was about to happen in the days to come. So quickly, everything that had made my home such a comfy, cozy, welcoming place was just gone.
I had only lived there for 6 months and knew that I didn’t want to stay, but Boston taught me a new way of life that I learned to treasure. I was going to miss it immensely.
The first time I left NYC a year and a half ago, I didn’t shed a tear. Leaving Boston this time, I sobbed. I must be getting more sensitive.
The week leading up to move-out, I was pointed homewards to Michigan. I had been looking for housing in NYC for a few months at this point, but wasn’t finding what I was looking for. Yes, I was being picky. I was going to be putting down some roots, and I was going to make sure it happened under the right circumstances. I wasn’t interested in sacrificing location or lifestyle.
Somehow, with just 3 days to spare, I was able to orchestrate a move back to NYC through a 6-month sublease that would allow me to move immediately to a neighborhood I loved in building with some awesome amenities. The cards were in my favor. I pulled the trigger.
I’ve been here for a week now and NYC has not failed to deliver. This is what living in a city should be like:
Having an amazing time bringing friends from different groups together for a small birthday dinner.
Run ins with friends on the street leading to spontaneous hangouts.
Playing spike ball in the park.
Enjoying the sunshine on the waterfront soaking in views of the city.
Starting to make my room/apt a cozy place.
Since coming back, there has been so much going on, but I’ve also forgotten how much quiet, alone time there can be as well. I have this inkling to fill all my time hanging out with people, but I don’t think I have the energy for that like I used to. Boston taught me that I don’t have to.
I can already tell that New York is going to be a lot different this time around. Circumstantially,
I am living in Williamsburg, Brooklyn, which is amazing, but comes with its own set of challenges being a little bit further away from my friends.
People’s homes are a lot nicer now, and I hope that more time will be spent hanging out chilling on couches.
My roommates are strangers, and I will be learning to live with new people.
NYC feels way more dangerous and violent now. Shootings and assaults seem to be happening more often and in broad daylight.
More than all this, I am a little different too. I’m coming to New York looking for something specific. I care so much more about fostering deeper relationships with fewer people. I’m searching for some clarity and relief from all the chaos in my head. I’m entering a new stage of my life. The previous chapter is officially closed.
Needless to say … I’m excited :) I’m ready for this next adventure.
Don’t forget to smile today :)
Thejas
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Best wishes!