Thursday, December 3, 2015

Throwback Thursday: It's Two Years Since I Left NYC (And What a Ride it's Been)

Throwback Thursday, #TBT, leaving New York City, NYC, Pittsburgh, Los Angeles, life, retrospective, retrospection, reflection
Two years ago today, I finished packing my bags and left New York City. As you can see from the screenshot of my Facebook post on that day above, I spent almost 12 years in the Big Apple.

I don't really need to get into my reasons for leaving NYC behind, since I did that here. I really don't even need to talk about how fabulous my first year in Pittsburgh was, since I did that here. But what I will say is this.

WHAT A RIDE IT'S BEEN.

I've now left Pittsburgh behind as well and moved to the City of Angels. Yes, I'm an Angeleno now. (Well, aside from the fact that I still need to get my California driver's license, but that's happening soon, I promise.) Various circumstances contributed to my decision to leave the Burgh for warmer pastures -- and, honestly, the warm weather wasn't even the biggest contributing factor. A wealth of job opportunities, good friends and the promise of happier and healthier times awaited me in L.A.

That's not to say I didn't have some good times in Pittsburgh, too, because I did. I made some lifelong friends, had a -- shall we say, INTERESTING -- job experience, discovered more about myself than what I even thought I still could. And I'm grateful for all of that.

But what leaving NYC has really shown me, above all else, is that I can and will persevere no matter what obstacles and hurdles are thrown in my way. I won't settle for less than what I think I deserve -- in jobs, in relationships, in friendships, in apartments, in my life in general. I will work toward making my life what I want it to be and I will strive to accomplish that no matter what.

Two years ago, I never would have seen myself living in Los Angeles. I certainly wouldn't have thought I'd drive across the country to do it. But here I am, ready to end 2015 and start 2016 with a clear head and full heart.

So, thanks for the memories, NYC. And thanks for helping to shape me into the woman I have become. I can't wait to see what comes next.

8 comments:

  1. How wonderful that you've done so much in your young life! Good luck in your next chapter! I know you won't miss winter Back East ;)

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  2. What a lovely post, Jamie! It is so interesting how these experiences shape who we become! I can't wait to meet you in person here in LA. Welcome, new Angelino, welcome!

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  3. I think you are really brave to pick up and move cross country on your own. Most people would be a mess giving up their security but you are up to it. I hope it's your new forever place to be.

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  4. I love this! It takes a lot to pack up and relocate like that, but it's also the only way to follow your heart and live your life for you.

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  5. It's lovely to read this post.

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  6. I'm so sad we didn't meet up while you were here =( bad time for me to have surgery with complications lol lmk if you're ever back!

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  7. I'm so scared to pick up and move so far! We're near San Francisco now and considering relocating to Connecticut!

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  8. Well done on moving! I used to enjoy moving (moved cities three times) until a couple of years ago, but too lazy to get out now lol.

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