There is something amazing about finding your community in the City. It feels more necessary and important -- the life raft that keeps you sane in the midst of bad weather, holidays, blackouts, and beyond. It's been 3 months now since I abandoned ship with hubby, two cats, and a full 16 ft. moving truck. My nostalgia is for my friends, though I had the pleasure of a week visit from one of my besties and we had a ball in Asheville together, so that was deeply reassuring that our friendship transcends location (as I knew but moving can of course awaken so many weird worries).
Life here is more about me, though I was alone much more in NYC than here -- I feel more myself and able to slow down enough to hear and respect my needs, goals, and boundaries. When folks ask about the move, I say my only regret about leaving the City is not leaving it sooner. And while that is true, I am so grateful to be able to go back and enjoy the companionship of my wonderful friends (almost completely in brooklyn at this point) with the awareness that I will be returning home to a town where I have to sweep the leaves off my porch to keep them from coming into my living room (something I haven't had to do as a 12th floor apartment dweller for over 8 years).
To someone who has not lived long-term (over 10 years, i suspect) in the City, this post may be baffling -- what IS the big deal about leaving anyway? It's just a move, after all. To those who do live there, and reflect on life both in and out of the City, I think you will understand the emotional magnitude that leaving can evoke. To you, I say -- you'll know when it is time. The City is always there, and you can always move back. But, in my personal experience, I doubt if you'll want to. A visit to see dear friends, your favorite boutique, and your favorite food shops (Russ & Daughters, anyone?) will be quite enough!
