It dawned on me this week that not only have I neglected the past two months of my “New York Updates”, but I have actually now been here for 9 months. I can’t even believe it.. I feel like it was just yesterday that I was picking up my keys around the corner from Fanelli Cafe and walking into my new home.

It was almost a year ago exactly when I wrote this post about staying put and how I was incredibly content with where things were. Ironically about 2 months later I got a job offer in New York City and suddenly everything changed. I spent my last summer soaking up Chicago and everything that I grew to love so much, and then said goodbye and left for my next adventure.

To be honest, I haven’t written much about my personal life lately because it’s been a little easier to keep it close to the chest. That, and I’ve been insanely busy again. I realized the other day that a huge part of why I love writing this blog is not only to share my style, things I like and what I’m up to but to inspire anyone who’s reading with things I’ve learned and can share. It took a recent trip and some heart to heart chats with one of my close friends from college to remind me that my life and story and how I have chosen to go about things inspire people that I know very well and some that I’ve never even met. I figured it was time to share a bit more of what else I’ve been up to lately as I used to much more frequently.

I haven’t really actually talked much about moving to New York other than the “oh my gosh, it’s SO much fun” and “look at all of these great places” stuff you’ve probably seen on Instagram or in my monthly updates (that I’ve failed at the past 2 months). Not to say that isn’t true and that’s not me being honest, but sometimes it’s difficult to share in a snap what else is really going on… so here goes for anyone who is looking for someone to relate to as it pertains to moving somewhere new or starting over.

It hasn’t been all sunshine and rainbows. The first few months were great because it was all such a whirlwind and I was so busy between work, Fashion Week, and a few trips that I couldn’t even keep up with myself. The city was welcoming because everyone was gone for the summer and then everyone was back and excited about Fall. The Holidays came and went – I loved being here for Christmas it had always been on my list to see and was a blast. We saw the Rockettes, I did the tree and 5^th Avenue and a few pop-up markets and headed back home to Texas for the end of the year.

When the New Year started (I turned a year older)… things just got real. I took a really big pause on dating, kind of hermitted up like everyone else who was frozen inside and didn’t want to deal with the snow, and really started missing my friends. It was this same time last year that my roommate and I would find ourselves tucked in, but laughing our heads off at dumb stuff and ordering pizza together followed by some occasional T.Swift dance parties. Then it hit me.. I don’t have that here. To be honest, it hit me pretty hard and was the first time since the move that I really wondered if I had done the right thing. I’ve always been surrounded by people that I know and love and who know me extremely well. Once again, just like when I first got to Chicago, I realized I was completely out of my comfort zone but in a totally different place in life.

I wouldn’t call myself a pro when it comes to “starting over” now, but I would honestly say I’ve become more resilient than I ever imagined. I talk to people all of the time who say, “I could never move somewhere new, I have too many friends here and my entire life is here”. It’s true – it’s completely terrifying to begin again and seek out friendships and maintain your old ones all while trying to establish a new life. But, you’ll get through it. Eventually the sun will come back out, you’ll find a new groove and things will find a way of taking new turns in good directions. I’m a firm believer in the fact that everything happens for a reason and if you feel like you’re being pushed or pulled in a direction, it’s very likely that you need to just go with it. What’s the worst that could happen?

For about 9 solid months I talked to my closest friends from Chicago at least once a week, maybe every other. I Facetime with my family regularly and catch up with my best friends from home and college once a month if we’re lucky (more often just via text). It’s how I make it work and not go crazy missing the people I care about the most.

Lately, I’ve taken a bit of a backseat with my blog as I’m sure you’ve noticed. Things will settle down and I’ll get back into a groove, but I also have learned to go with the flow and not let the fun and exciting things become stressful. I was chatting with my friend Haley during Fashion Week and we both agreed that you have to find the right balance with work and life. Thankfully, the slowness here has been due to really fun and exciting things going on in my day to day life. I’m looking forward to a great summer and can’t wait to share a few long overdue vacations I’ve been on with you!

A year later I’m reminded that things can happen in the blink of an eye. I have two friends here in the city that have already moved since I got here or are leaving soon and who knows where I’ll be this time next year. As Frank Sinatra says, “that’s life”… can’t wait to see where it takes us all.