Last weekend, I returned to NYC to pack up all of my belongings. It was my first visit since moving to LA a month ago. And as I anticipated, being back in my hometown brought with it a flurry of emotions.

 I found myself feeling the nostalgia for NYC that there wasn’t a chance to indulge in the whirlwind leading up to my departure in April. The comforting familiarity of my Upper East Side neighborhood. The tasty delights of favorite restaurants Beach Cafe and Ko Sushi. Seeing totally awesome 80s cover band Jessie’s Girl. And, more than anything, the soul soothing joy of being with loved ones.

Not surprisingly, the truly overwhelming moments came as the movers emptied my apartment, my home for the last 12 years–longer than I have resided anywhere. I have lived a lot of life there, celebrating happy milestones, grieving losses and disappointments. And like most goodbyes, this one was hard.

I absolutely love my new job and LA is a fantastic city. But when you pick up and move your life across the country, even for the best of reasons, there’s an enormous transition period. And now that the frantic rush of finding a place, stocking up on basics at Target (my new favorite store now that it’s within walking distance!), etc, has subsided, I’m feeling the bittersweet emotions of leaving the city where I have spent most of my life.

Which is why I am especially thankful for the amazing people who continue to support me through this journey. Family, friends and my wonderful boyfriend Matt have been with me every step of the way, reminding me that geography doesn’t diminish the ties that bind. It only makes them stronger.