03/17/2026: Bye For Real This Time

I’m soaking it in one last time as I sit and write in my favorite creative space. I feel nervous, but I think that’s just how I feel when I prepare to leave something behind. And now that I’m sitting in that contemplative silence, I finally feel sad. 

I have so many memories tied to this place now, and I’ve written and read so many words during my time here. I’m pretty sure without this place I would have reached far less creative milestones; I definitely wouldn’t have met as many awesome people as I have, that have been nothing short of supportive and kind each time we’ve crossed paths over the past almost two years. 

I began my farewells so early out of fear of missing people I wanted to say a proper goodbye to that I feel like all I’ve talked about is the upcoming move over the last few months. I’ve said bye to countless people more than once as well, but I just really wanted everyone to know that I see and appreciate their consistent showing up and all the great conversations we’ve had while I’ve been here. I just wanted to convey how much I’ll miss catching up with them between sessions, going on walks and hanging out at writing lock-ins together, and just navigating successes and roadblocks in our work and our lives in general as a collective of inspired go-getters. 

I guess what I’m trying to say is that for the first time in my life, I think I finally understand what community is all about. I love how that concept can mean so many things to so many people, but most of all I love what it has come to mean to me. There are so many “what if?” acquaintances I’m leaving behind, so much potential for healthy and stable adult friendships, which would be a first in my life if I stayed and nurtured those some more. But I’ll have to take the memories made and just hope I can build a new community for myself where I’m going. 

I think the weird part about this transition, this return to my roots, is that I’m not returning to who I once was. I’m not entirely certain if everyone is ready for the me I am now. But I know that for once in my life, I can’t be anyone else, and I finally feel steadfast in who that is. Of course I have a lot to learn, and I still have a lot of growth in me; this is just another chapter, maybe even a brand new book entirely. And I’m so ready to pick up my literal and metaphorical pen and write it. 

I genuinely hope I can visit this place again someday, and I hope people remember me, because I’ll certainly remember them. Though this is a bittersweet time for me, it does make me happy to know that someone new will fill my shoes and pursue their own endeavors in my place, whether that’s writing a novel or organizing an email inbox. This space is for everyone, and I hope more people like me stumble upon this place and find their own community here as they learn to believe in the process. 

This is a broken record here to say: Bye for real this time. It’s been real, and I’ll miss you all.