As I sit here in an almost empty house, it’s finally hitting me—I am really leaving. The reality of stepping into a new journey is sinking in, but what I didn’t expect is how difficult it would be to say “see you later” to the friends I’ve made over the past 30 years. These aren’t just casual friendships; they’re the people who have seen me through some of the toughest moments in my life, who have shared both tears and laughter, and who have accepted and loved me, flaws and all.
Having moved around a lot as a child—sometimes annually—I thought I was used to goodbyes. I had assumed that packing up and leaving wouldn’t faze me as much this time. But it’s different now. It’s harder. Maybe it’s because I’ve spent more time in one place, or maybe it’s because the people I’m leaving behind feel more like family than friends. These are the people who have held space for me in ways I didn’t know I needed.
The hardest part of this transition isn’t the uncertainty of what lies ahead; it’s the emotional weight of saying goodbye to those who have walked alongside me for so long. Well, not really goodbye, because we’ve all agreed that it’s more of a “see you later.” That’s what keeps me going—the knowledge that these connections are strong enough to withstand time and distance.
Even as I sit here, surrounded by the last few boxes of my life, I find myself shedding tears, feeling the sadness of leaving behind the people who have supported me through so much. These friends have seen me through the worst, cheered me on in the best moments, and loved me unconditionally. The laughter, the tears, the inside jokes, the shared history—it’s all a part of me now, and letting go feels like leaving a piece of my heart behind.
But here’s the thing—I’m not really letting go. The friendships I’ve built are far too strong to be left behind with the boxes and the memories. They will travel with me, in spirit and in heart, as I step into the unknown. It’s not goodbye, it’s see you later, because I know our paths will cross again.
This new chapter I’m embarking on is full of excitement and adventure, but that doesn’t mean leaving is easy. Saying “see you later” is harder than I thought it would be, but it’s also a reminder of just how lucky I am to have these incredible people in my life. I’ll carry their love and support with me as I forge ahead into whatever comes next.
So here I am, on the edge of something new, with tears in my eyes and hope in my heart, knowing that the hardest part of leaving is also the most beautiful—it means I’ve built something worth missing. And for that, I am forever grateful.
#SeeYouLater #SayingGoodbye #Friendship #NewBeginnings #EmotionalGoodbyes #PersonalGrowth #SecondBloom #LettingGo #MovingOn
