Let me just cut to the chase: we have finally moved back to NYC.

I still can’t believe it, to be honest. And while I haven’t even been here a week (and still need to go back to Florida to finish packing) every time I walk into our Greenwich Village apartment, I really can’t comprehend my new reality – I am once again a New Yorker. The dogs are even here with us. It’s for real.

No more covering up my status as a South Floridian by telling people I spend half of the year in Manhattan (when it was actually probably closer to 3 months). Gone are the days of making plans with every single person I know during a week-long visit, unsure of when I would be back in Manhattan again.

Instead, this great city is home, again. I am living here, just as I did for nearly a decade before moving to Delray Beach in 2008, for my now-husband. And while I begged and pleaded with him to move north for as long as I can remember, I finally released my attachment to the idea of ever truly experiencing seasons again. And then, of course, it happened: Michael admitted that he was finally ready to make the journey north too, not because I was forcing him or even pressuring him, but because it was the right time. Sure, I clearly had something to do with his decision but shouldn’t I? I certainly didn’t relocate to Palm Beach County over 3 years ago simply because I was looking for a climate change…

The universe works in the most interesting ways, as I have learned. I am grateful that I stayed in Florida for as long as I did; I was able to really become happy and content with where I was instead of running out of town like I had tried to do a little less than a year ago. While I had always thought I couldn’t be myself anywhere except NYC, I ended up realizing that wasn’t close to the truth; instead, I made good friends, created a fulfilling daily routine and most definitely strengthened my marriage, thanks in part to yoga and lots of therapy.

But nothing compares to New York City and the energy and inspiration I feel just walking around, wondering all about the person whom is strolling close beside me. I am alive with confidence and possibility.

I will always fondly remember the much-needed break I was lucky enough to take in the sunny and peaceful beach town, and especially the truly amazing friends and family who made the experience unforgettable. And of course, Delray will always be a part of our lives – with so many great people (not to mention January, February and March!) – we will basically just be flip-flopping our enviable snowbird schedule.

But I am excited for a new beginning and to share all of my exciting new experiences in a very familiar place, with my love by my side.