One year in Cleveland!

by Kaylah Stroup

Valentines Day marked one whole year since I signed the paperwork and picked up the keys to my new apartment. My very first place alone, and my first time living in the city. On the way back to Geneva my mom and I stopped to get a celebratory pizza. Eating that pizza we talked about how life changing this would be for me but I don’t think either of us had any idea what a big year it would be for me. I was terrified. I was leaving behind a home I helped buy, and everything that was familiar to me. I was moving to a city where I knew a grand total of one person. I had technically been an “adult” for years but hardly felt like one. I had no idea what life would be like a month from then let alone a year from then. I wish I could go back and give that Kaylah a huge hug because she was scared to death.

Without a doubt I can say these last twelve months have been the best of my life. I’ve grown more than I could ever explain. I keep trying to type up the whole story of how I got here, and how amazing things are now but I’m tongue tied. Every time I start to type I just draw a blank. Maybe I’m not ready to share, maybe it’s just not time yet, or maybe I’m just too overwhelmed with how awesome things are now that I can’t put together coherent sentences about it. Someday I’ll share more, I promise. In the mean time please remember that sometimes the best things are absolutely terrifying at first and you just have to dive right in. I’m glad I leaped! 
xoxo

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28 comments

Katzi Roman February 16, 2015 - 1:39 pm

It's true: you just have to dive right in and as scary as it is, you're always happy you did it! Congratulations on your first year in Cleveland! I'm so excited for more things to come!!

Kaylah February 16, 2015 - 2:50 pm

Thank you, Katzi! 🙂

B February 16, 2015 - 1:41 pm

Congrats on a year! And I love the photos!

Kaylah February 16, 2015 - 2:50 pm

Thanks, B! 🙂

Lusekofte February 16, 2015 - 2:06 pm

<3

Kaylah February 16, 2015 - 2:50 pm

<3

emmi February 16, 2015 - 3:20 pm

It made me happy that you've had an awesome year and I'd like to say congratulations if it doesn't sound weird! 🙂

Kaylah February 17, 2015 - 8:00 pm

Aw, that's not werid at all, it's super sweet!
<3

kinga photography February 16, 2015 - 3:22 pm

Lovely photography! 🙂

Kaylah February 17, 2015 - 8:00 pm

Thanks!

Kathryn February 16, 2015 - 3:25 pm

Congrats on making a big move, and taking a big leap, and coming out on top. It's never the easiest thing to do – but I'm so happy to hear that you're happy and for you to know that you made the right decision. Isn't it just the best feeling in the world to look back and be like, "Yeah, that was really really hard and at the time I didn't know if I was doing the right thing – but I was! Because I make good decisions and I'm the bomb." Okay, maybe that's just me. But congratulations to you anyhow!

x Kathryn
Through the Thicket

Kaylah February 17, 2015 - 8:01 pm

Thanks, Kathryn! Haha, definitely feeling the "I make good decisions and I'm the bomb" part. 🙂

erika wynn February 16, 2015 - 4:26 pm

Congrats! It looks like you've flourished in Cleveland.

XO!

Kaylah February 17, 2015 - 8:05 pm

Thanks, Erika. I definitely have! 🙂

Darling Pumpkin February 16, 2015 - 4:42 pm

You are so brave! I continue to enjoy reading about all the positive things you have done with your life!
Thank you for sharing!

Kaylah February 17, 2015 - 8:06 pm

Thank you so much!!! <3

katieleask February 16, 2015 - 5:10 pm

Congratulations, what a milestone! These pictures are so beautiful too!

http://www.lacoconoire.com

Kaylah February 17, 2015 - 8:06 pm

Thanks!! 🙂

Franka Santa February 16, 2015 - 6:02 pm

It's such a joy to see how you evolved! I've been reading you for years now and the change is awesome 🙂 Wishing you many more super duper years 🙂

Kaylah February 17, 2015 - 8:07 pm

Thank you so much! 🙂

Chloe Green February 16, 2015 - 7:50 pm

Its crazy how much you have changed, even on your blog! Its so good seeing you having the best time. I remember you writing about being scared to cycle around your block!

You go guuurrrrllll.

chloe
http://www.bythelock.com

Kaylah February 17, 2015 - 8:11 pm

Thanks, Chloe! That's actually one of my favorite little indicators of how different life is now.

Faye February 16, 2015 - 9:59 pm

I been finding your posts like these really good to read lately as I'm (if all goes to plan!) moving to a brand new part of the country on my own in a few months and feeling overwhelmed! I'm very much a shy and insecure person, as it sounds like you were before, so reading your success is keeping me hopeful!

I'm so glad everything has worked out for you, I've been reading your blog for a few years and your happiness has really been apparent in your writing this past year, I'm really happy for you!

Kaylah February 17, 2015 - 8:12 pm

Aw, I'm really excited for you! That has to be scary but I'll bet it's going to change you for the absolute best. Good luck! 😀

Hibi February 17, 2015 - 10:45 am

Sounds great! I just moved to a new city, too. Same grand total of one person that I know here and I hope after one year I will look back like you and be grateful I made this step 🙂

Kaylah February 17, 2015 - 8:14 pm

How exciting! Congratulations on your big move. 😀

Lostvestige February 19, 2015 - 1:13 am

Happy Cleveland anniversary! I think it's so great you just decided to make that leap and try something different, you have been an inspiration!

Mandy Leigh February 22, 2015 - 5:17 am

This is such an inspiring post, and I'm so proud of you for making such a big move. Happy Cleveland-iversary! 🙂

xo Mandy | A Girl, Obsessed

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