Last week was the first period in over three years where I took a random break from this blog. It felt incredible. I didn’t realize how much I was craving a disconnect from this space until I did it. As I’ve alluded to here and there over the past few weeks, life as of late has not been smooth sailing. I’ve had a pretty rough start to the year in my personal life, and everything really came to a head in the last seven days.
In some ways my personal life is front and center on this blog, and in others, hardly at all. I can write a food post or mention products I’m loving and easily gloss over any real life details. And as much as I want to keep this space authentic, it is first and foremost a professional outlet, and there are also some of life’s details that are just meant to be kept private (at least for me personally). But at the same time, logistically speaking, I’ve made some major changes in my life in the last few weeks that will impact this space.
Towards the beginning of this year, my current relationship came to a close. Because a relationship involves two people and not just one, I will not be diving deep into the details here. But frankly, there’s not much to dive into. This was an incredibly sad, but drama free parting of ways. It was two adults recognizing that although there was a lot (and I mean a lot) of good, there wasn’t enough for the long term. Having spent over six years together made that an incredibly hard call to make. I’ve spent the last few months completely engulfed in processing all of it, and am slowly starting to see beyond the clouds. To say I’m deep in a period of self growth would be a huge understatement.
But the move has happened and things feel brighter. Though I was so sad to leave sweet Williamsburg (and Brooklyn in general) behind, it’s exhilirating to be in Manhattan and in my very own space. And of course the decorating process has me giddy beyond belief. That of course will be well documented here! February was probably one of the bleakest months of my entire life, but March has me feeling hopeful and excited. There are still days where I have a hard time grasping how much my life has changed in the past few months, but then others where it puts a spring in my step.
Though I’m writing all of this, I’m by no means asking for your pity. Breakups are a necessary part of life, and up until this point, I hadn’t had too many major ones. Part of me thinks I was kind of due. As hard as it is, what the experience has taught me (and is still very much teaching me) about myself has been more valuable than I can put into words. As Erin says, in the valleys we really do grow. That phrase could not be more true right now. Things will slowly start to go back to normal this week. I’m excited to break in my new (very tiny) kitchen and really make this place feel like a home. So lots of good food, design inspiration, and all things spring to come your way shortly. Thanks for hanging with me these past few weeks and months. xo Clara
(Apologies for the multiple postings on this post, guys! Had some snafus with WordPress.)
thanks for sharing your personal life with your readers - actually when we follow blogs, we actually ‘follow’ and like the person behind the blog. So i am glad to ‘know’ you better. Sorry you had a bad start to your year - hope things are looking better!!
Aw thank you Michelle! Yeah it’s hard to balance the traditional content with the more personal, but I always feel so good once I’ve done it. Thanks for your support! xo
Hi Clara
I have followed your blog and life for a little time. Can’t remember how I found it but so enjoy being a part of your life. I feel a saddest at your news but also know that you will definitely come out of this stronger. It is your souls growth and the words of Guy Finley come to mind and they are ‘Want what life wants’ . Everything is for your life’s design plan. Keep strong little one and enjoy the new adventure. Sending you love.x x
Thanks so much, Jean- your support and readership means so much. xo
Thank you Thank you!! This means so much to me and I needed to hear that the clouds to roll away. I’m in the same boat but a little deeper and it’s a hard pill to swallow and move to make but so needed. Thank you!
You’re so welcome! Glad my story could be of help. xo
Clara, I am so confident in your ability to see through the clouds and to start composing a life for the future. I am so proud of everything you’ve accomplished! Keep your chin up!
Thanks, girl
Love you.
I think blogging breaks are essential! So sorry for your breakup, but it sounds like it was for the best and you’re flourishing now!!!
Yes- SO essential! Need to do that more often.
I couldn’t agree more with Michelle’s comment — we follow the blog, but we really follow the person behind the blog. We, as readers, enjoy the brief moments that we catch a glimpse into the blogger’s “real” life!
I’m truly sorry to hear about your relationship coming to an end. My first “real love” (high school sweetheart) and I dated for 6 years — I know that it can be tough letting go of someone that you have shared so much with.
You’re strong, though, and I can’t wait to continue following you and watching you evolve and grow. You’ve got so much going for you!
Hi Cassandra- thanks so much for supporting Michelle’s comment, nice to know you guys are on board with the personal content, too! It’s really nice sharing it from time to time. Thanks for your support
xo
Thanks for sharing, Clara! Relationships are hard… and there are so many ups and downs. I can relate more than I would even like to share here or on my own blog. Hugs, Love, and new beginnings. xo
Sending positive thoughts your way, too! xo
Clara, even though I’ve only met you a few times, you have such a sweet spirit that I feel as if I know you and when I read this I immediately wanted to text you a hug. Thanks for being brave enough to share, know that your readers understand and love you and are excited to support you into this next chapter of your life. Blogs are blogs, life is life and you’re doing both with grace, authenticity and a resilience that is both brilliant and inspiring. xo.
Aw thank yo so much Chelle! That means the world to me… xo
Thinking of you, Clara! I always appreciate your honesty and ability to be open on this space. I totally agree that the details are something that’s best not talked about, but knowing how we can be thinking of you and praying for you is always good. Happy to hear you’re processing this and moving forward. I just know the future has something wonderful in store for your professional life AND your personal life. xo
Big hug to you my dear! Thanks for your constant support. xo
I’m reading Daring Greatly now… and it’s made me even more aware that it’s inevitable for the personal and professional to cross and blur and blend… and that’s okay because it makes us human and whole. As someone else mentioned above, you’re doing it with grace. Thank you for sharing what you’re going through. So many (wonderful!) possibilities lie ahead. I’m sending good thoughts your way.
Hey Melissa- isn’t it such an incredible book? The quote above is from the Gifts of Imperfection- I’d highly recommend that one, too. Thanks so much for your kind words!
Sending you many hugs, sweet girl. It sounds so cliché, but time really does heal most wounds. I hope life gets a little sunnier for you very soon. xo
So true, and thank you
xo
Clara, thank you so much for being courageous enough to share a slice of what you’re going through. Processing changes of this magnitude takes time and energy, and I’m so glad to hear you’re starting to feel lighter. I’ve been through something similar recently, and the lightness that follows that initial grieving period really is an incredible shift to experience. Sending you wishes of happiness and strength as you start down a new path of continuing to grow and learn about yourself. Enjoy the ride!
Thanks so much for your support, Michelle! Definitely starting to enjoy the ride
xo
Girl I had no idea you were going through a rough patch. Sorry to say I have been a little disconnected recently but if you need a good chat and really tasty pasta, come over for dinner anytime. My mom is in town from Italy so you will be pampered by 2 italian mamas!
Aw, thanks Serena! Yum… an Italian feast sounds amazing :). Hope your pregnancy is going well! xx
As my husband always tells me, when things look really dark, look hard and you will see the light at the end of the tunnel. It may just be a pin dot now, but it’s there, and it will get bigger. It sounds like you’ve already spotted that light. Wishing you happiness going forward…and hoping that new doors open for you soon!
Hi Amy- such good advice! Yeah, that light dims and then gets brighter, but I know for sure it’s there. Thanks for your support! xo
Hi Clara, as a long time reader, I wanted to come out from the lurking shadows and let you know that myself and all of your readers understand what you are going through. Endings are hard, beginnings are scary. But I have feeling everything will work out just fine. Hope you are settling into your new apartment!
Hi Amanda- thanks so much for coming out of the shadows! I love hearing from long time readers, and having your support means that much more. xo
I could not agree more with Erin’s words. Keep your head up and look towards the good. Thank you so much for sharing - looking forward to seeing glimpses of your new place and all that’s in store for you this year.
xx Lexi, Glitter, Inc.
Thanks, Lexi! Your support means so much. xo
You are an inspiration, Clara! Can’t wait to follow your fresh start in Manhattan.
Thank you so much, Cara! xo
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Clara - I am so sorry that I missed this post! This was beautifully written and I’m glad you shared it. I know it’s really hard to decide which parts of your life you should keep private and which should be public. Wishing you a lot of happiness and I can’t wait to see what the future brings for you! xo
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