All American Girl
Top : Anthropologie | Jeans : Free People | Shoes : Free People | Bag : Fossil
So I did a thing and I'm not entirely sure how to begin this post, let's just dive right in. I quit my job and will soon be packing up my belongings to move all the way across the country - again. I haven't posted in weeks because I wanted to fully devote myself to the last days in my current position and, if you haven't already noticed, design an entirely new website (a few things are still in progress over here). I always knew that my time in Florida would be temporary, but I originally thought I would head back home after a few months. Then I landed a full time job here and knew that just 2-3 months wasn't enough time for me to fully relish this new, revitalizing state - both mental and geographical.
Living in a new-to-me location triggered my imagination and it quickly became obvious that sticking to that original plan of going back home and settling into a place in Milwaukee was very much the wrong choice right now. As warm as my thoughts are for that incredible city, the feeling that I’ve already fully experienced it couldn’t be shaken. Fast forward 8 months and those thoughts still persist, but they are met with a longing to be driving distance from the people I love most, which is why in a few weeks I’ll be putting down roots in the bustling city of Chicago. It'll be a stark contrast against the laid-back and carefree atmosphere in Florida, but it's safe to say I'm ready for it!
If you know me (and you do because we're like internet fam), you probably won't be surprised when I say I have some exploring to get out of my system during this transition phase. I've recognized that I am in such a unique position right now, having no lease/mortgage, children, pets, significant other, puts me in a *sweet* spot of life that might just be once in a lifetime. Although so much lack can sometimes produce a gloomy outlook, I can definitely appreciate the freedom and opportunities that come with these circumstances. Road-tripping north with my friend Faith will involve a few exciting pit stops along the way and I'm hoping to integrate more frequent travel into my new lifestyle after I make it back to the midwest, to be honest I'm not quite sure when exactly I'll call Chicago "home".
I have to admit, the whole quitting your job to chase your dreams scenario is quite a bit glorified in our culture right now. I wouldn't be surprised if it has everyone feeling like they should be doing it. That's definitely not the case, but I do believe in changing your circumstances if something isn't right, following your intuition, and designing a life that you are crazy in love with. My nomadic tendencies and desire to create are deeply innate, but for you it doesn't have to be something as dramatic as quitting your 9-5 and moving across the country. I'd be glad if I can at least be a catalyst for a simple, yet significant change in your life. Life moves so damn fast people, make sure you're spending your time doing the things that light you up.
Photos by Faith Danielle
