The title of this blog is meant to serve as a self-fulfilling prophecy, for I’m embarking to spend some time living out in Jackson Hole, Wyoming! And will be following my intuition towards that reason… Wy.

When I made this decision a few months ago, it was in pursuit of happiness, freedom of place and spirit, and seizing a unique opportunity before it slipped away.  I have hope in a fresh start and in living someplace that feels purposeful and (the good kind) of bigger than me. Also Teton mountain air is legitimately magic and I like moose.

But before it’s wheels up from my almost 8 years in Chicago, just a few words about change and realizations and gratitude.

When I moved to Chicago for portfolio school (translation: weird advertising school), I either expected to stay here for the length of the one year program, or I hadn’t thought that far in advance. Probably the later, as is the blessing of being 21-year-old-young (not the same as 29-year-old-young).  And now as I’m making the decision to leave it, all I can do is think– and wonder and worry and feel.

Truth is, its harder than I could have absolutely ever imagined it would be to say goodbye. Over my years here I became really good at blaming Chicago for anything that got me down. I spent a lot of time dreaming about “when” some catalyst would come along and point me in the right or at least a new direction. It can seem like change is absolutely all you want, you can obsess about change, dream about how great your life is going to be once X changes. But change also gloriously yet unceremoniously reminds you just how good you have had it. And it hurts to realize that, and thus simultaneously want things to become different and stay the same.

The last few months here have been packed to the brim with this stuff. I’ve realized I really did/do belong here in a lot of ways. I’ve realized my pride in having crafted my own version of Chicago. I’ve realized the sheer volume of support and caring my Chicago people have for me (I LOVE YOU GUYS). All things I wish I would have allowed myself to know all along.

So here I am saying goodbye and its confusing and scary and sad– but– that’s a good thing. You’d never want it to be easy to say goodbye, not really. And now I get to have the gift of having both lived in such a special place, and fully knowing just how special it is.

And Jackson Hole, here’s to a chance to live in another one of the most special places anywhere and to continue learning from change. Hope you guys stay with me as I make my way in the mountains and find all the new places I belong.

And I’d also like to end each post with one of these–

Moment of Gratitude: Grateful to have loved a place so much that it is this hard to say goodbye.

And a few favorite memories from my Chicago–