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What I’m Thankful For – Life Update

November 22, 2018

I’m sitting here, in my new apartment, surround by all the things I’d packed away a month ago. I’m sipping coffee from my infamous “dad” mug, with the Macy’s day parade on mute and my chill playlist streaming from my Spotify. All I have to do today is pack a bag for the weekend. All I have to do today is pick out cute outfits, board the train and head to see my family for Thanksgiving dinner. I cannot tell you how thankful I am for today.

This month has been a pivot point in my life, and I’ve learned a lot from it:

  • I’ve learned that good things come from the most unexpected places. I’ve accepted a job doing EXACTLY what I wanted to be doing and was holding out for. And believe it or not, it’s in the industry I was so intent on leaving. Turns out you can take your experience and turn it into your dream job. Turns out my voice is one that people want to hear in the world of Industrial Sales. So I’m back! And I’m employed, doing content creation, and social strategy for the marketing and communications team of the ISA. And I am proud to share that after all this time, I stuck my landing.

  • I’ve learned that I can do what I put my mind to. Packing up your entire apartment by yourself isn’t fun, and it isn’t easy. Putting your life into two suitcases, a duffle and a laundry basket doesn’t come with an instruction manual, oh and Ubers? They really don’t like you shoving all that in their trunk. But guess what? It all happened, and my month of couch surfing was one of the most fun I’ve ever had. I got to live all around the city, checking out new neighborhoods and essentially vetting them for my future new place. I got to have roomies – which made me miss college, and made me remember how fun it is to come home to a bunch of girls who want to hear all about your day. I got to go to the Art Institute on a Tuesday afternoon and race up the stairs of the modern wing like I was in middle school. I ran my 2nd ever 5K down lower Wacker drive, made a trip to Madison to watch my friend Hannah run her 3rd marathon and celebrated 27 with my friends doing what I love most- wining and dining in my favorite black turtleneck. This month that I dreaded and fought so hard was in reality so full of blessings.

  • I’ve learned that the best ships are friendships (shout out to you Nat). This month would not have happened had it not have been for my friends. From the countless rides to and from my next couch to cooking meals together to sharing their space, and letting me borrow their clothes, (yes I needed options, ok?) my friends are the best friends there are. Alicia, Carolyn, Megan, Hannah, Claire, you ladies were my home when I had none and for that, I am forever thankful. Alex- my lovely Alex, you fed me, picked me up, and let me lay with your pups when that’s all I wanted to do and I really do think that Chief and Hooper are healers of the soul.

  • I’ve learned I’m thankful that my life turned upside down in June. I’m thankful that despite the thousands of sobbing phone calls to my mother, sister and father that I did, in the end, believe in myself that I could do this. I did this. It might look like I know what I’m doing most of the time but I can promise you I’m just winging it like the rest of us. But this month has shown me that there is a plan, and no, you can’t know what it is ahead of time but you can get through it.

  • And lastly- I’veย learned that you really don’t need as many outfits as you think you will for a month, but internet? Oh my friends, internet is a beautiful thing for which we should all be grateful! Happy Thanksgiving, from me and mine to you and yours #lifesabeacham

PS- Blogs from my month of surf are still coming! Expect a post on “Dining in a guest’s kitchen safely” coming soon!

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