For me, 2017 has been nothing but a crazy roller coaster, moving at a rapid pace and surprising me with plenty of twists and turns along the way that I didn’t even see coming.
It started with a leisurely relocation to London (after living in Paris the quarter before) in the beginning of the year, followed by an international heartbreak; which was then followed by plenty of fantastic adventures in Europe with brand new friends from all over the world.
Much to my surprise, I then accepted a new job while living abroad when I wasn’t even looking for a new job at all, and quickly had to switch gears and move my entire life to Chicago.
I sold my beloved car, hung up my editorial hat after 12 thriving years in the industry, said goodbye to my best friends and family in LA and braced myself for a whole lot of new and different.
Chicago was never a city I was ever interested in living in, and after experiencing the best of New York, LA, Paris and London, I have to say it’s still not the city for me–and maybe never will be. But, life always brings you what you’re prepared for, and I took a leap of faith for a big job opportunity and found a new place to call home in the Gold Coast area.
The second half of the year was quickly and intensely consumed by my job, and with that, came some of the strongest friendships I could have ever asked for and career challenges and opportunities for growth each and every single day.
Luckily, I was able to travel to LA and New York more times than ever for work, filmed an infomercial, formed unforgettable bonds with colleagues and tested my strength and perseverance when times got tough.
I’m a big believer that sometimes you have to physically leave what’s familiar to find who you really are, and 2017 proved just that.
I cherish my family and friends on the west coast more than ever now that I’m living in Chicago, and have such a crystal clear idea of what kind of partner I am looking for (wherever he is!), it’s practically surreal. As for the weather, I have always disliked the cold, but Chicago’s climate is truly no joke.
It goes without saying that I appreciate sunshine and beaches more than ever before, and can’t wait for the chapter of life when I get to return to Southern California for good.
I trust that 2018 will bring a bit more stability and an elevated sense of growth and can’t wait to see what else is around the corner. I’ve always believed that every experience is another chapter in the book of life, and 2017 was one wild ride!
Cheers to a brand new year!
Happy Holidays.
xx
Jenn
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