#MotivationNoMonday A Leap of Faith - The Return

I am back lovelies!! My apologies for the hiatus but life has been hitting me from every angle and somehow I couldn’t be more grateful. These past few months I have been having all types of adventures - near and far. Not only have I been to Miami twice, New York and even Mexico. Most importantly, I MOVED! Although this may not be a big deal for all, it was definitely a large deal for me.

I haven’t felt home in a VERY long time. It has always felt like something was missing or lacking but this month I completed a goal I have had for a VERY long time. That goal was to move back to Chicago. That didn’t mean moving to Oak Lawn, Alsip or any other suburb I would generally stay in. This goal was to either A) move to Hyde Park, Bronzeville or Kenwood, B) move to north Chicago or C) by the grace of the money gods, move downtown. The money Gods were not working in my favor, therefore, option C was eliminated. I also was not about to pay to live in a closet so option B was eliminated. With the location settled that only left one thing to do - FIND A PLACE!!!

I already knew finding a place in the city would be hard because I AM PICKY!!. North Carolina spoiled me in ways that Chicago never could so I knew this would be a hurdle and it was. I did have to compromise on a few amenities that I have grown accustomed to but I’m in LOVE.

For once since moving back to Chicago in 2016 I finally feel at peace. Although I am still adjusting to things like having alleys and not having dedicated parking, I can’t explain the feeling that I have been having lately. I only wish that I could have felt it sooner. I finally feel like I’m coming into my own and that I did something strictly for me. My commute to work has been one of the biggest changes. I feel more rested, less rushed and less anxious. This summer, my goal is to master taking the train or bus to work as well as to get out and explore what’s in my backyard. I’m not going to say this has been easy because it hasn’t. My fear has given me opposing thoughts at every chance it could get but somehow, I sat back on my couch last night and breathed freely.

I can't count the number of times I've cried, been frustrated or simply looked around at my life in disbelief that I was in a certain position. However, despite there still being numerous challenges to get through I feel hopeful and finally as if I'm coming into my own.

The moral of this story is sometimes we have to get out of our comfort zones and live the life we want to without letting the voices around persuade us. I’ve spent the last 3 years moving and although they were decent places, the spaces didn't make me feel at home, no matter what I did. On this #MotivatedNoMonday take the time to write down some goals you are looking to complete or some things you’ve already done but have yet to acknowledge. You never know how it will make you feel. One of my friends has deemed my move back to the city, #TheReturn and I’m going with it. I don't know what this year has in store for me but, we'll see. What have you done lately that's gotten you out of your comfort zone? Did you feel liberated, comment below!

If you want to embark on this moving journey with me, make sure you check out my moving vlogs on my YouTube Channel.