Every time I sat down to write this post I was reduced to a puddle of tears out of pure, utter excitement and in all honesty, a healthy amount of fear. 
I’ve had this nagging feeling since last summer – sort of like an itch I couldn’t scratch, if you will. I thought maybe it was a phase and told myself the feelings would pass with time, as they often do. I even attempted to fill the void with a visit, which only solidified the very thing my gut had been telling me. (Word to the wise: always trust your gut.)
While we were traveling last October, it felt as though the Universe herself was tapping me on the shoulder, leaning in to whisper, “What more do you need from me?”
So what did I do?
I shut her up with excuses and continued to plug away at life here in Kansas City, naturally.
Those excuses were always laced with comfort, countering with the words, “Play it safe, Jess.”
Eventually a sinking feeling set it – the one that told me this wasn’t only something I wanted to do for myself, but rather, something I needed to do.
If last year taught me anything, it’s the simple (sometimes harsh) fact that we can’t control everything and tomorrow isn’t promised to any of us. That sentiment coupled with the desire to push myself (okay, more like shove…as I’ve always been one to need a little extra kick) out of the comfortable place I found myself after four years here in Kansas City led me to where I am now.
And after several months of hushing the voice inside my head, I decided life is too short and fed my inner, “If not now, when?” mentality.
I’ve been bursting at the seams waiting to share this with you guys…
Pete and I are moving to CHICAGO….on Friday!!!!
It all feels very surreal. The bouts of nostalgia are countered by feelings of sheer zest – an excitement I can’t quite put into words.
But this move certainly doesn’t come without sacrifice. More than anything it’s been a phenomenal reminder of how many amazing people I have in my life. Family, friends, and friends who turned into family. Just writing that out is enough to conjure up the ugliest of cries (I’m fairly certain this glass of champagne is half tears at this point).
It’s impossible to express the gratitude both Pete and I have for all the love and support we’ve received. It just feels SO good, like this is how it was all supposed to happen. You know?
So why leave a place I am content, comfortable and happy? Because I am alive, I am well and most of all, I won’t know what it’s like unless I try. I can’t fathom waking up one day wondering, “What if?”
I think it’s important to remember that a desire to change doesn’t have to mean you’re unhappy. It simply means you want to go from good to great.
Ready or not Chicago, here I come!
I have been working feverishly behind the scenes to get everything in order, tying up lose ends and wrapping up projects at my day job which left me with little time to invest in this space – so if you’re still hanging with me….THANK YOU! I am beyond excited to breath some new life into the content I share here.
I know many of you will be curious about what I’ll be doing up there and right now, I’m not entirely sure! Pete starts his new job next week and I’m looking forward to taking a bit of time to settle into our new place (hoping to share a few sneak peeks over on Snapchat this weekend! Find me @jessicazimlich), working on a fun freelance project and of course cataloging as much of it as I can on the blog!
Before you go, there are two big giveaways happening in celebration of 3 years of this blog – one over on yesterday’s post and the other on Instagram!
Congrats!!! And welcome to Chicago 🙂
Thank you!
I am so insanely proud of you for going for it, Jess. You are truly an inspiration to us all!! Love you!!
Kels, it means so much. Now you and Cam better get up here asap 😉 Love you and I’m so thankful to have you in my life!
Congratulations!! I’m so excited to hear about your move! Chicago is such an amazing city, right?!
It has definitely captured my heart! I’m so excited to be here 🙂
I’m supposed to be going into work right now, instead I find myself reading you blog post today with tears in my eyes 😢 you guys are going to do great 😘
No more tears! My eyes can’t take it 🙁 I can’t wait for you to come visit! Just think, kayaking…paddle boarding…walking everywhere…are you ready to book your trip yet?! 😉
Congratulations! You’ll love living in Chicago!
XO Helen @ http://www.KaleidoscopeSpinning.com
Thank you Helen!
AhhH!!! I can’t wait for you and Pete to get up here!! Eddy and I are so excited to have more friends in the city with us! You are going to love it here and we are going to have so much exploring around!! Sadly I’ll be out of town next weekend at my brothers wedding but we’ll have to plan something in the new few weeks!! 🙂
See you soon!!
Pete is excited he knows Eddy already 🙂 haha. I’m excited to get something on the books!
Yay so excited for you guys! Hopefully we’ll get to meet in person soon!
Yes, I would love that!
So exciting, lady!
I hope our paths cross soon!
I am so proud to know that you were raised with a sense of adventure, and a following of your heart. J, I couldn’t be prouder of you if I tried! We are going to miss you Pete more than I can even put into words at this point. and I’m crying to hard it’s hard to even type. It is really sinking in at this moment that you will not be a two hour car ride away from me anymore. I know it’s a simple and fairly inexpensive flight to get to you. But, you are my oldest, my first born, and while I have moved away from you many times, and cried more than you could imagine through the years in doing so, as life and then the military took us to other locations. It is somehow different with you leaving and heading off on your own adventure. And, I must admit that selfishly I wish I could keep you here, but that’s not to say we are not soooooo happy for you and Pete getting to move to your dream spot! We will miss you, but we cannot wait to visit you! We love you both!
So exciting! Chicago is such a fun city. Welcome 🙂
Thank you!
Ahhhhh, Jess! I am SO excited for you!!! I know it’s a daunting move and decision, but I know it’s going to be an amazing adventure. Can’t wait to follow along! xox
Thank you, friend!! It was definitely one I sat on for quite some time. I know there are going to be some growing/adjusting pains, but I’m going to embrace them with everything I’ve got! Cheers to a new week 🙂 xo
You will do great! It’s always scary embarking on a new adventure but this could be your best one yet. I wish you guys all the fun of experiencing a new place and all the success of being able to follow your heart.
I sure hope so! Thank you so much, Kelli 🙂
Yay! You got this!
You guys will be wonderful there. We will miss you but don’t you worry because visits are a must! We love you guys! Way to take the leap! 😊
Duhhhh! And the lake is so soon! 🙂
Jess, I’ve already said it, but I am so excited for you guys! What a wonderful new adventure exploring a city you’re already falling in love with. I can’t wait to follow along in your new city! Wishing you a smooth move, a peaceful heart leaving a place you love so much, and the reassurance that the wonderful people you met here truly want the best for you! xoxoxo
Ah, reading this made me tear up. Kansas City (and everyone in it) certainly wasn’t easy to leave. Thank you, thank you! Hoping it works out that we can meet up for a HH while you’re here! I’ve got it on my calendar 🙂 xo
Congrats! You will LOVE it!
Thank you! If you have any favorites from your time living here…I’m all ears!
YAYYYYY!!! This is so exciting!!!! We must celebrate with some rose once you’re settled!!!! Moving here was the best decision I’ve ever made. Can’t wait to see what this city does for you, too 🙂
xoxoxo,
Lauren | http://www.lakeshorelady.com/
You know I’m more than game to celebrate with some rosé! Thanks for the love, Lauren. I’m hoping to make it to your yoga class this Thursday, but if not then, I’ll be at one of them soon! xo
Chicago is going to LOVE you two! And, you’re going to LOVE Chicago! I can’t wait to hear more!
So far, so good! Although, we did get quite the welcome with some crazy storms…reminded me of home 😉 I can’t wait to share more!
OMG! So excited for you guys!!! Moving to a new city is always scary but oh-o-excitning! And like you said, if not now, when??! Best of luck with the move! Oh, and you’re moving just in time….we’ll be in CHI in September so we better be meeting up 😉
Feeling both excited and scared…still 😉 Haha Thank you so much! Let me know what dates you will be here because I’d love to meet up!
Congrats on the move! ☺️🎉 I’m so happy for the both of you! I can’t wait to read/watch all of your Chicago adventures and I’m def. looking forward to a Chicago travel guide (I always love your KC ones). SO HAPPY! .. Jessika | http://beautybyjessika.com
Thank you so much for the genuine support – it means more than you know! I’m excited you’re looking forward to it, because I can’t wait to share! xo
CONGRATS!!!! So proud of you for just going for it 🙂 Can’t wait to follow along as you explore your new city.
amandakatherine.com
Thank you so much! Definitely outside of my comfort zone, but oh so necessary 🙂
This is a great move, you obviously love Chicago cannot wait to follow along.
xo
PinkSole
I really do! I’m so excited to get settled and find my routine here 🙂 Hope your Monday is off to a great start!
I am completely certain you and Pete will thrive in Chicago and make the most of it, which you both always seem to do. Keith and I are proud of you both and proud to be in your lives. This will be another exciting journey!!!
🙂 🙂 🙂 Thank you Whit. I truly don’t know what I would do without you!!
Congratulations on the move! I look forward to reading about all of your adventures in Chicago! By the way, your mom’s comment brought tears to my eyes. So sweet! 🙂
Thank you Lauren! I can’t wait to share everything with you guys 🙂 Aw, there have been lots of tears the past few weeks!
Congratulations! Change isn’t always easy, especially when you’re content and enjoy a good life. But how will you know if your life could be great somewhere else unless you try!? I grew up in Minnesota and have visited Chicago. It always seemed like somewhere I could see myself. Good luck on your move!!
Cheers and congratulations!
Thank you!
Congratulations Jess! I’m so happy for you and know you will LOVE living in Chicago! I’m still really sad that we never had the brunch date tho!!! Hope to see you before you leave. xo Jana
http://www.janastyleblog.com
Thank you so much Jana! I’m bummed we didn’t get to either, but that just means you’ll have to let me know when you’re up this way 😉 Happy almost wedding month!
Congrats Jess and Pete! We’re so excited for your big adventure and can’t wait to see where it leads you! We may have to pay you a visit one of these days! Love and miss you!
Thank you Aunt Alison! Please do – we would love nothing more! Love and miss you xo
How exciting!! Congrats on embarking on a new chapter! I love you point about change not having to come from unhappiness. Change is a requirement to keep living. Good for the two of you!!
Thank you so much Amber!
I am late to the party because I’m the WORST, but I am SO SO SO excited for you to move to Chicago! It will be nice seeing your face around here and we’ll have to get together soon!
While you have some time off, I know of a few people who are looking for some help here in Chi! Shoot me an email and we can scheme if you’re interested 🙂 xx
Not late to the party at all…I just got here Can’t wait to get together. I shot over an email to you Saturday night and I’m ready to scheme when you are. 😉 Talk to you soon Maya!
Chicago is a wonderful place! you will have such a wonderful time
xo, Maddy
http://cassidylou.com/
Thank you, Maddy! It has been great so far 🙂
Jess!!!! I am so unbelievably excited for you! When the universe is pushing you in a direction, you’ve just got to flow with it. And if it flows easily, you know it’s meant to be. Welcome to Chicago and you are going to LOVE every single second. I can’t wait to freaking meet you and you two are going to have the best time exploring the city and all it’s wonders. One of the most exciting days of my life was moving to the city (Cedar & Rush might I add). So knowing that feeling, I am completely jealous and pumped for you crazy kids. WAHOO!!!!!!!!
Ah, thank you so much Nicole!! I’m so unbelievably excited to be here! I appreciate the warm welcome more than you know and I can’t wait to meet you either – sometimes I forget that we haven’t yet. I’ve been feeling allllll of the emotions the past few days, but general excitement for everything new is definitely up there! I vote we get something on the books soon so you can tell me all of your city secrets 🙂