Cartwheels In The Park (58/90)

Sometimes you just know within an instant, devoid of any reasonable explanation, the answer to the question that's been lingering unanswered. 

I spent last weekend in Chicago with about 25 of my colleagues from Cardinal Communications. We drove up on Friday and spent the day touring a couple PR firms in the city. Later, we had dinner at Quartinos with some Ball State alumni and other professionals that we had the chance to  meet earlier. 

We had a full day on Friday and while most of us had planned to go out and enjoy the city when it was all over, we  were exhausted and ended up staying in the hotel room for the night, just sitting around chatting instead. 

On Saturday after checking out of the hotel, most everyone made their way back home. But, I decided to stay behind with a few friends.

I woke up early on Saturday morning, full of energy and excitement, which if you know me, is rare. I am not a morning person, and after several attempts to change that, I've resigned myself to the fact that I will never be a morning person. But, on this particular morning, I was awake, alert and happy by 7 A.M. 

***

It's been a while since I've been to Chicago, I think the last time was when I was 14 or 15, for a church convention. 

And I was enthralled then, but for different reasons than I was this time. We did some fun touristy things on Saturday, like taking tons of pictures at The Cloud Gate in Millenium Park (otherwise known as The Bean).

We must have spent nearly an hour in the park taking silly pictures and enjoying the energy of all the people surrounding The Bean. At one point I got so excited that I did a few cartwheels. 

 We walked up and down Michigan Avenue and Lake Shore Drive, stopping mid-day to have lunch at a little sandwich shop. For the most part it was pretty normal and relaxed; what I imagine a typical Saturday in Chicago could be like for me. 

City life invigorates me. I love being surrounded by the diversity and culture and I love that there are endless opportunities within arms reach. 

In Chicago I felt balanced. I was excited and invigorated but settled at the same time. I went to bed early on Friday and rose early on Saturday, both on my own will. That's a feat for me, but I don't think the credit is mine to take. 

***

I've been searching for a home, a place to build my own life for years now; intensely contemplating where I want to be.  In anticipation of the season that I'll soon be entering I've had many a conversations, made some visits and did some research. And it's been a long search with weighty considerations.

For a while it was New York, then San Francisco, then Destin. And there was a full list of other options. But Chicago never made it to the top of the list. Although when I was hellbent on New York, my Dad urged me to consider it instead. And I wouldn't. 

But last weekend, I sent him a text saying, "I think I could live here." 

For whatever reason, it just feels right. I can't explain it, and I'm okay with that. Because sometimes just knowing is enough. 

And I'm not sure that I could go wrong in a city that causes me to leap from bed at 7 A.M. and turn cartwheels in the park on a chilly  Saturday afternoon.