Life Lately & My Move - Welcome to Olivia Rink

Posted June 13, 2016

Well guys, it’s official. I spent my first full week in Chicago and it feels so right. Granted, I love-tapped two cars parallel parking last week, locked myself out of my apartment twice, and got lost trying to figure out public transportation, but I’m hoping it’s only a matter of time until I grow into this place. I love the feeling of being in the city. There’s something so refreshing about the idea of moving on and starting over that’s been making me so happy lately and this move couldn’t have come at a better time.

I haven’t written on here about personal stuff in a while for a few reasons, but mainly because when I’m sad or in a funk/angry, it’s hard to find inspiration to write about anything. And especially about feelings. I can’t sit here and tell you the past few months have been easy, some days have been very far from that. But I can say it’s definitely been a ‘growing process’ and a time for me to develop some great relationships with the people in my life that probably wouldn’t have grown to the point they are now if my life didn’t take such a big turn a few months ago. Which is something very important I realized: never get so wrapped up in something or someone that you forget who your true supporters are! We tend to get caught up in a relationship, career, etc., and push the people who matter the most to the side. That’s selfish and unhealthy – don’t do that!

Your heart is an incredibly powerful thing. It controls everything you do/think/say/feel. I’m sure some of you who are guarded because of past relationships can agree that it’s not easy to open your heart up again once you’ve been hurt, it’s actually terrifying. But you also can’t expect to find true happiness in a relationship if you don’t open up again. It’s a constant battle – but you have to believe that keeping your heart open is the best decision you can make. People will hurt you and disappoint you, but don’t give them the satisfaction of hardening your heart. Being vulnerable is scary but completely necessary. It’s easy to play the victim and feel sorry for yourself and think about how hurt you are or how lost you feel. It’s more than okay to take the time you need to heal, but there comes a point where if you want to be your happy normal self again, you have to make an effort to snap out of it and get the show on the road.

You really never know what each year will bring or where it will take you. I like to believe in fate – and that everything that’s happening is meant to be and that God is shaping us into the people He wants us to be by each unique experience. Big changes can be scary, but you can’t grow and experience your full potential unless you take risks and follow your gut. And that’s the hard part – making the decision to do whatever that may be. I hate making decisions. In the moment they feel so permanent – that’s why we’re so timid when it comes to making a choice that could potentially be the wrong thing. But honestly – if something isn’t right for you, you can ALWAYS change your mind. My mom always tells me that you can try anything for a year! Don’t be afraid to do something bold.

It’s always the big life changing moments – like a move to a new city – that end up challenging you in all the right ways. And with every year comes new obstacles, people, experiences, hard things, happy things, etc. This new chapter of my life is scary but so exciting. For those of you in the same boat as me and about to take a risk with a big move or huge decision, congrats & good luck! I’m excited to take this journey with you…

What I’m looking forward to as I start over in a new city:

Having a place to call HOME.

For the past few years I’ve kind of felt like a gypsy without a home base moving from different cities and living in temporary places. I’m so excited to finally have my own space that I can customize and put together and hopefully be in for a while.

Know myself better.

Starting over in a new city gives you the chance to really learn about yourself and what you truly want without any distractions or influences from people close to you. And yes, I’m still figuring that out at 25.

Network & meet new people.

I’ve been scared to make the move but I’ve been wanting to live in Chicago forever and I knew it was the next step for both my personal life and career. It’s going to push me to go outside my comfort zone to meet and network with new people and live the fast paced big city lifestyle I’ve always imagined. Plus, it will be so cool to constantly be surrounded by other creatives in the fashion/lifestyle industry.

Become more independent.

This year I realized that I’m much more independent than I gave myself credit for, but I still have a lot of room to grow. I’m not the kind of person who loves doing things and going places alone. I think it’s so important to learn how to be truly content with solitude.

Get my bearings.

The most exciting part about moving somewhere new is getting to know all the ‘trendy’ new places to go and finding your favorites. I’m looking forward to finding all my go-to spots (bars, food, nails, hair, coffee, gym, food, etc.). Also – I’m still completely clueless when it comes to naming street names and neighborhoods, but I’m forcing myself to look over the map and just get out and walk around to make things feel more familiar.

Thanks for stopping by, have a great week guys! xoxo, liv

Olivia Rink